PERIODONTOLOGY - LASER TREATMENTS: Bringing Periodontal Treatments into the 21st Century.

Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease or gum disease, is an infectious inflammatory condition that affects the periodontium (from the Greek peri = around, odontos = tooth), or the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament. Although it is a degenerative disease, periodontitis is reversible if diagnosed and treated in time, regardless of age.

If left untreated, periodontal disease leads to the progressive loss of teeth due to the resorption of the supporting bone and gum tissues.

At Miko Dental, we utilise the latest Biolase laser therapies to treat periodontal disease non-surgically and effectively.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal diseases are caused by multiple interrelated factors, including:

• Dental plaque and tartar (both supragingival and subgingival)

• Smoking

• Genetic predisposition

• Premature tooth loss

• Poorly fitted fillings and dentures

• Poor oral hygiene or lack of proper oral care

Additionally, recent studies have identified three risk factors—stress, anxiety, and depression—which may contribute to the development of periodontitis. These psychological conditions can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to inflammatory processes.

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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

• Halitosis (persistent bad breath)

• Gingivitis (spontaneous gum bleeding and/or bleeding during brushing or chewing)

• A persistent unpleasant taste in the mouth, along with red, swollen, and painful gums

• Tooth mobility

• Gum recession, exposing the tooth roots

• Presence of dental abscesses

• Spontaneous tooth loss

  
  

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LASER TREATMENT FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Dental laser therapy is an innovative and highly effective treatment for periodontitis, particularly in the early to moderate stages of the disease. Laser technology offers a revolutionary, pain-free approach that eliminates bacteria and helps maintain long-term dental health. Compared to traditional surgical methods, such as gingival curettage, laser treatment is far more effective in halting and controlling periodontal disease.

In the past, surgical treatment for periodontitis involved a painful procedure with a lengthy recovery period. However, today’s modern laser techniques are minimally invasive and can remove plaque deposits, treat enamel, and restore gum health without discomfort in just a few sessions.

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BENEFITS OF LASER TREATMENT FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE

• Immediately stops gum bleeding

• Laser beams sterilise the treated area, eliminating bacterial infections

• Laser dental procedures require no anaesthesia or sutures

• Reduces or eliminates the risk of tooth loss

• Stimulates bone regeneration, allowing for faster and pain-free healing

• Enhances the success rate of periodontal treatments and minimises post-treatment discomfort

• Significantly faster recovery time

Achieving successful periodontal treatment is a great source of satisfaction for both the patient and the dentist. While modern technology provides advanced solutions for replacing teeth with dental implants, the optimal approach remains preserving natural teeth whenever possible. This is achieved by restoring the health of the supporting bone and gums, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of natural teeth.