Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease. By the time you have reached this stage, bacteria have fallen below your gum line to attack not only your gum tissue, but your teeth and jawbone as well.

Periodontitis is characterized by symptoms such as persistent bad breath, significant gum recession, deep periodontal pockets and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Traditional methods of treatment involve cutting the gum tissue to perform scaling and root planing. Now, however, many dental practices are enlisting the help of a laser.

How Does a Laser Treat Gum Disease?

When gum disease has become serious, the only way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and reduce periodontal pockets, closing the gap between your teeth and gums.

Traditionally, the way to do this is to use a scalpel, which not only causes bleeding, it requires downtime for healing, during which you may experience pain, discomfort and swelling.

The laser takes the place of a scalpel. After a local anesthetic, the laser is used to pinpoint damaged tissue, and clears it away. As it removes the tissue, it cauterizes immediately, which results in minimal, if any, bleeding.

Scaling (which is now frequently done with an ultrasonic scaler rather than a manual tool) and root planing is then performed to clean, smooth and disinfect your teeth and their roots. The laser is then used again to kill bacteria and stimulate the regrowth of connective tissues. No incisions are made, and no sutures used.

Benefits of Laser Treatment

Using a laser to treat gum disease has several benefits:


If you need treatment for gum disease, contact our office about how the use of laser therapy can help you to heal, and regain the health of your mouth.