Soft Tissue Laser

Gum Disease in America

Laser dentistry offers hope to the three out of four Americans who suffer from gum disease, which is the most prominent cause of adult tooth loss in the country. While around 30% of the population are genetically susceptible to it, there are many risk factors for developing gum disease including smoking, pregnancy, puberty, stress, grinding teeth, poor nutrition, poor oral hygiene, and diabetes. Gum disease eats away soft tissue, destroying the essential bond between teeth and supporting gums. If left untreated, gum disease can advance, causing the jawbone to deteriorate.

Treatment of Gum Disease

When gum disease attacks, it causes the pockets around the tooth to deepen, allowing plaque and bacteria to sneak down onto the roots of your teeth. Depending on the severity of your case, Dr. Bass may recommend a deep cleaning to help reverse the condition. At Creekside Dental, we perform soft tissue laser therapy in addition to scaling and root planning.

What to Expect with Soft Tissue Laser Therapy

After making your comfortable with a mild anesthetic, we’ll clean and smooth out the tooth roots and irrigate pockets to wash away debris. Then we’ll use the soft tissue laser to disinfect the pocket, seal blood vessels, and promote healthy tissue reattachment around your teeth. There are numerous benefits to soft tissue laser therapy including:

• Precise- Removes damaged tissue leaving healthy tissue in tact
• More Comfortable- No cutting means less anesthesia
• Cauterizes- The laser seals as it removes damaged tissue, minimizing bleeding and eliminating the need for stitches.
• Less Invasive- No scalpel, no incision, no stitches, no problem!
• Faster Recovery- Reduced trauma means that most patients feel better post-procedure than with traditional deep cleanings.

Recent research shows a strong link between the mouth and body. Patients who have gum disease also have an increased risk of several serious health issues including heart attack, stroke, and memory loss. With gum disease as a factor in your overall health, it’s more important than ever to recognize the symptoms and seek treatment. Call our San Luis Obispo office and make your appointment today.

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