{"id":427,"date":"2021-07-26T14:47:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-26T14:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patrickcrowleydds.com\/blog\/?p=427"},"modified":"2021-08-26T14:48:05","modified_gmt":"2021-08-26T14:48:05","slug":"making-gum-disease-treatment-more-comfortable-with-a-soft-tissue-dental-laser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patrickcrowleydds.com\/blog\/2021\/07\/26\/making-gum-disease-treatment-more-comfortable-with-a-soft-tissue-dental-laser\/","title":{"rendered":"Making Gum Disease Treatment More Comfortable with a Soft Tissue Dental Laser"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When it comes to your smile, having healthy gums is equally as important as having healthy teeth. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can lead to tooth loss as well as systemic illnesses, so seeking treatment right away is crucial. However, if you\u2019ve never undergone periodontal therapy<\/a> before, it can seem intimidating. Luckily, your dentist has a non-surgical option to make gum disease treatment more comfortable \u2013 a soft tissue dental laser. Read on to learn about the benefits that soft tissue dental lasers can bring you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is a Soft Tissue Dental Laser?  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A soft tissue dental laser is a small, pen-like device that produces a highly concentrated beam of light. This light can then be shone onto the soft tissues in the mouth \u2013 such as the gums, tongue, and lips \u2013 for treatment that is more precise than traditional methods. While soft tissue lasers are often used for frenectomies (lip- or tongue-tie treatments) and gummy smile correction, they\u2019re also an effective way of addressing gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease Treatment Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the early stage, known as gingivitis, gum disease is often reversible with improved at-home oral hygiene and more frequent cleanings at your dentist\u2019s office. If gum disease has progressed further, though, more advanced treatments are necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditionally, gum disease therapy involved surgically removing the infected tissue with a scalpel and sutures. Then, a non-surgical option, called scaling and root planing, started to become widely used in dental offices across the country. With scaling and root planing, your dentist uses specialized instruments to clean the surfaces of your teeth below the gumline and smooth out the tooth roots. This option is generally more comfortable and less invasive than surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, soft tissue laser therapy is the least invasive and most comfortable gum disease treatment of all. The laser targets the infected pockets of gum tissue and promotes faster healing by sterilizing the tissue as it goes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Soft Tissue Dental Lasers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Soft tissue dental lasers provide multiple benefits to you and your dental team, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n