Minimally Invasive Laser Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontist in El Cajon, CA
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the care and treatment of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Periodontists are specialists in cosmetic periodontal procedures, dental implant placement and periodontal (gum) disease treatment. Mild to moderate gum disease, called gingivitis, is treated by general dentists. The more severe form is called periodontitis, which is treated by specialists.
Offers a wide range of advanced periodontal care, like scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed).
Dr. Takai is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He was certified after passing a comprehensive and rigorous examination process covering all phases of gum disease and its treatment, including dental implants. Because periodontics is an ever changing field, Dr. Takai takes continuing education classes every year to stay on top of his field. In addition to being board-certified in periodontics he also specializes in laser periodontal therapy.
Laser Periodontal Therapy (LANAP)
A comfortable, fast and effective alternative to surgery
The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is FDA approved for treating gum disease because it’s safe and effective. With cutting-edge LANAP there’s much less discomfort during and after the procedure because there is no cutting, packing or suturing required. And it removes diseased tissue without harming healthy tissue.
Complimentary Laser Gum Treatment Consultation
We will perform an oral examination to look for signs of gum disease. You’ll get an opportunity to discuss concerns, have treatment options explained and get any questions answered. Plus you’ll get to see what Laser Periodontal Therapy is and how it works.
Minimally Invasive Gum Grafting for receded gums
Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Gum recession and the accompanying bone loss are the #1 cause of tooth loss in the US. We performs gum graft surgery to cover roots or develop gum tissue.
During gum graft surgery, we takes gum tissue from your palate or that of another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can reduce continuing bone loss and recession. Sometimes we can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile.
Gummy Smile Correction
When your teeth appear short your smile looks “gummy”. This is most likely not because your teeth are really too short, but they’re covered with too much gum tissue. To fix this this, we performs a crown lengthening procedure in which excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of your natural teeth. This advanced procedure can be performed on a single tooth to even your gum line – or on many teeth to reveal a natural-looking smile.
About Gum Disease
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, the #1 cause of adult tooth loss in the US, is the inflammation of the soft tissue, accompanied by abnormal loss of bone that holds your teeth in place. It’s caused by toxins from bacteria in plaque that accumulate along your gum line.
An early symptom of gum disease is a painless bleeding of the gums. Pain is a symptom of more advanced gum disease as the loss of bone around the teeth leads to gum pocket formation.
Also, the space between the teeth and gums eventually becomes bigger. The bacteria then become more aggressive as the space the bacteria are within deepen, causing further bone destruction and the loss of otherwise healthy teeth.
Signs and symptoms
Normal gums are pinkish, firm and do not bleed when you floss or brush your teeth. Warning signs of gum disease include:
- Tender or painful gums
- Swollen gums
- Dusky red gums
- Loose or separating permanent teeth
- Gums bleed after flossing or brushing
- Persistent bad taste or bad breath
To greatly reduce your risk of getting gum disease, be sure to follow our hygienists’ instructions for good oral care. Regular flossing and brushing, combined with a healthy lifestyle plus routine checkups and cleanings, are the most effective ways to avoid gum disease.
Causes and risk factors
The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums. Many conditions can induce gum disease. Risk factors for gum disease include:
- A weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Some medications
- Some viral and fungal infections
- Smoking
- Older age
- Hormonal changes
Effects of Gum Disease on overall health
Medical research shows that gum disease is associated with various other diseases. What’s more, research also demonstrates that inflammation may be responsible for this association. So treating inflammation may not just help manage gum disease but may also help with other chronic inflammatory conditions including:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Osteoporosis
- Respiratory Disease
- Kidney Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Blood Cancer
