Laser Dentistry for Gum Disease: All Gain, No Pain

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It often develops due to poor brushing and flossing habits, which allow plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — to build up on your teeth and harden.

In its early stages, gum disease can cause inflammation, redness, and bleeding during brushing. If untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, which can cause more severe issues, such as painful chewing, bad breath, and even tooth loss.

If you’re concerned about gum disease but dread the thought of painful dental treatments, you don't have to worry. At OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida, Nancy Horton, DMD, can use laser dentistry to help you regain your smile without discomfort. 

In this article, we explain what you can expect from a procedure and why it might be preferred to traditional gum disease treatments. 

The basics of laser dentistry

Laser dentistry is a revolutionary approach that uses laser light technology to treat various dental conditions, including gum disease, often with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery time.

Unlike traditional gum disease treatments, which often involve cutting the gum with a blade to remove the diseased parts, laser dentistry is less invasive. The laser accurately targets the infected area and removes the harmful bacteria and diseased tissue, all while preserving the healthy gum tissue.

This precise targeting reduces the bleeding, swelling, and discomfort typically associated with traditional gum disease treatments. As a result, patients are often surprised to find that they can resume their daily activities almost immediately after treatment.

The benefits of laser dentistry

Laser dentistry has several distinct advantages. First and foremost is the reduced pain and discomfort. Many patients who have undergone laser dentistry report experiencing little to no pain during or after their procedure. In many cases, the need for anesthesia is greatly reduced, and sometimes it can even be eliminated.

Another advantage is the shorter recovery time. Because laser dentistry is less invasive and causes less trauma to the gums, patients typically heal faster than with traditional gum disease treatments. This means you can return to your daily routine more quickly.

Lastly, laser dentistry has been shown to promote the regeneration of healthy gum tissue, which is beneficial for those with advanced gum disease. This feature is particularly important as it can help to prevent tooth loss, which is a common complication of severe gum disease.

What to expect from the process

Undergoing a laser dentistry procedure at OneSource Dental of South Tampa involves several steps. We start with an examination to assess the condition of your gums and teeth. Dr. Horton then creates a personalized treatment plan to address your needs.

We use a specialized dental laser to remove your infected gum tissue. The laser is exact, and we conduct the procedure to ensure minimal discomfort. 

We then thoroughly clean the periodontal pocket to ensure no harmful bacteria is left behind. Finally, the area is allowed to heal. The laser stimulates the body's natural healing processes, promoting the growth of healthy gum tissue.

Laser dentistry is revolutionizing how we treat gum disease, proving that maintaining oral health doesn't have to be a painful experience. 

If you have gum disease and want treatment, or if you want to see if you have gum disease, we can help. To learn more, call 813-879-9299 or book an appointment online with OneSource Dental of South Tampa today.