Dr. French keeps his patients well informed and protected against tooth decay and periodontal disease, but he knows that periodontal disease is still the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. The American Dental Hygienist’s Association reports that an estimated 75% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease. Dr. French recommends regular checkups every six months.
Periodontal disease begins with simple plaque buildup on your teeth and eventually allows bacteria-filled tartar to infect gums. Signs of gingivitis, include red swollen gums that bleed easily, bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, forming infected pockets around teeth and separating them from the gums and surrounding bone.
In the past, the only option was gum surgery, but modern dental technology allows Dr. French to treat periodontal disease without a scalpel or sutures. He provides non-surgical periodontal treatment using the Luxar CO2laser and Millennium Dental’s Nd Yag laser. This minimally invasive procedure gets rid of the infection and closes up pockets around teeth.
Laser Periodontal TherapyTM (LPT) is about as easy as erasing a blackboard — there’s no cutting and no suturing. The many advantages of treating periodontal disease with LPT include:
Our goal is to keep every patient comfortable while providing the best possible care, keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your lifetime. To learn more, fill out the dentist appointment form or call Arlington dentist Ted French at (817) 461-2843.