Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is more common than you may think. It occurs when bacteria get below the gum line and cause the gum and tooth to become detached. Seventy percent of Americans have some form of gum disease, but only three percent will get treatment in time.
Gum disease can cause a chronic bacterial infection that slowly destroys the gum and bone. Left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and traditional treatments to become painful.
Laser therapy can be used to treat periodontal disease conservatively. In many cases, patients can avoid surgery if they choose to use laser therapy. In 2 – 8 appointments, laser therapy can rid the gum pockets of infection, and the gum can begin to reattach to the tooth.
This new laser therapy is gentle, less painful, and has a quick recovery. While surgery may still be indicated for severely advanced periodontal cases, laser therapy is a much more conservative, effective, and comfortable option for beginning to moderate periodontal cases.Â
