Laser Pocket Reduction
A study in 2010 revealed that approximately 47.2% of Americans had mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis (otherwise known as gum disease). Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone that surround the teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gum Disease Causes & Symptoms
A prevalent disease, periodontitis affects almost half of the population in the United States, but how do so many people get it? Gum disease mainly occurs as a result of the constant accumulation of plaque and bacteria surrounding the teeth. When the bacteria and plaque are not removed with flossing, brushing, and frequent professional cleanings, they produce toxins, which cause bleeding, and swelling of the gums. The gums then begin to detach from the tooth creating “pockets”. If the bacteria is left to fester in these “pockets”, it can destroy the bone and lead to pain and tooth loss. Luckily there are two methods of treatment to improve the likelihood of maintaining healthy gums.
Gum Disease Treatment
Traditionally, periodontal pocket reduction involves reducing the size of the “pockets” by pulling back the gums, cleaning the pockets, and then suturing the gum back into place. This is an effective treatment but includes bleeding, and 5-10 days of stitches. New advances in technology have allowed dentists access to providing patients with painless and effective treatment through laser assisted periodontal treatment (LAPT). Laser assisted periodontal treatment is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used to painlessly reduce the size of the “pockets” in your mouth. LAPT involves very little or no recovery time and does not include the use of stitches. YLCD – Vancouver dentist recommends Laser Assisted Periodontal Treatment for treating Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease).
The health benefits associated with reducing the size of bacteria infested pockets is immeasurable. Not only will your oral health significantly improve, but the rest of your body will thank you as well. The bacteria that congregates in your mouth can directly affect the function of your heart. There is a direct correlation between heart health and periodontal disease but also a connection between gum disease and diabetes. By eliminating these harmful bacteria, you reduce your chance of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The inflammatory response induced by oral bacteria leads to the destruction of bone tissue. The harmful bacteria can affect the jaw and the teeth can become loose as a result. Pocket reduction can also enhance your smile. Oral cavities that are affected by periodontal disease are not aesthetically pleasing. Smiles are destroyed by brown gums, rotting teeth, or teeth that are missing altogether as a result of gum disease. Pocket reduction stops the progression of gum disease, improves aesthetics of a smile, and stops the spread of bacteria throughout the body.
Have your gums already been impacted by the effects of gum disease? If the effects of gum disease have already impacted your gums, don’t worry! The combination of regular hygiene visits and laser treatment allows your gum tissues to reattach and become healthy once again. Laser assisted periodontal treatment is designed to stabilize your tissue and prevent further bone loss; helping you retain healthier teeth and a healthier body.