Non-Surgical Gum Therapy: A Gentle Alternative to Surgery
Are your gums red, swollen, or bleeding? Have your gums receded from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth surface or roots? If so, you may have gum disease, which affects nearly half of adults over 30. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it can often be treated with non-surgical gum therapy.
Non-surgical gum therapy is a gentle, minimally invasive alternative to surgery for treating early gum disease. The focus is on removing built-up plaque and tartar, which harbor the bacteria that inflame gums and damage tissue and bone. Once the plaque and tartar are removed, the gums have a chance to heal and reattach to the teeth.
Treatment typically consists of deep cleanings called scaling and root planning. A dental hygienist or dentist will use hand tools or an ultrasonic scaler to scrape and smooth away plaque and tartar from both the tooth surfaces above the gum line and below it. For more stubborn buildup, laser therapy may be used to vaporize the plaque and tartar. Antibacterial mouth rinses or other medications may also be recommended to control infection as the gums heal.
Since non-surgical gum therapy is non-invasive, it does not require anesthesia and has minimal discomfort. With proper home care and regular dental visits, the treatment can be very effective at stopping or slowing gum disease and preventing the need for surgery.
If your gum disease has progressed to more severe stages with significant bone loss, non-surgical gum therapy may not be enough. In these cases, gum surgery may be recommended to repair damaged tissue and bone. However, many people are able to avoid surgery with early diagnosis and effective non-surgical treatment of gum disease. Schedule an appointment with our dental clinic in Red Deer to find out which treatment approach is right for you.
Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
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What is laser dentistry?The laser beam is focused on a single point, allowing the dentist to precisely target specific areas of the mouth with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.
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Does laser skin resurfacing hurt?Laser skin treatments are renowned for their swift results, although they may cause a bit of discomfort during the procedure. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief, minimal pain that fades as the skin acclimatizes to the feeling.
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Is laser dentistry more expensive than traditional treatments?Laser dentistry may cost more than traditional treatments, depending on the dental clinic and type of procedure performed. However, laser dentistry results in shorter healing times, less pain, and fewer complications, reducing the overall cost of the treatment and making it a worthwhile investment.
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What are the benefits of laser dentistry?Laser dentistry comes with several benefits, including minimal to no pain, less bleeding and swelling, and reduced healing times. Additionally, it offers more precision and accuracy compared to traditional treatments, which can improve treatment outcomes. Laser dentistry is also ideal for patients who are anxious about undergoing dental procedures as the procedure is minimally invasive and does not require anesthesia.
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What types of dental conditions can be treated with laser dentistry?Laser dentistry can treat various dental conditions, including cavities, gum diseases, teeth whitening, root canal infections, gum reshaping, and biopsies. Laser dentistry is a versatile technology that can be used in many dental procedures, replacing traditional treatments for some purposes.
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Is laser dentistry an appropriate treatment for everyone?Laser dentistry is not suitable for everyone. For instance, laser dentistry cannot be used on patients with metal implants or patients with pacemakers. In addition, patients with severe dental conditions may require traditional treatment options. Our dental professionals will assess each patient's situation and recommend the best treatment options based on their dental history, current condition, and overall health.