Periodontal Therapy

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a gum disease that is known to have drastic effects on one’s oral health. Patients with periodontitis can show symptoms such as the decay of gum tissues, receding gum line, bleeding gums, discharge of pus from the decayed tissues, deeper gum pockets, and jawbone deterioration. The best and most effective way to treat periodontitis is through periodontal therapy, which includes using a laser to get rid of the decayed tissues.

How can professional consultations help?

No matter how well we brush and floss, the microbes tend to get deposited on the teeth in the hard to reach parts, such as the rear teeth. Over time, they turn into dark patches called tartar, which is quite challenging to get rid of. Tartar is known to be one of the main reasons for cavities and gum diseases, which can entirely upset your oral health. Hence, it is crucial to get rid of plaque and tartar at regular intervals.

When you visit our dental practice for a routine consultation, we will thoroughly examine the teeth and gums. The tartar deposits on the teeth will be removed by gently scaling them using an ultrasonic scaling device. The removed debris will be washed off using a jet of water. Sometimes, the tartar deposits may be present on the tooth roots, which can give rise to gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. In such instances, we will perform root planing, which is the process of removing the tartar from the roots and cleaning the deep gum pockets using a hook-like scaling tip. It is known to be highly effective as a treatment for gum diseases.

How is the laser used?

The dentist will conduct a thorough diagnosis of the oral condition and determine the best treatment solution. Scaling and root planing will be conducted to eliminate the plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth and root surfaces. Next, the soft tissues will be removed using laser therapy. A highly intense beam of the laser is directed at the decayed tissues, which will instantly vaporize the tissues and seal the wound underneath.

What are the advantages of soft-tissues laser therapy?

• Before lasers were used to remove decayed soft tissues, they were removed by means of surgery. This involved the need for anesthesia, surgically cutting and removing the decayed tissues, and sealing the wound using sutures. Laser therapy is quite a simple and straightforward process compared to it.
• Laser therapy significantly reduces the pain experienced during tissue removal.
• There’s no need for sutures as there’s no bleeding, and the wound is instantly sealed.

Remember to Brush and Floss Every Day

The mouth contains thousands of microbes, which get deposited on the teeth, gums, and tongue. Throughout the day, they multiply at a quick pace, get deposited as a transparent layer of plaque, and cause bad breath. Hence, it is recommended we brush first thing in the morning before consuming food, and at night before going to bed.

While brushing the teeth, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, and brush in circles. This helps to get rid of most of the microbes and the adhered food debris. It also prevents damage to the soft gum tissues. It is best if you use a medium-soft bristled toothbrush and a Fluoride-rich toothpaste to ensure healthier teeth. Flossing is often ignored, which isn’t a good practice. It is essential to floss as it helps to get rid of the microbes and food residue between the teeth, thereby significantly reducing the chances of developing cavities and gum diseases.

Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (503) 581-2446 to consult with our dentist, Dr. Giruc, and we will be happy to assist you further.