What Is Laser Sulcular Debridement and Who Might Need It?

The tools used in dentistry and periodontal work become more and more sophisticated every year. One of the best tools we offer here at Ueno Center Dental Specialists is laser sulcular debridement, which can help manage ongoing periodontal issues in a nonsurgical, pain-free way. 

Jeremy K. Ueno, DMD, and the rest of our team, works hard to offer you the best options for your treatment. Laser sulcular debridement is effective in certain situations to help you avoid the consequences of gum disease and keep your mouth healthier for longer periods of time.  

Laser sulcular debridement: What it is and how it works 

Laser sulcular debridement is a fairly recent innovation in dentistry, though this process has been performed for a long time as a surgical procedure. Laser debridement is an effective alternative to surgical debridement for many reasons. 

It’s less invasive and more accurate, requires less recovery time, and is better tolerated. 

This treatment uses a highly advanced laser to clear away the diseased tissue in the pockets that form between your teeth and gums as a result of periodontal disease. The laser can also clear away bacteria, helping to protect your gums from further erosion or disease. 

A dental hygienist usually performs the procedure. The laser fiber is very small and fits between the gum line and the tooth in the pockets that form there as a result of gum disease. The hygienist uses the laser to clear out the bacteria — and sometimes dead tissue — in these hard-to-reach places.   

A good candidate for laser sulcular debridement 

Anyone who’s undergone treatment for periodontal disease might be a good candidate for laser sulcular debridement. At any level of gum disease, it’s likely that you have some type of inflammation caused by bacteria. This procedure can help with it.

At low levels of gum disease, such as gingivitis, the procedure removes bacteria and minimizes swelling in the gums. 

With more severe disease, such as periodontitis, the procedure works to remove infected gum tissue and avoid further infection in the deep pockets that have likely already formed in your gums. 

Most people are good candidates for this procedure after being treated for periodontal disease. Whatever the case, laser sulcular debridement is a noninvasive procedure that we can usually add on to the treatment of periodontal disease as both a healing and preventive step. 

Frequency of treatment 

This depends on the severity of your gum disease. Some patients may need this procedure once every couple of months while others may only need it once a year. 

If you have any level of gum disease, you may need this procedure more than once to prevent further issues, but you can discuss the frequency of treatment with a member of our team.

Do I need laser sulcular debridement?

If you have some level of gum disease — even if it’s mild — this treatment could allow you to prevent worsening gum disease and manage the issues you’re experiencing now. 

Laser sulcular debridement is well-tolerated and doesn’t require intensive recovery, making it a good way to heal and prevent worsening issues.

To learn more, call us at our Campbell, California, office. You can also book an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you.