Laser teeth cleaning refers to advanced techniques used in professional dental care, often within the context of periodontal therapy. This method utilizes focused light energy to treat gum tissue and surrounding structures, rather than simply cleaning the tooth surface. This specialized procedure is typically not part of a routine check-up, but it serves as a powerful tool in treating more serious conditions.
Understanding Standard Dental Cleaning
Routine professional dental cleaning, known as prophylaxis, focuses on removing plaque and calculus (tartar) from the visible surfaces of the teeth above the gumline. This procedure uses instruments like ultrasonic scalers and hand tools to manually scrape away deposits that regular brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. Prophylaxis is intended for individuals with generally healthy gums who do not show signs of bone loss or active periodontal disease.
When gum disease progresses, the standard treatment becomes a deep cleaning, formally called scaling and root planing (SRP). Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and inside the periodontal pockets that form as the gum tissue detaches from the tooth. Root planing then smooths the tooth root surfaces, which helps the gums reattach and prevents bacteria from easily accumulating again. SRP is the established, non-surgical treatment for chronic periodontitis.
How Laser Cleaning Works
Laser teeth cleaning, or laser-assisted periodontal therapy, uses highly focused beams of light to treat diseased gum tissue. The light energy selectively targets and vaporizes harmful bacteria and inflamed tissue within the periodontal pockets. Different types of lasers, such as Nd:YAG or Er:YAG, are used depending on the specific goal of the treatment.
This process decontaminates the area and helps create a stable clot against the tooth root, which encourages the gums to reattach. The laser’s precision minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue and results in less bleeding and swelling compared to traditional surgery. However, a scaling and root planing procedure is often still necessary to mechanically remove hardened calculus from the tooth root.
Determining Necessity: Clinical Indications
Laser cleaning is typically considered an adjunct therapy, meaning it is used in addition to standard scaling and root planing (SRP). It is generally not necessary for routine preventive cleanings in patients with healthy gums. The necessity for laser therapy is determined by the diagnosis and severity of gum disease.
The procedure becomes highly indicated for patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis, especially those with deep periodontal pockets, which are difficult to sterilize with mechanical tools alone. The laser’s ability to reduce the bacterial load and promote tissue regeneration offers a significant benefit beyond what traditional SRP can achieve. Some studies suggest that the combination of laser therapy with SRP provides longer-lasting effects in altering the subgingival microflora than SRP alone.
Laser therapy is also beneficial for patients who are apprehensive about traditional periodontal surgery or who have medical conditions that could complicate surgical treatments. The minimally invasive nature of laser treatment often leads to reduced post-treatment discomfort and faster healing times. For those with advanced disease, the laser can promote the reattachment of gum tissue to the tooth and stimulate bone regeneration.
Practical Considerations of Laser Procedures
The non-clinical factors related to laser cleaning often influence a patient’s decision to pursue the procedure. Laser-assisted periodontal therapy generally costs significantly more than a traditional deep cleaning due to the advanced technology and specialized training required. Without insurance, the cost for a full-mouth laser cleaning can range from approximately $800 to $1,600, whereas traditional SRP costs similarly per quadrant.
Insurance coverage for laser procedures varies widely, as it is often considered a premium or advanced technique. While dental insurance may cover the underlying scaling and root planing, the laser portion may not be fully covered. Furthermore, not all dental professionals are trained or equipped to perform laser dentistry, requiring patients to seek out a specialist like a periodontist.