Willow Dental Toronto Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Laser therapy can be used in dentistry in a number of procedures. The most common use, however, is to treat gum disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is not only detrimental to the health of your mouth, but also to your overall, general health. Periodontal disease is an infection in your gums, more specifically the tissues that support your teeth. Even though it seems as though your teeth are connected to your gums at the very top, your gums are actually attached to your teeth much lower. There is a small crevice between your gum and teeth above where they are actually connected, which is where periodontal disease attacks, causing your gum tissue to deteriorate.

The symptoms of gum disease include:

• Gums that bleed during brushing, or bleed very easily
• Swollen or tender gums
• Lasting bad breath
• Loose or separating teeth

Although these symptoms seem hard to miss, it is also possible to have periodontal disease without showing any symptoms, which it is why it is important to have regular dental checkups. If you do have gum disease, however, laser therapy is a very efficient treatment.

Cleaning the roots of teeth with a laser has shown to be extremely effective in killing bacteria and cleaning out the crevice between your teeth and gums. Lasers are very precise instruments, are less invasive, and cause much less trauma to your teeth and gums, resulting in a much more comfortable procedure that is much easier to recover from. Lasers are also very useful in cosmetic procedures for these same reasons, especially gum reshaping. Procedures that years ago would require scalpels and stitches, can now be performed with lasers, avoiding the cutting of any soft tissue.

If you are interested in learning more about the use of laser therapy, please contact Willow Dental Associates in Mississauga, Ontario, today.