How Lasers Can Change Your Dental Deep Cleaning Forever

Deep cleanings, known clinically as scalings and root planings, are designed to prevent gum disease (periodontitis) from progressing by removing bacteria, calculus, and plaque from both the surface of the teeth as well as underneath the gum line. Recent developments in the dental field have made it possible for lasers to be introduced to this process. Continue reading for more information about how lasers can change your deep cleaning forever.

Why Do I Need A Deep Cleaning?

If your dentist or dental hygienist has recommended you for a deep cleaning rather than a normal cleaning, you have been diagnosed with periodontitis, otherwise known as gum disease. While this may sound serious, when properly treated, gum disease is manageable, and it is absolutely possible to prevent the condition from worsening. 

Our mouths are home to a considerable amount of bacteria. This bacteria resides in the mouth in the form of plaque, which, when left untreated, can harden into tartar, which is rock-hard and can only be removed by a professional. In patients who have gum disease, both the plaque and tartar have started to accumulate below the gumline, which over time can cause the bone that surrounds the tooth to recede. When left untreated, the teeth will become loose and eventually face the risk of falling out. Thankfully, modern dentistry has developed an excellent way to remove the plaque and tartar, and the introduction of lasers has the potential to completely revolutionize the entire process.

Laser Periodontal Therapy

This is a treatment method that is still relatively new and has yet to be fully developed, but has already proven itself to be extremely beneficial in treating gum disease during deep cleanings. First, the hygienist will use a laser to completely remove the inflamed and infected gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. They will then use a series of dental instruments to physically clean out the plaque and tartar below the gum line and ensure that all surfaces of the tooth and root are free of spots where bacteria can linger. After the procedure is done, the patient will be sent home with instructions for monitoring their healing process at home in between visits. The tissue that has been removed with a laser will regenerate during this healing period.

This method has proven to be a favorite among both dentists and patients, as it reduces time in the chair and has proven to have a faster recovery/healing period than traditional scaling and root planing. The use of the laser is far less invasive, and while it may sound intimidating, when properly used it actually causes less pain for the patient. The procedure produces results that are just as good as-if not better than-traditional methods, as well. 

Of course, as this is a relatively new procedure, it will require further testing in the field, but it has already provided a very promising look into the future of dentistry. Speak with your trusted dentist or dental hygienist at EZ Dental to determine if this treatment method is right for you, or to determine if he or she would be open to trying it in your treatment.