Laser Gum Treatment Arlington VA

Gum disease refers to the swelling of the gum line that might progress to affect the bone that supports and surrounds your teeth. There are three major levels of gum disease namely;

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Advanced Periodontitis

Signs and symptoms of gum disease

• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth that won’t go away
• Visible pus around with the gums and teeth
• Swollen, tender or bleeding gums
• Loose teeth

Periodontal or gum disease is usually caused by:

• Certain medications
• Genetic susceptibility
• Smoking
• Poor oral hygiene
• Chronic illnesses like diabetes

The typical treatment of periodontal disease is scaling and rooting planning (SRP), which is a non-surgical practice of cleaning the surfaces of the teeth and gum that may be exposed when undergoing gum recession. This method removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the gum surrounding the root, and promotes the healthy rejuvenation of the gum tissue. However, patients with gum damage need additional treatment to eliminate the bacteria and restore their smile. Laser Gum Treatment is often recommended in this case.

How laser gum treatment works

The dentist will use a dental laser to reach and evaporate the inflamed gum tissue from around the root of the tooth. Root scaling begins when the infected tissue is removed, and the root is exposed. This will involve removing away the tartar and plaque that has built up below the gum line and around the root. The dentist will then make the root smooth with tools to get rid of any uneven spots that could attract bacteria and cause infections in the future. The area between the root and the gum can then rejuvenate during the healing process. This procedure allows for the quickest recovery.

Risks and benefits of laser periodontal treatment therapy

Some of the benefits of using laser periodontal treatment therapy include:

• There is no anesthetic required. This is opposite to other forms of dental surgery as there is a need for a general anesthetic.
• Swelling, pain and bleeding, pain are minimal because this kind of treatment is less intrusive than the normal surgery.
• Healing and recovery time in this kind of treatment is shorter than the rest of other surgeries.
• The laser treats the diseased areas in a more precise and accurate way than other methods.

Costs and insurance coverage

The cost of laser periodontal therapy depends entirely on the patients’ needs. It can be less than traditional surgery, but it will require fewer visits and less medication. Healthcare insurance will generally compensate for the medication needed. The compensation is likely to be the same for any procedure whether the laser periodontal treatment or the traditional surgery. It is better to get confirmation from your insurance company before having the therapy session to know what is covered.

Post therapy dental care

You will likely be prescribed a medicated mouthwash and specific instructions to care for your gums. Patients can avoid periodontal disease by maintaining great dental hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. In addition, maintain your dental visits for preventive care.

Learn more

Contact Arlington Dental Excellence to learn more about laser gum treatment. Our state-of-the-art facility is well equipped to assist all patients.  Call Arlington Dental Excellence at  (703) 962-4218 or book an appointment online.