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| Woman Smiling Image by AXL, thanks to Shutterstock |
Good
oral health protects the teeth, gum, and surrounding bone structures while
preserving your brilliant smile. It also helps prevent diseases and conditions
associated with poor oral health, such as chronic periodontitis.
Periodontitis,
commonly known as gum disease, is a serious condition that results from
bacterial infection of the gum and supporting bone structure of the teeth. The
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Oral Health Division reports that 47.2% of
individuals in the US who are above the age of 30 will develop some type of
periodontal disease.
Among
the types of periodontitis, chronic periodontitis is most common. It occurs
when excess plaque buildup, due to poor oral hygiene, cause inflammation and
other symptoms. Although chronic periodontitis can be treated in other ways,
Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) is a new technology being used to get rid of
it.
Understanding Chronic Periodontitis
Plaque
is that off-white layer of hardened food particles that sticks to the surface
of teeth. It occurs mainly in hard-to-reach places in the mouth, such as on or
between teeth at the back of the mouth. Plaque build-up results in gingivitis,
the early stage of periodontitis where the gum becomes inflamed, swell, and
bleed. If left unchecked, gingivitis can turn into advanced gum disease or
chronic periodontitis.
Gum
affected by chronic periodontitis appears severely inflamed, is infected with a
colony of bacteria, and bleeds easily, especially during brushing. Severe bad
breath (halitosis), sensitive gum, and receding gum are other symptoms.
Inflammation and bacteria eventually spread down into the periodontal pockets
along the root of the teeth, destroying tissues and bone that keep the teeth in
place. This process occurs gradually over several years and eventually leads to
teeth loosening and loss.
In
extreme cases, Bacteremias and other types of periodontal bacteria can enter
the body and compromise the immune system. Periodontal disease has been linked
to medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, kidney failure,
and Alzheimer’s, some of which are potentially life-threatening. Diabetics with
unhealthy gum are said to be twice as likely to develop heart disease and
kidney failure. In addition, low birth weight is associated with gum disease in
pregnant women.
Risk Factors of Chronic Periodontitis
Although
poor hygiene is one of the most common cause of chronic periodontitis, there
are several other existing risk factors for developing periodontal disease. Its
severity and the extent of damage it wreaks depend heavily on the root cause.
The
following are some common causes of this dental problem. Knowing them can help
you reduce the risk of developing gum disease and associated diseases or
conditions. Some of them can even be managed or eliminated from a person’s
lifestyle to prevent or reduce the risk.
• Genetics
• Age
• Stress
• Nutrition
• Medication
• Smoking
• Faulty dentistry
• Diabetes
• History of periodontal disease
• Compromised immune system (e.g., due to H.I.V or cancer treatment)
The Laser Bacterial Reduction Procedure
Inflamed
periodontal pockets of the tooth can become a haven for billions of bacteria.
Laser bacterial reduction is a new technique in the dentist’s arsenal that
involves the use of soft tissue lasers to attack periodontal disease at a
microscopic level. The dentist uses a non-cutting laser in a circular, sweeping
motion to get within the pockets of the gum. The laser light is used to destroy
bacterial colonies and can drastically reduce bacterial count from billions to
hundreds within seconds!
Other
cleaning and treatment methods, used prior to this cutting-edge laser
technique, are unable to achieve these results. Reducing oral bacteria with
laser treatment is proven to be quite effective in eliminating periodontal
bacteria within 5-10 minutes.
Laser
bacterial reduction is used to complement other techniques and therapies used
to treat periodontal disease and promote oral health. It should not be taken as
a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing or routine dental
cleaning used to maintain oral health. Routine oral care at home,
post-treatment, is necessary to aid reattachment of the gum pockets and prevent
the disease from coming back.
Benefits of Laser Bacterial Reduction
There
are several benefits of laser bacterial reduction that can help improve oral
and overall health and well-being. They include the following:
• Quick, effective method of getting rid of millions of infectious
bacteria in seconds
• Practically painless procedure that stops gum disease
• No need to cut the gum
• Helps stabilize loose tooth
• Restores gum health when complemented with routine home and dental
care
• If done early, can prevent or slow bone structure damage and tooth
loss
• Prevents the spread of inflammation that can cause other diseases
and conditions
• Less tissue damage and post-treatment discomfort, e.g., swelling,
compared to other dental treatments and therapies
Good Candidates for Laser Bacterial Reduction
You
may be a good candidate for laser bacterial reduction if the following applies
to you:
• Your gum is chronically inflamed
• You show other signs and symptoms of chronic periodontitis
• You’ve tried dental treatments and therapies that failed
• You possess one or more of the risk factors, e.g., diabetes or a
history of periodontitis
• You’re committed to maintaining routine oral care to prevent
recurrence of the disease
Why Choosing an Expert Dentist is Important
All
dentists do not have the same expertise and professionalism when it comes to
providing outstanding dental services. This is why choosing a dentist with the
necessary skills and experience can make the difference between a positive or
negative experience in the dental chair. If you are seeking treatment for
chronic periodontitis using laser bacterial reduction, you should choose a
dentist who is certified and skilled in this procedure.
Dr.Marc Lazare, D.D.S., Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (M.A.G.D.), is
a certified dentist who is highly experienced in laser bacterial treatment in New York City.
He understands the importance of good oral health and the need for personalized
patient care. He uses the latest dental tools, materials, and techniques when
providing both adult and pediatric general and cosmetic services.
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