Laser Peridontal Treatment

Gum disease, if left untreated, causes tooth loss, a chain reaction resulting in the need for dentures. The FDA approved laser treatment of periodontitis after finding it to be a safe and effective therapy when used in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP) treatment. Preventing tooth loss by treating periodontitis leads to better oral health, which leads in turn to better overall health.

Significance

• Gingivitis, if untreated, leads to more advanced gum disease, called periodontitis or advanced periodontitis. Evidence suggests that periodontitis is linked to increased risk of heart disease, premature birth and respiratory illnesses. Diabetic people are more likely to have gum disease, and gum disease also increases blood sugar levels, making untreated periodontitis more dangerous for people with diabetes.

Identification

• Some people with periodontitis suffer red, swollen or bleeding gums. Teeth that are loose or pulling away from the gums signal periodontitis, as does constant bad breath. Seeing pus in the gums or between teeth prompts some patients to see the dentist. Other patients with periodontal disease have no symptoms at all. Only a dentist or periodontist can diagnose gum disease.

Benefits

• Non-surgical periodontal therapy, known as scaling and root planing (SRP), effectively treats periodontitis in many cases, but others require follow-up treatment. Using lasers during the SRP procedure increases the effectiveness of the treatment. Patients treated with lasers, rather than traditional SRP, experience less bleeding and pain as a result of the procedure. Insurance that pays for periodontal treatment also pays for treatment with lasers.

Warning

• Although the American Dental Association determined that treatment of periodontitis with lasers is safe in most circumstances, dentists use different lasers at different wavelengths in the treatment. Some laser wavelengths actually harm gum tissue. A patient should base his choice of dentist or periodontist not solely on advertisements, but on the treatment provider's level of expertise using lasers for periodontal therapy to avoid complications.

Expert Insight

• Using one type of laser results in a better attachment gain of tooth to gum, compared to traditional scaling and root planing procedures, according to a study cited by the American Dental Association. The association calls for additional studies to confirm this result. In general, the association and its Council on Scientific Affairs want more clinical research on lasers' effectiveness in reducing bacterial infection, and dismissed laser curettage as an effective treatment.