Dr. James Vaughan's office is happy to offer you, and all or our patients, the advantages of Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy. This technique is the latest in advanced dentistry and offers many benefits to our patients.

What Is Laser Periodontal Therapy?

Dental lasers are low-energy tools which are built for general use on the delicate tissue of the mouth. The laser is used in conjunction with traditional dentistry to rid the gums of bacteria and viruses, enhancing the overall oral health of the patient. During your first appointment the doctor will remove any tarter and give your teeth thorough cleaning. While the lasers will destroy harmful bacteria this a much less invasive procedure than gum surgery of the past. Since the gums are not significantly removed, patients experience a much shorter recovery time.

How Do I know If I am A Candidate For Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy?

Over 85% of the population has some level of periodontal or gum disease. How can so many people suffer from this problem? Easy. Often, it is misdiagnosed, or simply ignored, and, in many cases, there are no symptoms at all. Gums can recede, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay, abscesses and tooth loss-all without any bleeding or tenderness. However, many people have at least minor symptoms, which can include the following:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Puffiness or tenderness of the gums
• Halitosis , (bad breath)
• Loose-feeling teeth

Why Are The Advantages Of Laser Therapy As Opposed To Gum Surgery?

Keeping in mind the aesthetic look of the gums, this procedure does not actually cut away the soft tissue keeping the gums intact and looking wonderful. There are many advantages to laser periodontal therapy such as:

• Faster recovery time
• Reduced risk of infection after treatment
• Decreased sensitivity and surgical pain
• Less time in the dental chair
• Less bleeding

Does It Hurt?

The Procedure itself is virtually painless, but we may numb the area for your added comfort. Since the laser beam sterilizes the affected area and seals off blood vessels, the chance of infection is greatly reduced; therefore, post-procedure discomfort is much less intense and shorter than conventional periodontal surgery.