Comfortably Heal Gums With LANAP Gum Disease Treatment in Kennewick, WA

You may worry about cavities, but they aren’t the leading cause of tooth loss. More adult teeth are lost to gum disease than to anything else. Many people don’t realize they have this serious condition until it’s in an advanced stage where tooth loss is a serious risk.

Traditional treatment involves scalpels and sutures. Our Kennewick, WA dentists, however, use LANAP gum disease treatment. The FDA-approved LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure) uses a laser, so there’s no cutting.

Our laser treatment is:

• More Targeted – The laser destroys the bacteria in diseased tissue but doesn’t affect your healthy tissue.
• Less Invasive – Unlike traditional gum disease treatment, there is no cutting or stitching. Only a minimal amount of tissue is removed.
• More Comfortable – The procedure causes minimal discomfort. Recovery is quicker and more comfortable too.
• Faster – We can often complete your procedure in a single appointment.

If you think you may need gum disease treatment, call Grandridge Dental at 509-380-9046.

Don’t Ignore Gum Disease Symptoms

Our dentists check for signs of gum disease during every dental exam. However, you should see us right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Bright red gums
• Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth, or any other time
• Teeth that look longer than before
• Swollen or tender gums
• Painful chewing
• Chronic bad breath
• Teeth that feel loose
• A bite that seems different

Prevent Gum Disease From Threatening Your Teeth – & Health

The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It happens when bacteria in your mouth cause your gums to become inflamed. Good oral hygiene at home and a professional dental cleaning can often reverse the disease at this stage. If left untreated, though, your gums begin pulling away from your teeth and form “pockets.” When bacteria gets inside the pockets, it causes an infection that damages your bone and connective tissue. At this stage, you can lose teeth.

Our laser destroys the bacteria, removes diseased tissue, and closes the gap between teeth and gums so bacteria can’t enter. It also promotes the growth of healthy new tissue. Since LANAP involves no cutting, your risk of infection during recovery is minimal.

While potentially losing teeth is bad enough, medical research has also linked gum disease to several serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers. Treatment may reduce your risk of systemic health conditions or further complications if they already exist.

Know Gum Disease Risk Factors

Gum disease is most common in those 30 and older. It’s more prevalent in men than in women. Among the factors that can make you more susceptible:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Dry mouth
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy

In addition, some people just have a genetic predisposition for gum disease.

To see if LANAP gum disease treatment can improve your oral health – and overall health – call 509-380-9046. You’ll find our Kennewick, WA dentist office near Three Rivers Convention Center and the Columbia Park Trail.