Adjunct laser upsell evaluation

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning for gum disease when pockets between gums and teeth are too deep for regular brushing to remove trapped plaque. Scaling cleans down to the bottom of the pocket before root planing smooths the root.

Laser treatment may be used as an adjunct to mechanical treatment. The periodontal consensus found laser used with mechanical care produced similar or slightly better outcomes than laser used alone.

Mechanical deep cleaning has two distinct steps: scaling removes deposits above and below the gum line, and root planing smooths root surfaces. It may need more than one visit and may require local anaesthetic.

Plaque continually forms on teeth. Brushing twice daily with a soft brush, cleaning between teeth every day, avoiding tobacco and regular dental visits help limit recurrent or worsening gum disease after deep cleaning.

Deep cleaning can cause pain for a day or two and tooth sensitivity for up to a week. Gums may swell, feel tender or bleed; medication or a mouth rinse may be prescribed to control pain, prevent infection or support healing.

Early gum disease without damage below the gum line may only need professional cleaning. When pockets are deep, plaque becomes trapped beyond the reach of brushing and scaling and root planing may be needed.

Ask whether a laser is being used alone or as an addition to mechanical cleaning. The cited consensus found no additional benefit from lasers beyond traditional periodontal surgery, while laser plus mechanical treatment outperformed laser alone only slightly or similarly.