Laser Treatments for Gum Disease with Green Bay, Wisconsin Dentist Dr. Craig Janssen
Randy Alvarez, host of The Wellness Hour, interviews Green Bay, Wisconsin dentist Dr. Craig Janssen.
With several years of professional expertise and extensive knowledge, Dr. Craig Janssen offers cutting edge laser gum surgery in Green Bay, WI using the state of the art LANAP® laser protocol. For patients who need gum disease treatment, this laser surgery option is FDA approved, providing patients with a safe and minimally invasive alternative to treat periodontal disease.
What Are the Reasons Behind Gum Disease?
The health of your mouth plays a role in the health of your entire body, so any signs of gum disease need to be taken seriously. Bleeding gums are one of the symptoms of gum disease and can be a sign that your gums have become inflamed or infected.
- Brushing too hard
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Improper flossing
- Infection - either tooth or gum related
What Are the Dangers Of Gum Disease?
Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for many serious health complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Premature birth or low birth-weight babies
- Stroke
- Pancreatic cancer
- Memory loss or dementia
- Diabetes
- Head and neck cancer
What Are the Stages Of Gum Disease?
The daily task of brushing and flossing your teeth has never been more important in order to avoid gum disease and reduce the risks that gum disease places on your overall health than it is today. With hundreds of bacteria that are known to cause periodontal disease present in the mouth, thorough home care habits and regular dental visits are vital to your health.It has been estimated that 75 percent of Americans have some form of gum disease. This condition can be linked to serious health complications and often causes dental problems that are avoidable.There are three main stages of gum disease:Stage 1: GingivitisGingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is caused by plaque and bacterial buildup around the gum line. If you neglect to brush or floss your teeth daily, these bacteria can grow and cause gum disease. Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums. Gums that should otherwise be pink will appear red and swollen and you might experience bleeding when you brush or floss. However, at this point, gingivitis can still be reversed since the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have not yet been affected. The gum tissues heal once the irritants have been removed from the teeth and gums, thus eliminating gingivitis.Stage 2: PeriodontitisIf gingivitis is left untreated, the condition can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have been irreversibly damaged. The spaces between your teeth and gums begin to form “pockets,” which are deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap plaque and bacteria. These deeper pockets allow plaque, bacteria, and tartar to accumulate, destroying the structures that support the teeth. Your gums may recede and form gaps between your teeth. Visiting a doctor for immediate gum disease treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and tooth loss.Stage 3: Advanced PeriodontitisIn this final stage of gum disease, periodontitis has progressed and become advanced periodontitis. Bacteria that was allowed to grow, spread, and cause destruction has destroyed the connective tissues and bone that support the teeth. The pockets that formed in the previous stage have become much deeper. Your teeth can shift or become loose. Loose teeth that move around in the mouth may affect your bite. At this stage, seeing a doctor for gum disease treatment is needed to save the teeth.The stages of gum disease are progressive and can result in eventual tooth loss if left untreated. The earlier that this disease is identified and treated, the better your chances are to keep your teeth for the rest of your life. Schedule your appointment with a doctor for gum disease detection and treatment today.
Benefits of LANAP® Laser Treatment
There are many benefits for patients who opt for the LANAP® protocol as their gum disease treatment of choice. Dr. Janssen’s patients often experience several benefits, including:
- Minimal discomfort
- Minimal bleeding and swelling
- Less recovery time
- Little to no recession resulting from treatment
- All of these benefits combine to provide each patient with a positive experience and a renewed, healthier smile.
Simple Steps of the LANAP® Protocol
This revolutionary gum disease treatment follows a series of simple steps.Pocket MeasurementThe "pockets" refer to the spaces between the teeth and gum tissue that harbor harmful bacteria. Dr. Janssen will begin by measuring the depths of these pockets.Bacteria RemovalDr. Janssen removes diseased gum tissue and kills the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.Calculus RemovalDeposits of calculus (tartar) that are harmful to teeth and gum tissue are removed from the surfaces of the teeth beneath the gum line.Clots Seal Gum TissueDr. Janssen uses the laser to stimulate the jaw bone and soft tissue and help the blood to clot, forming a seal around each tooth.Compressed Gum TissueDr. Janssen compresses the gum tissue against the surfaces of the teeth. No sutures are required.Bite AdjustmentDr. Janssen will make sure no undue pressure is put on any one tooth in the mouth, especially if there has been significant bone loss.Dr. Janssen provides LANAP® laser surgery as a gum disease treatment option because it allows him to save healthy tissue, minimizes each patient’s pain and discomfort, and allows healing to take place quickly and naturally.