Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection that can damage your teeth and gums. It is a lot more prevalent than you may realize. An estimated 42 percent of U.S. adults age 30 years or over with one or more teeth have periodontitis, according to the July issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.
Gum disease presents as bleeding, tender and swollen gums. When it reaches the stage when some of the teeth are starting to feel loose, the traditional method of deep cleaning is no longer effective. This is when you will hear about gum surgery or laser surgery to treat gum disease.
Gum surgery allows the dentist to open up the gum tissue to reach the deepest pockets around the teeth so that the tartar can be cleaned off. The gum tissue is then sutured back into place.
Alternatively, we can use a laser, also known as LANAP laser dentistry, to do this non surgically. The laser will reach the deepest pockets without having to cut the gum tissue. It will kill the bacteria and the dentist will clean off the tartar in the pockets. The laser will then be used to form a clot in the pockets so that the gum tissue will stick back onto the tooth surface. The type of laser we use in the office has also been FDA approved to regrow some of the bone that has been lost.
Thus, there are 3 ways to treat gum disease:
- Deep cleaning
- Gum Surgery
- LANAP laser dentistry
The method we choose will depend on the severity of your gum disease.
Our skilled and competent hygienists at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale deliver gentle, thorough cleanings using the latest procedures and advanced equipment. Gum disease won’t go away on its own. Allow us to help you get healthy. Contact us today for an appointment.
