Is Laser Treatment For You?

Laser treatment is gaining momentum around the world for various medical procedures. Laser eye treatment, laser hair removal and even laser periodontal treatment. Get the facts about laser treatment to determine if this procedure is the right choice for you.

The laser cleans out plaque using wavelengths in order to reach below the gum line. The advantage of this type of treatment is that it takes less time, is not as painful, and can be completed usually within two visits that are generally no more than one hour each. LANAP laser surgery can have you in the chair treating the disease and then quickly on your way back to work the same day.  

“The LANAP laser protocol uses a laser,” says Dr. DenineRice, “with four fiber fine hairs to go below the gum line and clean out the plaque.  By utilizing a laser for surgery instead of more traditional methods you are able to usually return to work the same day. “

“And laser treatment costs are similar to the cost of regular treatment,” according to periodontist, Denine Rice.

LANAP laser surgery has the ability to clean out the bacteria below the gum line and allow your gums to heal to a healthy state. Surgery can reduce the swelling in your gums caused by periodontal disease and can restore your smile to a healthy, beautiful smile.

5 Treatments Your Periodontist Can Provide

            You may think your periodontist only does deep cleanings, implants or fixes periodontal disease. However, Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice says, "you might be surprise to find your periodontist has a host of periodontal skills they can provide to keep your smile in tip-top shape."

1. Gum Grafting, if your gums have receded due to periodontal disease or trauma Dr. Denine Rice, can help restore your gums in order to provide the look you want.

2. Depigmentation can be provided with the laser used for periodontal disease. If you have an amalgam tattoo or want to change the pigmentation of your gums, she can use a laser to treat the area.

3. Smoking cessation programs-Dr. Rice is committed to helping her patients live a healthier life. She can provide suggestions and support to get you on the right track to being smoke free.

4. Tissue Recontouring can reshape the tissue around your teeth. Think of your tissue as the frame for your teeth, some gentle and minute changes can in fact make your smile look like a million.

5. Bone grafting is a surgery conducted where artificial or real bone is placed on the jawbone in order to build up the area and help stimulate growth. Bone loss can occur for multiple reasons and may need to be corrected before other procedures can be done to correct missing or broken teeth.

Calcium May Protect Against The Negatives Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease destroys the enamel as the disease runs rampant through your mouth. As decay goes below the gum line and attacks the enamel, the teeth become weaker, and the disease progresses even further. Research suggests that individuals that consume a higher rate of calcium along with brushing, flossing, and visiting the periodontist for periodontal treatment, may be able to combat some of the negative effects of periodontal disease.

Dr. Denine Rice informs patients that, "Calcium helps to strengthen bones in the body and helps to repair damage in individuals with osteoporosis." So, it would only make sense that individuals that have periodontal disease and consume calcium would find it helps strengthen the bones of the jaw and prevent injury of it. However, there are numerous other factors with periodontal disease and calcium alone can’t fix periodontal disease.

Periodontist Denine Rice understands all to well how important it is for individuals to consume a diet high in calcium and low in sugars to create a lasting smile they can be proud of.   She sees hundreds of patients where dental health has been negatively impacted in large part due to consuming high sugar foods.  She recommends increasing your amount of yogurt, cheese, fortified orange juice and green vegetables – all of which are higher in calcium.

Low calcium intake isn’t the only risk factor for periodontal disease. Other factors include genetics, how often you brush and floss, what types of foods you consume and how often you visit the dentist for check-ups.

How Does Bone Loss Occur?

Your smile is impacted by bone loss. Bone loss occurs when gums become inflamed with bacteria that is not treated. As the pocket grows in depth and more plaque and bacteria builds up, it begins to attack the bone and your teeth. Your dentist will see that the tissue begins to pull away from the gums.

Without treatment of the periodontal disease the bacteria begins to move deeper into the pocket and will begin to attack the jawbone and the roots of the teeth. Your teeth may feel loose; your gums may bleed and be very swollen.  If you lose your teeth, the jaw is unable to get the stimulus it needs. Your smile may begin to droop as you lose teeth, causing you to look older than you really are.

Bone loss may also occur if you have an infected root. While a root canal will help heal the infection and seal the area, sometimes bacteria and infection can continue to attack the jawbone around the area where the infection is. “It is extremely important,” says Dr. Rice, one of Inland Empire’s Top Periodontist’s, “to schedule your regular visits in order to take care of any reoccurring problems.”

Dr. Denine Rice says,” One of the most common reasons  for bone loss is periodontal disease and it is preventable.” It may take years for bone loss to occur in your mouth. If you have the early stages of periodontal disease you should see your Periodontist for an extensive oral exam. Once bone loss occurs it is difficult to repair the problem and sometimes the damage is too extensive and the only option is more expensive teeth replacement choices.