Not all dentists have laser therapy on
their list of services, but an increasing number of dentist Spokane Valley
practices are training to use the technology for gum disease, tooth decay and
whitening treatments. Used properly, laser technology is less invasive, less
painful and shortens recovery time. But, it can also cause more damage if your
dental professional does not have enough training or experience to safely apply
the technology. The potential of laser therapy is a leap in dental medicine,
and one you can, as a patient, take advantage of with the right dentist.
Treating Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gum disease, called gingivitis in early
stages and periodontitis in advanced stages, is the leading cause for tooth
loss in adults after the age of 30. The National Institute of Dental and
Craniofacial Research (NIDRC) estimate that most adults between the ages of 30
to 49, have some degree of gum disease. But don’t worry, gum disease is easy to
treat in the early stages. Just brush, floss and rinse your mouth with salt
water regularly.
When diseased tissue in the mouth goes too
deep into the gum it begins to affect the tooth and jaw bone, that’s when it
gets tricky. Towards this later stage, tooth loss becomes a serious risk. This
is where laser therapy is most useful. Lasers can precisely and selectively
remove diseased tissue by burning it out, then cauterizing the wound opening to
lessen bleeding. This is especially useful for infected pockets in the gums
that are otherwise difficult to reach. Laser therapy for periodontitis is less
painful, causes less swelling, less bleeding and less general discomfort during
surgery.
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure
It is important to note that not all
dentists have the equipment or are trained to use laser technology for oral
surgery. Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure or the LANAP protocal is a
relatively new technology in dentistry, introduced only 10 years ago, in 1994. LANAP
training takes one year of study, including live-patient practice, to master
the LANAP technique. A dentist then receives a Proficiency Certificate, at
increasing levels of proficiency. Depending on where you live, it could be
difficult to find a certified dentist. But if you suffer from severe gum
disease and would like to save yourself from tooth loss, LANAP treatment is
your best bet. The treatment produces less healthy tissue damage, increasing
chances of regeneration of new bone and gum.
Other Benefits of Laser Therapy
Even if your dentist is not yet certified
for laser surgery, they might still be in training, there are several
procedures that can be done with laser that you can ask for at your dentist’soffice. Laser therapy is used for dental cleanings, removing early tooth decay,
plaque and tar. It is used for scaling, reshaping gums, gum lifts, and even
teeth whitening procedures. It is a more gentle dental tool, leaving less swelling
and need for sedation. Some patients might it comforting that you don’t have to
listen to the high pitched sound of a drill with laser therapy.
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