Gum disease is an oral problem with serious implications, and it affects nearly half of adults in the United States. That’s right — 47 percent of American men and women suffer from mild to severe gum, or periodontal, disease. And if you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you’re one of them. You want to know about your treatment options — and you’ve come to the right place.
Treating Gum Disease
While scientists still may not know exactly why, study after study has suggested that gum disease is closely linked to big problems with our heart health. The disorder is often paired with cardiovascular disease and stroke. And the odds are sizeable — in fact, people suffering from gum disease are as much as twice as likely to develop heart disease. It’s possible that weakened gums allow for easier transport of bacteria and toxins from the mouth to the arteries. That’s why it’s crucial to begin treatment of gum disease as soon as it’s identified — and the sooner, the better.
Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
In the initial stages of gum disease, your trusted dentist can employ laser technology to treat your gums. Lasers have been used for years in the medical field to make surgeries more efficient and less painful than the traditional scalpel and sutures method, and their use in periodontal treatment is no different. With laser treatment, your dentist can remove diseased gum tissue more quickly, efficiently and less painfully than ever before. How does that sound to you?
Advantages of Lasers in Gum Disease Treatment
There are many advantages to laser dentistry in the treatment of periodontal disease, including:
- Minimal damage to tissue, which results in less swelling after the procedure
- Far less bleeding than with scalpel and sutures
- Provides sterilization of the treatment area
- Can often be performed faster than traditional methods
- Reduced discomfort during and after treatment, meaning patients require less anesthesia and enjoy a faster recovery
Cost of Laser Treatment
Treating your gum disease quicker and with less pain than traditional surgical methods shouldn’t cost you more — and fortunately, it doesn’t have to. In fact, laser treatment usually costs about the same as traditional surgery, so if your dental insurance provider reimburses for traditional surgery, they’ll reimburse for laser treatment, as well.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If your gums are red, swollen and tender and you suspect you have gum disease — or if you already know you do and haven’t done anything about it — you must seek treatment today. Don’t wait until it worsens: schedule an appointment with our office today to benefit from faster, less painful laser dentistry in our Oklahoma City office.