OTAY LAKES DENTAL ARTS
Gum Disease Treatment in Chula Vista, CA
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE TREATMENT?
Treatment for Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common infections impacting adults worldwide. But what is gum disease, exactly? It’s an infection around the roots of your teeth that causes the soft gum tissue and underlying bone to pull away from your smile. Gradually, this loss of structural support can lead to tooth mobility and complete loss of teeth. Otay Lakes Dental Arts can help!
GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It’s your mouth’s warning sign that you must make changes to protect your teeth and gums from severe damage in the future. Even though gingivitis doesn’t cause overt discomfort, it does present symptoms like red and swollen gums that bleed easily.
As the first stage in the progression of gum disease, gingivitis is prevalent. However, just because it’s common doesn’t mean you should shrug it off.
PERIODONTITIS
Periodontitis isn’t nearly as reversible and easy to treat as gingivitis. It develops when gingivitis isn’t stopped in its tracks.
The plaque that “only” caused inflamed gums in the gingivitis stage starts to grow below the gum line and produce toxins that stimulate an inflammatory response within your body. This tells the body to attack itself and break down the tissues and bones that support the structure of your mouth.
As a result, untreated periodontitis causes the gums to separate from the teeth and form pockets that quickly become dangerously infected: gum tissue and bone breakdown further as the teeth surrender to rapid decay. Over time, your teeth become loose and fall out.
SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE (PERIODONTITIS)
While your dentist may be able to repair teeth damaged by decay or gum disease, it’s always preferable to stop problems before they start. This is where good oral hygiene comes in. Practicing good oral hygiene offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Chronic bad breath
- Red, tender, bleeding gums
- Pain when chewing food
- Loose or wiggling teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Receding gums
- Unexpected tooth loss
- Multiple cavities and infections
TREATING PERIODONTAL DISEASE WITH LASER THERAPY:
You don’t want to lose your teeth, develop heart disease, or cope with dangerous oral infections for the rest of your life. If you have gum disease, the only way to prevent these outcomes is to undergo gum disease treatment.
Fortunately, gum disease treatment no longer requires a scalpel, a drill, or a painful recovery period. Laser periodontal therapy has revolutionized the way that dentists like Dr. Miller can treat gum disease.
Laser therapy uses concentrated light energy to precisely target the area of the mouth being treated. When the laser’s light energy reaches your gums, it gently removes the tissue as needed. You will not feel much discomfort, and none of your healthy tissue is disturbed!
This is how laser periodontal therapy so effectively targets gum disease and helps your mouth begin the process of recovery.
HOW MUCH DOES GUM DISEASE TREATMENT COST?
Prevention of early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, begins with regular dental checkups at the doctor can cost from $140-$300. The cost of treatment for later stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, are more expensive and depend on whether teeth need to be extracted and replaced. For advanced gum disease treatment the cost ranges from $600 – $4800 dollars depending on whether dental implants are necessary.
It’s impossible to keep all sugar, bacteria, acid, and food debris out of your mouth. After all, you have to eat! If you choose wholesome foods, brush and floss diligently, and visit your dentist every six months, you can successfully prevent gum disease by stopping decay before it begins. If you smoke, eat a high-sugar diet, or brush and floss infrequently, bacteria take the chance to spread like wildfire.
Eventually, bacteria, sugars, and acids blend to create plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t remove. This leads to the first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. If you don’t stop gingivitis early, it progresses into an advanced gum disease called periodontitis.
THE BEST BENEFITS OF LASER TREATMENT FOR GUM DISEASE
Never before have patients been able to enjoy the many benefits of laser treatment for gum disease.
When you visit your San Diego dentist for laser periodontal therapy, here’s what to expect:
- Rapid healing and tissue regeneration
- Reduced risk of infection after treatment
- Less need for stitches and sutures
- Less need for anesthesia
- Minimal bleeding during and after treatment
- Protection of natural tooth structures
Unlike other dental tools, lasers can target the underlying source of inflammation in the gums without harming or removing healthy tissue. This makes it possible to slow or stop attachment loss and allows your mouth to recover from chronic infection.
Since all of this is achieved without using sutures, scalpels, and drills, you can achieve optimal oral health without fear, anxiety, or discomfort.
WHAT LASER DR. MILLER USES
Dr. Miller and his team at Otay Lakes Dental Arts are proud to use the time-tested Picasso Light+ Laser system. It’s the best laser technology for the job. Laser periodontal therapy can restore your gum health and save your smile, whether you have widespread, aggressive periodontal disease or moderate inflammation and decay.
WHY WAIT ANOTHER DAY?
Call Otay Lakes Dental Arts today to learn more about laser therapy and start your journey to better oral health.