Between 42 to 80% of the Indian population, at one point in their lives, have suffered from bleeding gums. This cites a concern that bleeding gums aren’t just a passing complication but an issue rooted in comprehensive dental problems.
Issues like gingivitis or periodontitis are the most common reasons behind bleeding gums, which, if not treated on time, can contribute to issues like tooth loss. The good thing is that technological advancements have introduced Laser Gum Treatment (LGT), an effective treatment that addresses bleeding gums.
If you are curious to know more about laser gum treatment for bleeding gums and how it works, this guide from Dr. Khosla’s Dental Clinic will cover it all.
What Are the Leading Causes of Bleeding Gums?
To target any disease, we first need to be aware of the root cause. What’s causing the gums to bleed? How often does it happen?
In hindsight, the main reason behind bleeding gums is due to plaque buildup around the gum line, which causes inflammation and infection, causing the gums to bleed. Some of the common triggers behind that plaque building are:
- Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease)
- Periodontitis (advanced gum disease)
- Improper brushing or flossing techniques
- Vitamin deficiencies (particularly Vitamin C & K)
- Hormonal changes (e.g., during pregnancy)
- Medical conditions like diabetes
- Certain medications (blood thinners, etc.)
So, if you notice bleeding gums while brushing or flossing your teeth, it is a warning sign that you shouldn’t ignore. Instead, early interventions can help prevent irreversible damage.
What is Laser Gum Treatment (and How Does it Work)?
Laser Gum Treatment or LGT is a newly introduced non-surgical technique that uses focused light energy for treating infected and inflamed gums. The best reason behind its growing popularity is its preciseness and non-invasive nature, which treats the bleeding gums without cuts and stitches.
Here’s how it works:
Diagnosis: You will first have a thorough consultation with our dentists at Dr. Khosla’s Dental Clinic where we will conduct a routine dental examination to diagnose the problem using probing and digital imaging.
Laser application: Following diagnosis and assessment, a fine laser fiber is inserted between the tooth and gum to remove infected tissue and kill bacteria. Furthermore, ultrasonic scalers are also used to remove calculus and tartar.
Clot formation: Once the cleaning and the bleeding gums are fixed, the laser then helps form a stable fibrin clot, promoting natural reattachment of the gum to the tooth.
Since stitches or cuts aren’t involved in the treatment, the healing process is quick and hassle-free. The entire procedure is quick, effective and relatively painless.
Does Laser Gum Treatment Really Work?
Given how new laser treatment is, it isn’t surprising that there are a lot of questions about its effectiveness and how it helps treat and heal bleeding gums.
Some of the real-world results include:
1. It promotes regeneration of tissue
Besides removing any active infection or inflammation around the gums, the biggest benefit of laser gum treatment is that it stimulates the regeneration of connective tissue and bone. This, in turn, helps save the tooth, which would otherwise have to be removed.
2. It reduced recurrence of bleeding gums
If you have been suffering with bleeding gums for a long time and none of the treatment plans have shown good results, laser gum treatment has proven benefits in reducing its recurrence. LGT eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria and encourage a healthier environment for gums, reducing the risks of reinfections significantly.
At Dr. Khosla’s Dental Clinic, laser gum treatment is one of the most recommended treatments by our patients, primarily because of the high satisfaction rate and how quick and efficient the treatment is.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Gum Treatment for Bleeding Gums?
Beyond ensuring long-term healing and preventing reinfections leading to bleeding gums, there are a lot more benefits of LGT worth paying attention to.
They include:
- It is a minimally-invasive procedure wherein you won’t have to worry about incisions and stitches, along with the painful recovery. Instead, laser gum treatment is a bloodless, precise approach.
- During the treatment, most patients report experiencing little to no pain. Even the slight discomfort you feel after the treatment can be managed with the prescription your dentist gives you.
- Since laser gum treatment involves minimal tissue trauma, healing is pretty much instant, unlike traditional dental and gum surgeries. You can get back to your normal day-to-day activities within a day or two.
- LGT targets the diseased tissue around the gums and sterilises the area, which prevents post-treatment inflammation to an extent.
- Lastly, laser gum treatment ensures preservation of the healthy gum tissues, maintaining the natural structure of your gums, which isn’t the case when you undergo a traditional dental surgery for bleeding gums.
If you undergo laser gum treatment for treating your bleeding gums and follow a healthy oral hygiene routine, the results from the treatment are effective and long-lasting, reducing the chances of infection and bleeding in the future.
Should You Undergo a Laser Gum Treatment for Bleeding Gums?
Now, the question of the hour is, “Are you a suitable candidate for the treatment?” This will be assessed during the initial consultation that you have with our dentists at Dr. Khosla’s Dental Clinic.
You’d usually be considered a good candidate if:
- You have moderate to severe periodontal disease
- You’ve experienced gum recession or bone loss
- You want a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery
- You are diabetic or have medical conditions where healing is a concern
- You experience anxiety about dental procedures
Our periodontists at Dr. Khosla’s Dental Clinic will ensure a comprehensive diagnosis before suggesting any dental procedures, including laser gum treatment.
How is Recovery Like After Laser Gum Treatment?
Laser gum treatment demands less post-op care, but a few best practices ensure optimal recovery. Here’s what you need to follow:
- You’d be recommended not to brush the treated area for the first 24 hours.
- For 2-3 days after the procedure, stick to eating soft and liquid foods, letting the gums heal.
- As recommended by your dentist, use an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse your mouth.
- If you smoke cigarettes, you’d need to avoid it for the first 72 hours after the treatment.
It is common to experience slight discomfort during and after the procedure but it is temporary and will recover on its own. You’d need to get follow-up treatments to monitor the progress and ensure nothing is amiss.
Say Goodbye to Bleeding Gums with Laser Gum Treatment!
Laser gum treatment, particularly protocols like LANAP, represents a significant leap forward in periodontal care. For individuals suffering from bleeding gums due to gingivitis or periodontitis, it offers a compelling alternative to traditional surgical methods.
More importantly, it can save your teeth and protect your health. Gum disease is not just a dental issue, it’s linked to heart disease, diabetes, and systemic inflammation.
So, without any further delay, schedule your consultation at Dr. Khosla’s Dental Clinic to ensure your treatment is both precise and pleasant.