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Laser Gum Disease Treatment Specialist

Silicon Valley Dental Associates -  - Cosmetic, Implant, and General Dentistry

Silicon Valley Dental Associates

Cosmetic, Implant, and General Dentists located in Sunnyvale, CA

Without treatment, gum disease can cause extensive damage and pain in your mouth. At Silicon Valley Dental Associates in Sunnyvale, California, dentists Colin Au, DDS, Dianna Fung, DDS, and their team make gum disease treatment relaxed and comfortable using LANAP® laser gum disease treatment. For more information about the process and to find out if you’re a candidate, call Silicon Valley Dental Associates or book an appointment online today.

Laser Gum Disease Treatment Q&A

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a common infection of the soft tissues in your mouth, supporting your teeth, called your gums. While many people have mild gum disease that is reversible with home care and dental cleanings, moderate to severe gum disease may require treatments from your dentist at Silicon Valley Dental Associates. You might have gum disease requiring attention if you have the following symptoms:

  • Persistent bad breath
  • Swollen, red, or tender gums
  • Bleeding between your teeth or along your gum line
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain when you bite down
  • Receding gums (your teeth look like they’re getting longer)

When you come in for your regular exams at Silicon Valley Dental Associates, the team checks for early signs of gum disease. If your gum disease is moderate or severe, they might recommend laser gum disease treatment.  

What is laser gum disease treatment?

Laser gum disease treatment is a safe, minimally invasive way to alleviate gum disease. While traditional methods required scalpels, laser gum disease treatment uses a soft tissue laser to remove diseased tissue without affecting healthy tissue in the same area. 

The team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates uses LANAP®, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, to treat your gum disease. After an oral exam and X-rays, your dentist begins the first of two two-hour laser gum disease treatments. During the procedure, they insert a slender laser fiber between your teeth and gums to remove the infected tissue. 

Your dentist uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove tartar, or hardened plaque, from the roots of your teeth with sound wave energy. Then, they use the laser to reseal your gums to the clean roots of your teeth and prevent new bacteria from invading the pockets. 

What are the advantages of treating gum disease with lasers?

Laser gum disease treatment has many notable advantages over traditional gum disease surgery, including:

  • Comfort
  • Fast healing (only one or two days)
  • Less trauma and no bleeding
  • No need for general anesthesia

After your laser gum disease treatments, you can go about the rest of your day as usual and even enjoy a meal or snack right away. If you have any discomfort as you heal, an over-the-counter pain reliever can make it easier to chew and speak. You will likely only need to take them for a couple of days as you recover.

To find out if you have gum disease and whether or not you’re a candidate for laser gum disease treatment, book a consultation by phone or online at Silicon Valley Dental Associates today.