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Monday 9:00am - 6:00pm

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Phone: 989-773-3560

900 E Bellows St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858


 

Using Lasers to Treat Gum Problems

Using Lasers to Treat Gum Problems

Diode Laser Gum TreatmentSince the new Star Wars movie is coming out soon, we may as well talk about lasers. But Dr. Egger’s lasers aren’t used for blasters or other space-age weapons. For us, the diode laser is used to treat various gum conditions.

What is the diode laser?

The word laser is actually an acronym, who knew? It stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. 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.

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 this was formerly done with dental picks, now Dr. Egger performs these procedures with a diode laser.

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.

In root planing and scaling, the laser not only makes for easier recovery for our patients, but also reduces bacteria normally involved in the procedure. This makes the procedure safer and more comfortable.

Want to learn more about how Dr. Egger uses the diode laser? Call us at 989-773-3560 and we’ll answer any of your questions.