More than 50 percent of adults in the U.S. have gum disease. Could you or your spouse be one of them?
The early stages of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, aren't easily recognized, and many patients don’t even realize they are affected by the condition. Since the initial stages are painless, treatment of gum disease is often delayed.
According to Dr. Luis Pérez, prosthodontist at Fairway Dental in Carrollton, in many cases, treatment is postponed to the point where long-term damage has been done and treatment is not effective.
Though traditional treatment methods for periodontal disease require surgery, minimally invasive laser therapy has become a common alternative for patients seeking treatment options.
Surgery for gum disease requires dentists to cut open gums, scrape the affected areas of roots, and stitch up the gums. Recovery can take up to four weeks.
Conversely, laser therapy requires no cutting or stitching. A small laser is directed between the tooth and the gum, and the diseased area is removed. Frequently, patients who receive laser therapy experience a recovery time of less than 24 hours.
Laser therapy typically requires less time than traditional surgery with an added benefit — less patient discomfort. A local anesthetic is provided prior to the procedure, and in most cases, patients are able to return to normal activities immediately.
Following treatment, your dentist will most likely recommend a soft food diet for a couple of days, but some patients are able to follow their normal diet habits right away.
“Patients affected by periodontal disease are often unwilling to come in for treatment, fearing a painful experience,” said Dr. Pérez. “But laser therapy is accompanied by very little pain and a quick recovery period.”
If you’re interested in learning more about your treatment options for gum disease, call Dr. Luis Pérez and his staff at Fairway Dental in Carrollton for a free smile consultation at 214-731-4816, or visit the website at www.fairwaydental.com.
Fairway Dental
Luis R. Pérez, DDS, PA
1616 W. Hebron Pkwy. Suite 100
Carrollton, TX 75010
214-731-4816
www.fairwaydental.com