Gum disease affects millions of Americans, yet many people don’t realize they have it until the condition has progressed significantly. Advanced periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, bone deterioration, and serious health complications if left untreated. Traditional treatments often involve lengthy procedures and extended healing periods, leaving patients searching for more comfortable alternatives.
At Atlas Dental Specialists, we offer cutting-edge laser therapy treatments for periodontal disease right here in Pittsburgh. Our recently certified hygienists use state-of-the-art laser technology to provide minimally invasive, highly effective gum disease treatments that can help restore your gums to health.
How Laser Therapy Treats Periodontal Disease
Laser therapy represents a breakthrough in periodontal treatment, offering a gentle yet powerful approach to combating gum disease. Our hygienists use focused laser energy to target and eliminate harmful bacteria deep within the gums without damaging healthy tissue. This precision allows for more thorough cleaning while minimizing discomfort and reducing healing time.
The laser works by creating controlled energy that penetrates below the gum line, reaching areas traditional cleaning methods often miss. This targeted approach helps eliminate the bacteria causing infection and inflammation. Unlike conventional treatments that may require multiple visits and extensive recovery periods, laser therapy can often provide immediate results with minimal downtime.
Our team recently completed comprehensive certification training, ensuring every hygienist at our practice can deliver this advanced treatment safely and effectively. This means you can receive consistent, high-quality laser therapy regardless of which team member performs your treatment.
Types of Laser Treatments We Offer
We provide three distinct laser therapy options, each designed to address specific periodontal conditions and patient needs.
Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR)
Laser Bacterial Reduction represents our most comprehensive preventive treatment, targeting bacteria throughout your entire mouth. During this procedure, we use gentle laser energy to reduce bacterial levels from billions to hundreds, creating an environment where your gums can heal naturally. The treatment takes less than two minutes and can be completed at the beginning of your regular hygiene appointment.
This treatment involves carefully guiding the laser tip parallel to your teeth, sweeping along the gum line to reach bacteria hiding in pockets. The effects typically last between six weeks and three months, depending on your home care routine. Many patients notice improved gum health and reduced inflammation within days of treatment.
Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)
For more advanced gum disease, we offer Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy, which provides deeper, more intensive treatment. This procedure targets specific areas of infection and inflammation, working to remove diseased tissue and promote healthy gum regeneration. We perform LAPT after traditional scaling and root planing to maximize results.
During LAPT treatment, we carefully insert the laser tip into periodontal pockets, using controlled movements to eliminate bacteria and infected tissue. The procedure continues until we achieve what’s called a “fresh bleed,” indicating healthy tissue underneath. After treatment, we recommend avoiding flossing for approximately one week to allow proper healing, and we’ll wait four weeks before probing to assess improvement.
Laser Viral Therapy (LVT)
Our Laser Viral Therapy specifically targets oral lesions, including cold sores and canker sores. This treatment uses controlled laser energy applied from a safe distance to reduce healing time and minimize discomfort. The laser helps disrupt viral activity while promoting faster tissue recovery.
During LVT treatment, we position the laser several millimeters from the affected area, using circular or crosshatch movements to deliver therapeutic energy. We monitor your comfort level throughout the procedure, adjusting the laser settings as needed. Most patients report immediate relief, with continued improvement over the following days.
Benefits of Choosing Laser Therapy
Laser therapy offers numerous advantages over traditional periodontal treatments. Most patients experience significantly less discomfort during and after treatment, with many describing the sensation as simply warm or tingly. The precision of laser technology means we can target problem areas without affecting healthy tissue, leading to faster healing and better outcomes.
Recovery time is typically much shorter with laser therapy compared to conventional treatments. Many patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment, though we may recommend specific care instructions depending on the procedure performed. The reduced trauma to tissues means less post-treatment pain and swelling.
Additionally, laser therapy can often achieve results that would traditionally require multiple appointments in just one visit. This efficiency saves you time while providing superior care. The treatment also stimulates your body’s natural healing response, promoting better long-term gum health.
Why Choose Atlas Dental Specialists for Laser Therapy
At Atlas Dental Specialists, we believe in staying at the forefront of dental technology to provide our patients with the best possible care. Our recent investment in laser therapy training and certification demonstrates our commitment to offering the most advanced treatments available. All of our hygienists have completed extensive training, ensuring consistent, professional care regardless of who performs your treatment.
Our prosthodontists work closely with our hygienists to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. This collaborative approach ensures that your laser therapy integrates seamlessly with any other treatments you may need, from dental implants to cosmetic procedures.
We also understand that dental treatment can be financially challenging, which is why we accept various insurance plans and offer flexible payment options. Our goal is to make advanced periodontal care accessible to all Pittsburgh area residents who need it.
Experience Advanced Laser Therapy at Atlas Dental Specialists
Don’t let periodontal disease compromise your oral health and overall well-being. Our newly certified hygienists are ready to provide you with the most advanced laser therapy treatments available in Pittsburgh. With our state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive training, we can help restore your gums to health quickly and comfortably. With locations in both downtown Pittsburgh and Shadyside, we make advanced periodontal care accessible and convenient.
Atlas Dental Specialists combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to deliver exceptional results for our patients. Our team’s recent laser therapy certification adds another layer of advanced treatment options to our already comprehensive range of services. From routine cleanings to complex full-mouth reconstructions, we have the tools and training to address all your dental needs under one roof. Contact our team today to schedule your laser therapy consultation and take the first step toward healthier gums.
