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LASER PERIODONTAL TREATMENT

in mission viejo, ca

If you have been getting your routine dental cleanings twice a year, you know that it involves scaling your teeth and gumline to remove plaque and tartar, and polishing to smooth the tooth’s surface and remove stains. With your preventative cleanings, your teeth and gums will stay clean and healthy. However, if plaque and tartar are left sitting in your mouth, you may develop gum disease, and will need a deep cleaning, otherwise known as scaling and root planing. The goal of this treatment is to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and your smile bright for years to come!

Laser Periodontal Treatment Explained

Laser Periodontal Treatment is a deep cleaning below your gumline used to treat gingivitis (gum inflammation) and gum disease (periodontal disease) before it progresses. It is a non-surgical procedure involving cleaning between your gums and teeth, all the way down to the roots. The treatment can prevent gum disease from progressing, which will avoid more involved procedures and extra expenses down the road.

Why Is It Done?

You will need scaling and root planing if your have developed gum disease, to treat it and stop it from progressing. Gum disease is an inflammation of your gum that could affect the health of your teeth and supporting bone in your mouth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

A sticky film of bacteria call plaque causes gum disease. It is always forming on the surface of your teeth, and if not cleaned off, the bacteria can cause your gums to become inflamed. That will cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, and form spaces called pockets. Plaque can get trapped in the pockets and will need to be removed using a professional cleaning. Laser Periodontal Treatment works to reverse the disease, restoring your oral health.

What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

Symptoms of periodontal disease include lingering bad breath, red, swollen or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, pain while chewing, loose teeth, and receding gums. If you notice any of these signs, you may have periodontal disease. You will need to schedule an appointment and come to our office for treatment. We will examine your gums for any signs of inflammation and will use a probe to check for and measure any pockets. If gum disease is confirmed, we will treat it to avoid any progression of the condition.

What To Expect During Treatment

The deep cleaning has two stages. First is scaling, which involves removing all the plaque and tartar above and below your gumline. We will make sure the pockets between your teeth and gums are clean. We may need to place antibiotic fibers into the pockets to help speed healing and prevent infection.

Next, we will begin root planing which involves smoothing out the rough areas on the roots of your teeth to help allow your gums to heal and reattach to your teeth. Scaling and root planing could require several visits to complete. If you have advanced periodontal disease, dental scaling and root planing may need a follow-up periodontal surgery.

Depending on the depth of the pockets and severity of your root surface irregularity, we may need to numb the area using a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. If the pockets are not too deep, you may experience little to no discomfort during the procedure even without the use of anesthesia.

What To Expect After Treatment

After a deep cleaning, you may experience mild pain for a day or two and teeth sensitivity for up to a week. Your gums also may feel swollen and tender and may bleed. We may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to control the pain and avoid infection. We will likely schedule a follow-up visit to examine how your gums have healed and to measure the depth of your pockets.

In most cases after the procedure, red or swollen gums become firm and pink again and pockets become smaller. If your gums respond well, you will likely not need any further treatment other than routine preventative care. If, on the other hand, your periodontal disease is at an advanced stage, you may need surgical interventions after Laser Periodontal Treatment to prevent the progression of bone loss. Laser Periodontal  Treatment will likely lessen the extent of surgery required.

Periodontal Maintenance

After periodontal treatment, you may need to return every two to four months for maintenance. These visits consist of routine cleanings and carefully examining your gum tissue, as well as measuring your pocket depts and gum recession.

Caring for Your Teeth

To promote healing, refrain from using any tobacco products. Smoking or using chewing tobacco decreases your ability to fight infection of your gum tissue and delays healing.

A good home care routine is essential to prevent gum disease from starting, and to keep your mouth healthy after any oral treatment. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft brush, floss daily between your teeth, bridgework, crowns, or implants, eat a balanced diet, and keep up with your routine dental exams and cleanings.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact us at Rancho Dental Studio to learn more about scaling and root planing, along with our preventative treatments. Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and we strive to make that your reality. With prevention, we can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums for years to come. Don't wait. Call today!

CALL TODAY! 949-682-7378

We look forward to serving you and your family! Schedule your appointment today!