Laser Treatment For Gum Disease Pros And Cons

By Author: James Franklin
Total Articles: 134
Comment this article

Shortly after making its way in various medical fields, laser technology has now made its way to dentistry. A laser is a device that emits energy by way of amplified light, which can cut teeth and tissue. This modern and innovative approach is now being incorporated by dentists into their dental practices and various different procedures.

When it comes to dentistry, laser technology can fix a wide range of periodontal disease and other dental problems. Whether hot or cold, all dental lasers work by delivering energy through light. The way the laser acts will depend on the particular dental procedure done, mainly on whether it is performed on soft or hard tissue. For instance, lasers acts as a precise cutting instrument in removing decayed soft tissue, and sealing it at the same time.

Laser-assisted dental work has shown to be less invasive, less time-consuming, less intrusive and more precise. Gum disease treatment ...
... with lasers result in less bleeding, swelling and pain because its high-energy beam promotes clotting of exposed blood vessels. By using them, dentists are able to preserve most of the healthy tooth. Aside from this, patients are spared from the use of anesthesia, drilling and stitching.

Dental lasers are usually used in conjunction with other dental instruments, and are considered to be very safe and effective. Compared to traditional dental instruments and techniques, lasers have proven to be more accurate in performing most dental procedures. Its use eliminates the need of drilling and stitches, so the patient does not experience discomfort and recovers faster.

If you are considering laser treatment for gum disease, it might help to learn the advantages and disadvantages of this relatively new treatment method.

Pros of Laser Treatment for Gum Disease

• Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in dentistry
• Little pain and no noise
• Reduce nervousness and anxiety among patients with fears of going to the dentist
• Reduce the need for conventional anesthesia in many dentistry procedures
• Minimizes the risk for bacterial infections because the high-energy beam sterilizes the treated area
• Remove benign tumors located interior of the mouth
• Less invasive compared to traditional methods
• Cold sores painlessly and quickly heal
• Reduce post-surgery swelling and pain
• Faster recovery because of absence of stitches or incisions
• Carefully remove carries to prepare the tooth
• Less risk of damage to surrounding tissues
• Do not require stitches on soft tissue
• Minimize the discomfort of aphthous ulcers
• Procedures can be done on a single appointment

Cons of Laser Treatment for Gum Disease

• Although approved by the US FDA, the American Dental Association does not endorse the use of laser in dental procedures
• Cannot be used on cavities between the teeth, and will have to be drilled during the filling procedure
• Unable to remove vitreous and gold porcelain
• Cannot be used on teeth with silver fillings
• Not as effective in preparing the tooth for a crown or for bridge as conventional drills
• Minimize but not eliminate the need for anesthesia
• Many laser-assisted dental procedures still require a dental drill
• Cannot help dentists shape a filling, polish a filling or adjust a bite
• Treatments can be expensive since equipment for laser procedures are more costly compared to conventional laser drills
• Both patient and dentist can injure their eyes from the light emitted by the laser

If you suffer from gum disease and are contemplating getting laser treatment, visit a reputable dentist in your area now. They can give you a comprehensive assessment and let you know is laser treatment is the best option for you. Otherwise, they can suggest and create a treatment plan that will suit your needs and goals best.