Jan
At South Lakewood Dental, patients in the Lakewood, Colorado area are encouraged to work with our team of professionals to maintain healthy smiles. Dr. Scott Stewart is a dentist who provides a variety of advanced treatments for patients to consider, including laser services for the treatment of periodontal disease.
Dr. Scott Stewart describes periodontal disease, or “gum disease,” as an infection of the smile. This infection can become extremely problematic and put the entire smile at risk. It starts in the soft gum tissues as bacteria builds and begins to damage these tissues. Gum tissue shrinks, bacteria builds up in pockets between the gums and the teeth, and the bone also starts to deteriorate. Without proper treatment, patients will experience the loss of soft tissues, bone, and teeth as the foundational support shrinks. Permanent damage can result, which is why early diagnosis and immediate treatment are highly recommended to keep the condition from worsening.
The condition is often caused by poor oral hygiene habits. This means that patients may not be properly brushing and flossing their teeth, and this can result in the buildup of bacteria in the smile. The bacteria multiples due to the wet environment and can start an infection that can only be controlled with the help of a dental professional. Patients who take good care of their smile and visit their dentist regularly will reduce their risk of developing periodontal disease, and if it does begin, the dentist can catch it before it becomes a serious problem and provide appropriate treatment.
At South Lakewood Dental, our professionals use laser dental treatment for periodontal disease. Our oral lasers provide precision treatment. The Ezlase device is best used for the non-surgical treatment of gum disease, while also providing some cosmetic purposes such as cosmetic gum contouring. The laser device can target bacteria in the smile and address it without the use of antibiotics. Treatment is comfortable and much less invasive than other treatment options such as scaling and root planing that may be performed in other dental practices.
Laser treatment is:
Without treatment, periodontal disease can worsen and result in the loss of gum tissue, bone, and teeth. Therefore, we encourage patients to book routine appointments with their dentist for cleanings and examinations to monitor oral health and wellness and catch problems as soon as they arise. Dr. Scott Stewart provides thorough examinations in his practice and can offer x-rays to patients who may need them to check for periodontal disease and tooth decay. Our facility is equipped with some of the latest technologies to ensure patients have access to treatment that is effective and precise.
It is a common misunderstanding that periodontal disease can be cured. The condition cannot be cured once it has developed, which is why it is incredibly important that patients pay close attention to their oral health and maintain routine visits with their dentist for examinations. The biggest problem with gum disease is when it is left untreated and it starts to progress into the later stages of periodontitis. This is when serious and permanent damage can occur to the smile. When teeth are lost, patients need to think about tooth replacement options to maintain their smile’s functionality, such as dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures. This can be costly over time and is less desirable than one’s natural smile. We encourage patients to visit their dentist twice a year to monitor for this and other concerns that can develop in the smile.
Contact the practice of Dr. Scott Stewart at South Lakewood Dental to book a consultation appointment and initial evaluation with our team. Patients in and around the Lakewood, Colorado area are welcome to call at (855) 233-0023 and visit the practice in Suite 11 at 2525 S. Wadsworth Boulevard. Our practice encourages patients to visit our facility to receive the best, most comprehensive dental care in the community.