LAPT

Maintaining your oral health is crucial. Especially if you want a beautiful smile. However, you might be dealing with gum disease or other periodontal issues. This can get to a point where you might have to focus on getting treatment for it. We’ll be taking a look at laser-assisted periodontal therapy. Meanwhile, we’ll compare it with other gum disease treatments throughout the guide.

Dr. Ogata and the team at Smile Hawaii, your Maui dentist, know how important it is to have a healthy smile. It takes the right kind of approach to treating gum disease. Which one may be the best option for you? Let’s discuss the differences between laser-assisted periodontal therapy and other treatments for gum disease right now.

What is laser-assisted periodontal therapy?

Known as LAPT for short, it is considered one of the most recent technological advancements in periodontics. This uses precise laser dentistry to help remove any gum tissue that is seriously diseased. On top of that, it is designed to offer less discomfort during post-operation and a faster recovery time compared to other methods.

There is no cutting away of gums or bone - which is often the standard procedure for some gum disease treatments. The use of the laser will ensure precision while being able to conserve any healthy tissue that still exists. If you don’t like going under for surgery, there’s good news. LAPT does not require little to no anesthesia. Meaning you will be awake for the entire procedure. On top of what it does to get rid of diseased gum tissue, it stimulates regeneration for new tissue.

This means you’ll have new blood vessels and supporting tissue. This can restore the health and vitality of your gums. When this happens, it will provide an even more stable foundation for your teeth. You have more comfort, less damage, and it’s less invasive compared to other procedures. It’s also a safe and healthy approach. If you are looking for an effective treatment for gum disease, a dentist in Maui like Smile Hawaii will be able to help.

Keep in mind that while LAPT may have significant advantages, it may not be the best option for all gum disease cases. A dentist near Kahului will need to determine the severity of the disease you are dealing with. There are other factors that may play a role in whether or not you are a good candidate for LAPT. Even if you are not a good fit, there are other gum disease treatments that you will be eligible for. These include gum surgery, gum grafting, and other techniques that are minimally invasive. Antibiotic therapy will be used to combat infection and reduce inflammation in the gums. If you have any questions or concerns, your dentist near Maui, HI, will be able to answer them.

What are other gum disease treatments?

There are several different gum disease treatments that you may be eligible for if LAPT may not be the best fit. These include, but are not limited to the following:

Dental Prophylaxis

This is dental cleaning compared to what a patient goes through twice a year. This procedure features the removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth. If you have gingivitis, these regular cleanings can help reverse gum diseases and make them healthier. This treatment procedure can be more effective on your end. All you need to do is practice regular dental hygiene every day. You must brush twice daily and floss at least once a day. On top of this, you should visit your dentist twice a year. This will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. It will also ensure that your gum disease has been reversed.

Scaling and Root Planing

This is a dental deep cleaning that goes deeper than normal. A dentist near Kahului or a periodontics provider will remove plaque and tartar along the root surfaces. If there are any rough spots on your teeth, they will also smooth them out so there is no bacteria or plaque that will reattach. This requires local anesthesia, so you will not be put to sleep. You will feel numb, but comfortable during the entire procedure.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Also known as flap surgery, this requires incisions on the gum line. As this happens, the gums are moved away from your teeth for a short time. This will expose the roots, where tartar and plaque build-up will be removed. If there is any damaged bone present, they can be smoothed or reshaped. This will ensure no more bacteria will hide or grow. After this, your gums will be replaced and sutured.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is typically used through your own tissue, synthetic tissue, or donated tissue. If needed, they can use the tissue from the roof of your mouth (or pallet). This is often useful for those dealing with gum recession, which is a common symptom of gum disease. The periodontist will use the tissue and install them in areas where your gums have receded. They will be sutured in place and thus the procedure is complete. You will have new gums providing better support for your teeth. This can be one of the best procedures if you are dealing with gum disease that is more severe compared to other cases. At Smile Hawaii, we make sure your gum disease will be taken care of. Even if it means doing a replacement procedure.

Dealing with gum disease? Come see us for treatment!

If you believe that you have gum disease, it’s important to find a dentist who can help. At the office of Dr. Lance Ogata DBA Smile Hawaii, we aim to make sure that your smile is healthy. Whether it’s for a smile makeover or keeping ahead of your dental hygiene, we have the services to provide for you.

If you are unsure of what kind of procedure you need for gum disease, call us to set up an appointment. Our office number is 808-707-7445. Or you can schedule an appointment online.