How Laser Tools Address Periodontal Issues
Many people are aware that stress and emotional turmoil can manifest in physiological symptoms like headaches and stomach issues, but did you realize that your oral health can also be susceptible to the side effects of stress? It’s true!
In general, stress is associated with inflammation in all of the body’s tissues, including the gums. Some research suggests that more significant stress is associated with more severe gum disease, in fact. Although the exact mechanism underlying this phenomenon is still unknown, it is believed that the hormone cortisol, which the body releases during times of stress, may be a contributing factor.
Ideally, patients will be able to manage their stress before gum disease develops. However, patients who do suffer from periodontal disease now have access to more comfortable modern interventions to treat the condition, such as laser gum treatment. This approach, known as LANAP (which stands for laser-assisted new attachment procedure) relies on lasers to remove diseased gum tissue rather than conventional surgical instruments like scalpels. The lasers are less disruptive to the gum tissue.
In the second part of the laser gum treatment, after the targeted gum tissue has been removed and the tooth cleaned thoroughly, the laser plays another role. It facilitates the formation of a blood clot that helps the gum tissue re-attach to the tooth.
The laser gum treatment is often provided using just a local anesthetic, as the procedure results in minimal discomfort for most patients. LANAP patients also have a shorter recovery period, in comparison to those who undergo conventional gum surgery. They also lose less healthy gum tissue in the process, because the laser is more accurate at removing only the diseased tissue.
Gum disease can have serious consequences for your oral health, including bone and tooth loss in the most advanced cases. Keeping your stress in check can help protect you against gum disease, but if you do experience periodontal problems, discuss treatment options, including LANAP, with our periodontist.
Contact Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 214-949-1836 to learn more.
Related posts
