According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 42% of American adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and nearly 8% have severe periodontal disease. Gum disease begins with inflammation, but as it progresses, it can damage the structures that support your teeth. Bacteria collect in the pockets between your teeth and eventually, untreated periodontal disease can loosen teeth and lead to tooth loss. At Sunshine Dental in Albuquerque, NM, Dr. Lilian Jaime uses laser gum disease treatment to help patients manage periodontal disease and protect their natural teeth. Her Waterlase system provides a way to treat diseased gum tissue with a focused laser, giving her another tool to address infection and inflammation. With decades of clinical experience and sophisticated technology at her fingertips, Dr. Jaime brings skill, compassion, and advanced treatment capabilities to a disease that affects millions of Americans.
How Does Laser Gum Disease Treatment Work?
Waterlase uses a combination of laser energy and water to treat tissue affected by gum disease. The science behind it is interesting because water is actually what makes the laser effective. Our gums naturally contain water, which absorbs the laser’s energy when Dr. Jaime directs it toward the treatment area. The energy causes tiny amounts of tissue to break down and vaporize in a process called ablation. A separate spray of water cools and rinses the area throughout the procedure.
Dr. Jaime controls the laser through a small tip, which helps her work in the narrow spaces between your teeth and gums. Periodontal disease can create deep pockets in these areas, where bacteria accumulate, and the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed. Waterlase gives her a way to remove affected tissue with control, helping create healthier conditions for the gums to heal.
The laser can also assist with treating contaminated root surfaces, but removing hardened plaque and tartar may still require conventional dental instruments. Dr. Jaime uses the technology as part of periodontal care, selecting the techniques needed to address the disease while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
What Happens During Laser Gum Disease Treatment?
Before we begin treatment, we need to find out how advanced your gum disease is. Dr. Jaime checks for inflammation and may take X-rays to see whether you’ve lost any supporting bone. We want you to see what we’re seeing and understand what’s happening with your gums. Gum disease can progress for years without causing much pain, even as the bone holding your teeth in place deteriorates.
Once we know what we’re dealing with, we can begin addressing the infection. Nonsurgical periodontal treatment removes plaque and tartar from beneath your gums, and Dr. Jaime uses Waterlase to treat diseased tissue within the periodontal pockets. We can also numb the area with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
Our work doesn’t end when the treatment is finished. We check how your gums are healing, look for areas that still need attention, and work with you to improve your brushing, flossing, and Waterpik routine. We want you to have healthy gums, but we also want you to know how to keep them healthy!
Take Control of Gum Disease in Albuquerque, NM
Your gums do a lot of work supporting your smile, but it’s easy to overlook them until something feels wrong. At Sunshine Dental, we want to catch problems before they cost you teeth. Dr. Jaime brings years of experience, advanced Waterlase technology, and a genuine commitment to helping you understand your oral health.
If your gums bleed, feel tender, or haven’t been checked in a while, come see us. Contact Sunshine Dental in Albuquerque, NM, to schedule your periodontal evaluation and find out if laser gum disease treatment is right for you.
