A Modern Solution – How Lasers Treat Gum Disease
As most of you will be aware, gum disease/periodontitis is caused by bacteria, when complemented by other contributing factors such as smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, health conditions, etc. Gum disease is caused by specific bacterial types such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia.
Basis of Periodontal Treatment
Treating gum disease involves procedures to eliminate or minimise the bacterial load of the bacteria mentioned above and restore microbial balance.
Methods of Gum Treatment
Traditional methods involve scaling, deep cleaning and curettage of tooth/teeth surface to remove bacterial deposits.
But treating gum disease with lasers involves a whole realm of treatment methodology, which traditional methods cannot achieve.
Laser and Tissue Interaction
Understanding lasers and their effects on tissues varies significantly based on the wavelength and energy density delivered to tissues. To put it into context, a barcode scanner used in the supermarket uses class IV lasers, but it cannot be used for surgery. Similarly, based on wavelength, each laser performs a different function and hence the need for multiple lasers to achieve results as in REVO NAP™(Revolutionised New Attachment Procedure).
Laser Gum Treatment Procedures
The following will briefly explain how lasers treat periodontitis/gum disease differently to traditional methods. I will cover every aspect of laser treatment employed by most laser dentists and specify the different approach employed in the REVO NAP™ procedure as well.
Most Commonly Used Pocket Disinfection
Most laser dentists employ pocket disinfection. In this method diode laser beam is introduced into the pocket. The laser generates significant heat, which burns away the bacteria along with infected tissue. Though this procedure eliminates bacteria, the heat leaves significant damage to the tissue around, and therefore this procedure is not used in the REVO NAP™ procedure, where the aim to achieve tissue regeneration and new gingival attachment to the tooth surface.
Non-invasive Pocket Disinfection Used in REVO NAP™
Thanks to laser technology, there is one specific laser that is capable of killing the bacteria (bactericidal), specifically those that cause gum disease. This technology results in a significant reduction in bacterial load, thereby enhancing the healing of diseased gum tissue. Biome control is one major aspect of laser gum treatment.
Laser Eliminate Pockets
The next aspect of gum disease/periodontal treatment is to eliminate pockets, which tend to harbour bacteria and toxins. Traditionally, this is achieved through flap surgeries, but in laser treatment, the deep pockets are accessed using fine fibre tips, and the laser beam gently cleans the pocket region, selectively removing diseased tissue and leaving behind healthy tissues. This is non-invasive and has very minimal damage to healthy tissues, thereby preserving as much tissue as possible and hence the least amount of post-treatment shrinkage of the gums/gingiva.
New Attachment Procedure
In the REVO NAP™ procedure, further healing is enhanced by stabilising clot formation within the pocket and thereby giving the substrate for healthy bone and gum formation. This clot leads to attachment of the gingiva against the tooth, reestablishing the attachment.
Tissue Regeneration
Further lasers are used to encourage strengthening of the gums and supporting bone structure, but activate tissue-forming cascade at a subcellular level. This reduces looseness of teeth by improving the quality and quantity of the supporting periodontal tissues. This procedure is totally painless and is non-invasive.
Conclusion
Overall, the benefits and outcomes of laser treatment are phenomenal and are unmatched. The methodology used to treat using lasers is completely different from traditional methods and hence the variation in clinical results.
Ready to restore your healthy smile? Schedule your laser gum treatment with Revo Dent today!
Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier smile.
