Lasers for Treating Gum Disease
Posted in Diode Laser Gum Treatment, Gum Disease, Periodontal Treatment | June 30, 2021
Science fiction movies aside, Dr. Egger loves lasers just as much as Luke Skywalker. But Dr. Egger puts his lasers to a far more useful purpose than blasting random storm troopers, he uses his diode laser to treat various gum conditions.
What is the diode laser?
If you’re a science person, you probably already know this — the word laser is actually an acronym. It stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. No wonder we just call them “lasers.” Different lasers are categorized by the wavelength of the energy they produce. Dr. Egger uses the diode laser, whose wavelength is ideally suited for soft tissue procedures since it is highly absorbed by hemoglobin and melanin. This gives the diode laser the ability to precisely cut, coagulate, ablate, or vaporize targeted soft tissue.
Uses of the diode laser
When the gums become inflamed or infected, tissue can need to be trimmed back. This is called a gingivectomy. A gingivectomy removes and reshapes loose, diseased gum tissue to get rid of the pockets that have formed between the teeth and the gums. The laser removes any loose tissue, while simultaneously causing hemostasis (stopping the flow of blood). The laser eliminates the former problems of unruly soft tissue and blood when performing a gingivectomy. Plus, the laser gently disinfects the area while it evaporates the diseased tissue.
Root planing and scaling are done when the gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have hard mineral deposits, tartar, on them. Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots.
While scaling and planing are still sometimes performed with dental picks, now Dr. Egger performs these procedures with a diode laser whenever possible. The laser not only makes for easier recovery for our patients, but it also reduces bacteria normally involved with the procedure. This makes the procedure safer and more comfortable.
So, in case you thought lasers were only good for Ernst Blofeld to threaten James Bond, know that Dr. Egger uses them for a far more useful purpose. Call us at (989) 773-3560 to make your next appointment. And please remember, we’re closed on Fridays during the summer.