Lasers may sound like something out of Star Trek, but they’re very much a part of today’s dental toolkit. These small, hand-held devices can deliver life-changing results for patients struggling with inflammation, infection, or gum recession. In fact, dental lasers are now considered one of the safest and most effective tools against gum disease. Keep reading to discover how laser treatment works and why it might be the right choice for your smile.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues around your teeth. It starts as gingivitis, with symptoms like redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush. If left untreated, it can worsen into periodontitis, where bacteria slip beneath your gumline and begin damaging the bone that supports your teeth.
Once gum disease progresses, a deep cleaning alone may not be enough. That’s where lasers come in!
How Lasers Can Help
Lasers are a minimally invasive way to provide relief from gum disease symptoms, especially periodontitis. They use a specified wavelength of light that targets and removes infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue alone. They can also kill harmful bacteria and help seal off the area to reduce bleeding and speed up healing.
Because the treatment is so targeted, patients often experience less discomfort, swelling, and downtime compared to traditional gum surgery.
What Happens During Laser Gum Disease Treatment?
Laser gum disease treatment is usually paired with more traditional methods of cleaning, like scaling and root planing. The full procedure involves numbing the area, gently removing infected tissue, and smoothing the root surface to discourage further bacterial buildup.
The entire procedure is often completed in just one or two visits, depending on how advanced the infection is.
Is Laser Treatment Right for You?
Not everyone needs laser therapy, but for moderate to severe periodontal disease, it can be a highly effective option. The best way to know what you need is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. There, they’ll evaluate your oral health, explain your options, and help you decide the best path forward.
Whether it’s traditional deep cleaning, laser treatment, or a combination of both, the goal is the same—to stop gum disease and protect your smile. If you’re dealing with this condition, know that great options are available, and your dentist is happy to help!
About the Practice
At Southwest Dental Arts, Dr. Helen Harless and Dr. Daniel Travelle utilize the latest technology, including dental lasers, to deliver gentle and effective treatment for gum disease. Our team takes pride in offering advanced care that’s comfortable for our patients and helps protect their long-term oral health. Call (208) 322-5655 to schedule a gum disease consultation with us or visit our website to see a full menu of services.