Laser dentistry and gum disease

Gum disease is an infection in the support structure of the teeth. It is by far the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. Gum disease is serious and can affect your overall health as well as your oral health. In the beginning, gum disease often goes unnoticed because it rarely causes pain. The problem with this is when left untreated, it becomes more invasive and aggressive. Some of the early warning signs such as tender, red, or bleeding gums are often dismissed as normal. It is important to note that bleeding gums are never normal and should be evaluated by a dentist immediately.

If you have gum disease, we offer the following treatments:

• Professional cleaning When caught in its first stage called gingivitis, gum disease is curable. A deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar is often all that is needed. It is imperative to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent recurrence.
• Laser dentistry. This treatment involves the use of a dental laser to remove plaque above and below the gum line. This process encourages healing and helps the gums attach to the teeth.
• Surgery. While we provide the most conservative treatments possible, there are some instances when surgery is necessary. Bone and tissue grafts may be needed to regenerate tissue that has been lost.

It is important to have any symptoms of gum disease evaluated and treated as early as possible. There have been several studies published linking gum disease with other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s.

In addition to treating gum disease, we offer a wide variety of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic services to help you maintain and enjoy oral health. If you are in or near Denver, call us today to schedule a consultation.