Periodontal Disease

Burns Dentistry Brings New Laser Technology to the Valley
Often undiagnosed, the majority of Americans suffer from some form of periodontal (gum) disease. Although mouth-borne, this disease affects organs throughout your body and is now being linked to such disorders as low birth-weight babies, heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Traditionally fought with painful “deep scaling,” the newest Laser Therapy technology at Burns Dentistry means you may never have to see scraping instruments again. Always on the leading edge of providing the finest dental care for their patients, Burns Dentistry recently became one of the few Valley dental offices to provide this state-of-the-art technology.

A flexible optical fiber is used to emit laser energy to destroy bacteria, remove infection and eliminate bleeding. Some of our patients are already experiencing how great the benefits of Laser Therapy can be. Most report feeling nothing more than the touch of the instrument and an occasional slight sensation of warmth. However, the patient comment heard most often is that they love the fact that anesthetic is no longer necessary.

Normal scaling or cleaning leaves the pocket clean and bacteria free for 12-24 hours. However, the laser creates a medium where the pocket can stay bacteria free for up to 60 days! This gives the body plenty of time to heal.

Stage 1- Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are characterized by the following features:

• pink color, (normal variations in color depend on race and complexion)
• firm, resilient tissues
• shape that follows the contour of the teeth and forms a scalloped edge
• no areas of redness, swelling or inflammation
• no bleeding during daily brushing and plaque removal
• no discomfort

Stage 2- Gingivitis
Bacterial plaque collects on the teeth at the gum line. Eventually the gums become red and inflamed. As the inflamation  progres, the gums  become red, puffy and bleed easily. 

Stage 3- Early Periodontitis  
If the inflammation continues for a long period of time, the gums will eventually pull away from the teeth forming a deep pocket or gum crevice. These pockets become filled with bacterial plaque and hard deposits, and bone is lost. The infection at this stage, is usually painless although pus may be present. The bone is damaged and begins to deteriorate. 

Stage 4- Moderate Periodontitis
Over time, the infection spreads and becomes more severe. This process results in bone loss, the teeth shift and start to become loose.

Stage 5- Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Bone loss is severe and there are gum abscesses. The infection is severe and painful.