Laser Use In Dentistry

What is a Laser and how is it Used?

A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. Lasers are often used in conjunction with other dental instruments for many different purposes from removing or shaping oral tissues, to sealing blood vessels and nerve endings, reducing bleeding and post-op pain and swelling.

Laser Use for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the supporting tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease is the major reason for tooth loss after 30 years of age. Almost 80 percent of the adult population is thought to have gum disease to one degree or another.

Bacteria in your mouth can cause an inflammatory reaction which can destroy the fibers that connect teeth to bone and can create a small space, or pocket. A laser is used to selectively remove infected or diseased tissue lining the pockets around your teeth. The power of its focused light destroys otherwise inaccessible bacterial colonies while promoting healing.

Oral Systemic Health

Many studies have been taking place that link serious gum disease or periodontitis to a number of other diseases that affect the body. Studies have shown that your oral health can give warning signs for other diseases or conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, bacterial pneumonia and pregnancy complications.

Treating periodontal disease with the use of lasers can eliminating infection and its accompanying inflammation to help reduce the severity of other disease processes, kill potential periodontal infections before they cause tooth loss, boost your immune system, and improve your overall health!