Soft Tissue Laser Debridement in Santa Barbara, CA
Soft Tissue Laser Debridement in Santa Barbara, CA
Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS offers periodontal disease and gum disease treatment options for all stages of the disease. If you are showing early signs of gingivitis or gum disease, he can create a treatment plan to reverse the progression. Soft tissue laser debridement is a nonsurgical treatment option for gum disease and periodontal disease. This treatment can reduce bacteria, remove unhealthy gum tissue, and reduce the number of gum pockets. Learn more about the benefits of undergoing soft tissue laser debridement in Santa Barbara, CA.
What Is Soft Tissue Laser Debridement?
Soft tissue laser debridement is a nonsurgical dental procedure that is used to treat gum disease and periodontal disease and reduce the risk of complications. The procedure uses a dental laser to remove damaged gum tissue, kill harmful bacteria, and clean out gum pockets. Because it is minimally invasive and doesn’t require incisions or stitches, there is a lower risk of bleeding, pain, or infection.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Laser Root Debridement
While there are a few different treatment options for gum disease and periodontal disease, soft tissue laser therapy is one of the least invasive and the most gentle. The benefits of periodontal treatment with laser debridement are:
- The procedure is minimally invasive and nonsurgical, which means that there is a lower risk of complications.
- The laser used is gentle, which means the procedure doesn’t require anesthesia and is less uncomfortable than other treatment methods.
- Most patients experience less bleeding because the laser coagulates blood vessels as it works.
- The treatment kills bacteria that could cause gum infections or infections that could travel to your bloodstream and affect your organs.
- The laser can remove unhealthy gum tissue that could contribute to infection or disease.
- The laser can reduce the number of gum pockets, which could harbor harmful bacteria and increase the risk of infection or tooth loss.
- Treatment can reverse the progression of periodontal disease, and along with a healthy oral hygiene routine, good diet, and regular visits to the dentist, can reduce your risk of gum recession and tooth loss.
- The precision of the laser can conserve healthy tissue and eliminate the need for cutting away gum tissue.
Technology and Equipment Used for Laser Debridement
Laser debridement uses a small, handheld dental laser. The device emits a focused beam of light energy that precisely targets the diseased areas of the gums. The laser light is capable of vaporizing infected and damaged tissue and killing bacteria without harming the healthy surrounding tissue. As the laser works, it also seals blood vessels and nerve endings, which reduces bleeding and discomfort during the procedure.
What to Expect During Laser Debridement
Before treatment, Dr. Stratford-Jones will do a full dental examination to assess the extent of your symptoms and the progression of your gum disease. He may take dental x-rays or dental imaging to use as a baseline to track your treatment. If you are a good candidate for laser debridement, he will schedule your procedure. During the procedure, he will use a specialized dental laser to target diseased and infected gum tissue, bacteria, and gum pockets. After the treatment, he may use ultrasonic dental instruments to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth. Some patients experience minor burning or itching sensations during laser treatment; however, those symptoms should go away once the treatment is over. You may also experience light bleeding post-treatment.
Post-Treatment Care and Tips
Immediately after treatment, you may experience mild swelling, bleeding, and discomfort. You can treat these symptoms with over-the-counter pain medication and by rinsing your mouth out with warm salt water. Here are some tips for reducing discomfort and promoting healing after laser debridement:
- Avoid brushing or flossing aggressively until the treated area has had time to heal.
- Avoid using harsh dental products that contain alcohol, like mouthwashes or mouth rinses.
- Do not drink alcohol or consume very hot or very cold foods or beverages until your mouth heals.
- Eat a soft food diet.
- Attend all required follow-up visits with our office.
Schedule an Appointment for Laser Debridement
Periodontal disease is widespread among American adults. If you suffer from periodontal disease, the team at Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS can help. We offer an array of treatments for this condition, including soft tissue laser debridement in Santa Barbara, CA. Call our office now or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stratford-Jones. He can do a full dental examination and take dental x-rays to assess the progression of gum disease or periodontal disease and determine if you are a good candidate for laser debridement.