Laser Gum Treatment
Dr Saboowala and our team are proud to introduce state-of-the-art laser dentistry at our office in Cupertino, so that we can provide patients with more effective and comfortable gum treatment. At our office, we have the EPIC™ diode laser by Biolase, which is the only diode laser in the US approved for soft tissue procedures, teeth whitening, and pain therapy (typically TMJ). How is it that one device can address such a wide variety of problems? Well, it is all made possible because of two important features; the adjustable frequency of the laser, and the interchangeable headpieces that completely transform its function.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss, which makes identifying and eliminating gum disease highly important to us.
Causes of gum disease
Plaque is the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Carbohydrates that are left on the teeth provide fuel for the naturally occurring bacteria, resulting in the production of acids. Over time, acids destroy tooth enamel and tooth decay may begin.
Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, but if left unchecked, can harden into calculus. In addition to inadequate oral care, certain medications, genetics and smoking may also contribute to plaque buildup and calculus. Calculus, also referred to as tartar, forms on both the root and crown of a tooth.
The rough texture of calculus irritates the root and causes it to separate from the gum, allowing a pocket to form. Dr. Saboowala probes for pocket depth in every new patient exam and before every cleaning. Healthy gums have pocket depths of one to three millimeters. Pocket depths greater than three millimeters indicate the presence of gum disease, and the deeper the pocket, the more severe the gum disease.
Laser Gum Treatment procedures
• Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR)It is a non-invasive, painless dental procedure. With the EPIC™ X diode laser, our dental team is able to kill almost 100% of the bacteria located in the gum pockets around teeth.
• Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)
A non-surgical procedure used during deep dental cleanings, such as root planning and scaling procedures, to remove the diseased and infected soft tissue in gum pockets. The removal of this tissue with the diode laser also sterilizes the gum pocket and kills the harmful bacteria. The dental laser promotes instant healing of the soft tissue while reducing the size of the gum pockets and preserving the bone height around teeth.
• Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy & Gingivoplasty)
Gum contouring is the precise shaping of the gum tissue to improve the health and appearance of the gums around the teeth. A gingivectomy or gingivoplasty is most commonly performed after orthodontic treatment to reshape the gum tissue, when there are gaps or pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums, following dental implants procedures or for cosmetic reasons. The EPIC™ X diode laser offers the most precise control of tissue cutting for these types of procedures.
Treatment of Cold Sores and Cancer Sores
EPIC™ X diode laser can help prevent the unsightly eruption of cold sores or fever blisters. If the blister or cold sore has already erupted, the dental laser can reduce pain, swelling and healing time. The diode laser can also treat painful sores inside your mouth caused by trauma on your cheeks, tongue or lips. These procedures do not require anesthetic and are virtually pain-free.
We need to touch on the fact that the laser cold sore treatment can be performed before the eruption and that breakouts in the area or diminished or do not reoccur at all.
What To Expect From Laser Cold Sore Treatment
Laser cold sore treatment may be performed before or after a lesion has developed, and in almost all cases, patients report feeling nothing more than a warm sensation during the brief procedure. If the cold sore has already “broken out,” Infinite’s Epic™ Laser brings immediate relief from pain and stops the blister from progressing further. Typically, the patient’s lip will return to normal in a matter of days, and the location of the sore will remain comfortable during the healing process.
The best aspect of treating cold sores with the Epic™ Laser, however, is the long-term effects—after each subsequent treatment, cold sores return less frequently and with less intensity. Some patients have even experienced “breakout-free” periods of over a decade!
We invite you to contact our office at (408) 255-1700 today to learn more and to schedule a visit with Dr. Saboowala.