Soft Tissue Laser

Gum disease is a progressive condition. Without treatment, what starts as gingivitis or inflamed gums can progress to periodontitis. This advanced form of gum disease is characterized by a breakdown of the structural supports of the teeth, including the soft tissues (gums) and hard tissues (bone) in the jaw.

Professional cleanings and guidance on home care tailored to your specific needs are the first line of defense against gum disease. Damage to the gums arises due to the presence of lingering food particles and bacteria. The bacterial plaque releases acids and toxins that can erode tooth structure and break down the healthy attachments between the gums and teeth. So, cleanings help to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. As needed, Dr. Huber may recommend a procedure known as “scaling and root planing.” Think of this treatment as a deep cleaning for your teeth. We can remove harmful substances from the teeth and from below the gumline.

Lasers for gum disease might be appropriate if other interventions and treatments have failed to heal inflamed and damaged gums. Many different types of lasers are used at dentist’s offices. At Stephen Huber, DDS, our soft tissue laser targets the damaged areas of the gums precisely. The energy from the laser then goes to work to kill harmful bacteria and to encourage the process of healing from deep within the periodontal pockets that form as the result of gum disease.

As the disease worsens without treatment, these spaces develop between the teeth and gums. They harbor all sorts of “nasties,” including disease-causing bacteria. We can treat these pockets in the most targeted manner possible with a super-fine laser while preserving and leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact. In turn, laser-assisted therapy for gum disease is a low-risk, well-tolerated, and highly effective way of encouraging the healthy reattachment of the gums to the teeth.