Laser Surgery Corrects Receding Gum Lines
The gum line stands between the emergence bacteria and the hard to reach surfaces of the teeth. Daily oral hygiene of brushing, flossing and rinsing the mouth serves to decimate the numbers of bacteria. When done routinely, the gum line is kept healthy and functional. Teeth are protected from bacterial attack and the tissues remain firm. Unfortunately, there does come a time when a patient will begin to skimp on the amount of time and effort spent on oral hygiene. Eventually there is bacterial buildup (in the form of plaque and tartar) which requires professional intervention and removal. Speedy attention to this detail prevents the need for a receding gums treatment.
Sadly, when professional help is not sought out quickly, the amount of plaque and tartar buildup only increases. The daily regimen of flossing and brushing will miss its aim since the bacterial buildup permits for further bacterial growth beneath the tartar. Manufacturers of many dental hygiene products lead consumers to believe their products can actually destroy tartar buildup in the same way as the dental hygienist, which is simply not the truth. When consumers wait too long to seek help, receding gums can occur.
Depending on when a sore and bleeding gums treatment is scheduled by a dental healthcare professional, there may no longer be sufficient time to adopt a wait and see attitude. Instead, the prevention of tooth loss can only be accomplished by stemming the decline of the gums. This is often when surgery enters the discussion between the dentist and the patient. This solution is almost inevitable if receding gums have exposed too much of the teeth.
Thus far there are accepted methods of care involved in a thorough gingivitis treatment. When followed by a surgical intervention (known as tissue grafts), recovery can be prolonged and quite painful. Food intake must also be modified to accommodate the healing tissues. In some cases the grafts fail to heal as needed, and a repeat of the procedure may be necessary.
Professionals have found this to be unacceptable. They have experimented with the use of a surgical laser as part of the extensive periodontal disease treatment. The treatment itself is designed to save the gum line and the tissues by only removing the areas of the gums beyond saving. The increased precision done with the laser has greatly cut down the recurrence of gum disease after the initial surgery. In addition, the removal of the bacterial pockets (frequently at the heart of receding gums) has been found to be most useful in ensuring overall dental health.