Escondido Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal Therapy
What is laser assisted therapy?
Although it’s still in its infancy, periodontal laser therapy is a promising new solution to treat many types of gum diseases. Unlike the traditional methods of scaling and root planing or gum flap surgery, laser therapy is minimally invasive and relatively painless. And skilled dentists, like Dr. Hope of Douglas G. Hope DDS now offer this innovative new option to treat periodontal diseases.
Periodontal Therapy
How does it work?
LAPT (laser assisted periodontal therapy) uses a laser to target and destroy diseased tissues on the gums as well as any bacteria stuck in the periodontal pockets. The laser beam is used in combination with water to provide a gentler and more comfortable procedure for the patient. There is no need to cut the gums or bone as might be necessary in gum flap surgery. And the device is so precise, leaving healthy gum tissue intact.
Benefits of LAPT
1. Comfort
Laser assisted periodontal therapy is a significantly more comfortable procedure than traditional periodontal disease treatments. No cutting is necessary, and that means no general anesthesia is required to get through the procedure. Plus, there’s less bleeding, swelling and pain because the treatment is far less invasive than other options.
2. Precision
Lasers are extremely precise and accurate tools. Dentists can target problem areas while avoiding healthy tissues. This makes for a safer, less painful procedure, and leads to faster recovery times.
3. Faster recovery
Laser precision and minimal invasiveness lead to a faster, more natural regrowth and healing of gum tissue. The laser also sterilizes as it removes diseased tissue to help inhibit infection or reinfection of the periodontal disease.
Get your gum disease treated in just one session!
Periodontal and gum disease becomes more serious the longer you ignore it. But at Douglas G. Hope DDS, you won’t have to fear multiple visits of long, painful treatments and weeks of antibiotics. Your laser assisted periodontal therapy can be treated in as little as one visit. If you’re in Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, East San Marcos or Valley Center, Dr. Hope and his team of experts are just a short drive away.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
The first stage of gum disease, known as “gingivitis,” has relatively minor symptoms, and it’s totally reversible with proper periodontal care from Dr. Hope, good at-home oral hygiene, and a few lifestyle changes. Signs of gingivitis include inflamed gums, gum sensitivity, discolored gums, and bleeding while brushing. You may also notice persistent bad breath (halitosis).
As your gum disease gets worse, it will enter a stage called “periodontitis.” This stage of gum disease is not reversible, but it can be controlled to keep your mouth healthy. Common signs of periodontitis include gum recession (making the teeth look longer), pain or discomfort when chewing, and increased tooth sensitivity.
The final stage of gum disease is sometimes called “advanced periodontitis.” In this stage, serious damage has been done to your gums and teeth. Periodontal care from Dr. Hope can help you improve your oral health, but it may not be possible to save all of your teeth. In this stage of gum disease, you may notice loosening teeth, changes in how your teeth fit together, a foul taste in your mouth that won’t go away, and severe oral pain and discomfort.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s really important to get help from Dr. Hope and our team in Escondido as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely it is that Dr. Hope will be able to halt the progression of your disease, or even eliminate your gum disease altogether if it’s in the first stage. Get in touch with the office of Dr. Douglas G. Hope and schedule a consultation right away.
What Is The Healing Process After Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)?
One of the biggest benefits of LAPT is that the healing process is much faster compared to traditional treatments like deep cleaning (scaling & root planing). Laser tools are extremely precise, and cause minimal damage to your gum tissue.
Because of this, there’s basically no recovery period to speak of. You may feel a little bit of pain, sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding for the first 24 hours after your treatment. But after a day or two, you’ll feel nearly completely normal. You won’t need to take any prescription pain medication, though some over-the-counter pain relievers may help if you have minor discomfort. You can get back to your normal routine right away, so you won’t have to worry about taking time off of work or school.
How Is Periodontal Health Tied To Overall Health?
Your gums are part of your mouth, and your mouth is part of the rest of your body. So it only makes sense that your gum health would affect your overall health, too.
For example, severe gum disease can result in serious pain and tooth loss, which may make it harder to eat a nutritious diet. That, in turn, can lead to further health problems. Diabetes and gum disease are also linked, since diabetic people are more likely to develop gum disease. Some evidence shows that gum disease can even raise blood sugar, worsening diabetes.
Gum disease affects your cardiovascular system, too. Research shows that people with gum disease are between 2-3x as likely to suffer a heart attack, a stroke, or a similar severe cardiovascular event.
So don’t gamble with your health. If you think you need gum disease treatment, Dr. Hope is here to help. Contact us for a consultation, learn more, and get the treatment you need to restore your oral health, such as LAPT.
Testimonials
Tara C.
"Dr. Hope has been my dentist for over 7 years. I wouldn't go anywhere else. I trusted him to do significant veneer work several years ago. My smile changed and I have been very happy with the results."
Elizabeth U.
“Dr. Hope and his team are a great mix. They work well together and are very aware on making sure you have as little pain as possible. My family has been going for years and wouldn't go anywhere else.”
Melanie D.
“I've been a patient at Dr. Hope's office for almost 15 years and have referred several of my friends. The hygienists have always been super friendly and gentle. In addition to typical dental work and my regular cleanings, I did Invisalign and was very happy with the whole process. ”
Steve W.
“Dr. Hope and his staff are the best. I have been a patient there since he took over the practice from Dr. Chatton. I'm not sure how long but I've been seeing Dr. Hope for at least 10 years or more. He is a great dentist who is very knowledgeable and has the most up to date equipment.”
Rita G.
“Dr. Hope & his staff are always so welcoming and professional. They make you feel like family and they make it a point to get to know you personally. The reason I decided to give Dr. Hope my business was because I found out that he gave back to our community.”
Kathi T.
“Dr. Hope and his wonderful Staff are just the BEST!!! Dr. Hope and his awesome assistant, George, are very attentive, compassionate, accommodating, caring, funny, but first and foremost HONEST!!!”
Christina W.
“Dr. Hope and his team are wonderful! He is an amazing dentist! Everyone is so nice! I am always welcomed with big smiling faces! I will refer everyone I know to his office!”
Sylvia C.
“I have been going to Dr. Hope for quite some time now, and always feel so at ease. Dr. Hope is funny and just makes you feel relaxed while there! This is a very friendly office and as long as I'm living anywhere near San Diego I will be going to this dental practice, hopefully Dr. Hope won't be retiring any time soon (he's too young)!!!”
Real F.
“We always feel like family when in Dr. Hopes office. Each staff member treats us with professionalism and with the best personalized care. They have helped my sensitivity problem to be non existent with the treatments they provide.”
