When it comes to maintaining optimal dental health, prevention and effective treatment work hand in hand. One particular periodontal treatment that many patients have heard about but don’t fully understand is laser scaling and root planing.
At Laser Dentistry of North Jersey, we’re proud to offer laser scaling and root planing in Oakland, NJ—a modern, minimally invasive approach to treating gum disease that promotes faster healing and greater comfort.
Laser scaling and root planing are specialized periodontal treatment that targets bacterial buildup and infected tissue located along the gumline and beneath it. This procedure combines two essential components: scaling, which removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces, and root planing, which smooths the root surfaces to prevent future bacterial accumulation.
The treatment is performed to address periodontal disease before it progresses to more serious stages that could result in tooth loss. Unlike traditional methods, laser dentistry allows for the precise removal of diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum structure, making it an increasingly popular choice for patients in NJ seeking effective dental care.
When periodontal disease develops, bacteria accumulate in pockets between your teeth and gums. If left untreated, this bacterial infection can cause significant damage to your tooth structure, supporting tissues, and overall oral health. Advanced cases may lead to tooth loss and require more complex interventions such as dental implants.
Laser scaling and root planing address these issues at their source. By undergoing this periodontal treatment, you’re receiving dental care that is both restorative and preventative in nature, helping to preserve your natural teeth while preventing further complications.
Laser scaling refers to the precise removal of plaque and tartar using focused light energy. This advanced technique allows your dentist to access areas that traditional instruments might miss, particularly in deep gum pockets where bacteria tend to accumulate. The laser simultaneously removes harmful substances while sterilizing the treatment area.
Root planing is the process where your dentist carefully smooths the root surfaces of your teeth. This procedure removes bacterial toxins and creates a clean surface that allows your gums to reattach properly. When combined with laser scaling, root planing provides comprehensive treatment for periodontal disease.
During your laser scaling and root planing procedure, a local anesthetic is typically administered to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. Your dentist will use specialized laser technology to carefully remove infected tissue and bacterial deposits from beneath your gumline.
The duration of your treatment varies depending on the extent of your periodontal disease and your specific dental care needs. Our years of experience have shown that patients generally find laser procedures more comfortable than traditional scaling methods.
Following treatment, you may experience mild tenderness or sensitivity in the treated areas. This is normal and typically subsides within a day or two. We recommend continuing your regular brushing and flossing routine, though you should be gentle around treated areas during the initial healing period.
For more information about laser scaling and root planing in Oakland, NJ, as well as other advanced periodontal treatments available at our practice, contact Laser Dentistry of North Jersey today. Our experienced team looks forward to meeting with you and helping you achieve excellent oral health through comprehensive, modern dentistry approaches.
We’re committed to providing clear explanations of all procedures and working with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.
