Why You Should Ask Your Dentist About Laser Therapy

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.

More Dental Articles:

Dental Clues You Have Diabetes