When your gums bleed every time you brush, or that persistent bad breath won't go away no matter what mouthwash you try, your mouth is trying to tell you something important. These aren't just inconveniences; they're early warnings that bacteria are quietly destroying the foundation that keeps your teeth secure.

At Red Rose Dentistry in Brookfield, Dr. Emily Eckdahl uses advanced Picasso Laser technology to treat gum disease without the cutting, stitching, and weeks of recovery that traditional surgery requires. Most patients return to their normal routines the next day; many tell us they wish they'd addressed their concerns sooner.

What You Need to Know About Laser Treatment

If you're considering laser therapy for gum disease, here's what matters most:

• Treatment time: Usually completed at your routine visit or can be a second visit. Treatment time is about 10 min
• Recovery: Zero Downtime
• Technology: FDA-approved Picasso Laser targets only diseased tissue
• Success rate: Over 95% of patients see significant improvement
• No cutting or stitches: The laser seals as it treats
• Insurance coverage: Some plans cover periodontal therapy. Max out of pocket is $80 a treatment
• Maintenance: Regular cleanings every 3-4 months initially

How Laser Treatment Works Differently

Traditional gum surgery works like renovation with a sledgehammer—cutting through healthy tissue to reach infected areas, then stitching everything back together. You're looking at weeks of soft foods, pain medication, and time away from your normal activities while your mouth heals.

Laser therapy is more like precision surgery with a scalpel made of light. It targets only the diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy structures completely untouched; the focused energy sterilizes infected pockets and actually stimulates your body's natural healing response, encouraging healthy tissue to reattach to your tooth roots.

Here's what this means for you:

• No cutting: The laser accesses infected areas without incisions
• No stitches: Treatment sites seal naturally—no follow-up removal appointments
• Back to work tomorrow: Most patients resume normal activities within 24-48 hours
• Minimal discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically sufficient
• Better results: Precision targeting often achieves superior outcomes compared to traditional surgery

Are You a Good Candidate for Laser Treatment?

Most patients with gum disease qualify for laser therapy, regardless of age or how advanced their condition has become. Unlike traditional surgery that requires extensive healing capacity, laser treatment works with your body's natural processes rather than against them.

You're likely a good candidate if you have:

• Early to moderate gum disease: Bleeding, swelling, or pocket depths of 4mm or greater
• Medical conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, or blood thinners (with proper management)
• Previous treatment challenges: Traditional therapy that didn't achieve the results you hoped for
• Busy lifestyle: Limited time for extended recovery periods
• Treatment anxiety: Concerns about traditional surgical procedures

During your consultation, Dr. Eckdahl evaluates your specific situation using advanced diagnostic technology to determine if laser therapy is your best option. Even patients who've been told they need extensive surgery often discover that laser treatment can achieve their goals with far less intervention.

Gum Disease Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Gum disease progresses silently, not unlike termites in your home's foundation. By the time you notice obvious symptoms, significant damage may have already occurred to the bone supporting your teeth. The key is recognizing early warning signs—pain often comes too late.

Schedule an evaluation if you're experiencing:

• Persistent bad breath: That metallic taste that doesn't improve with brushing or mouthwash
• Bleeding gums: Pink in the sink when you brush, or blood on your floss
• Gum recession: Teeth that look longer or roots becoming visible
• Loose teeth: Shifting, mobility, or changes in how your bite feels
• Food trapping: Spaces between teeth and gums where debris gets stuck
• Pus or discharge: White or yellow fluid around your gum line
• Temperature sensitivity: Sharp pain when drinking cold beverages

During your evaluation, we use digital radiography and intraoral cameras to measure pocket depths around each tooth. Measurements of 4mm or greater indicate bacterial colonization that requires professional intervention; waiting only makes treatment more complex and expensive.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

Many patients expect periodontal treatment to be intensely uncomfortable based on stories about traditional surgery. We understand those concerns—Dr. Eckdahl has heard them from countless families over the years. Laser therapy feels nothing like conventional approaches.

You'll experience a gentle warming sensation as the laser works; local anesthesia is not even needed for this procedure and the treatment is done in conjunction with your routine prophy or perio maintenance visit. The laser helps to decontaminate the pockets where inflammation occur by breaking apart the bacteria cells with heat and specific wavelengths. Our hand instruments can not ensure we have removed all the gum disease causing bacteria, but by following up with the laser, we have greater confidence in the process. 

Your recovery timeline typically looks like this:

1. Day 1: Most patients have minimal soreness and can return to normal activities. Thorough attention to home care is critical
2. Week 1: Noticeable healing with improved gum appearance and reduced bleeding
3. Weeks 2-4: Significant pocket depth reduction and tissue reattachment
4. Months 1-3: Continued regeneration and stabilization

Treatment Approaches for Different Stages

The stage of your gum disease determines our laser treatment approach, but early intervention always produces better outcomes with less extensive therapy. Think of it like addressing a small leak in your roof versus waiting until water damage spreads throughout your home.

Early Gingivitis

Gum inflammation without bone loss—your body's early warning system working exactly as it should. Laser therapy eliminates bacteria and reduces inflammation quickly; this stage often reverses completely when combined with improved home care.

Moderate Periodontitis

Bacteria have colonized deeper pockets and begun destroying bone. Laser treatment disinfects these areas while stimulating regeneration of healthy attachment.

Advanced Periodontitis

Substantial bone loss and deep pocket formation present more complex challenges. While treatment requires more time and attention, laser therapy in conjunction with deeper cleaning procedures can lead to greater outcomes.

Insurance and Investment in Your Health

Many insurance plans cover laser periodontal therapy when medically necessary. Our team verifies your benefits and provides detailed coverage breakdowns before treatment begins, so you understand your financial responsibility upfront—no surprises.

Consider the long-term value: addressing gum disease now helps you avoid more extensive and expensive treatments later, including tooth replacement procedures that cost significantly more than preventive intervention. It's an investment in keeping your natural teeth for life.

Questions Patients Ask About Laser Treatment

How long does laser periodontal treatment take?

Treatment time depends on the extent of your gum disease. Most patients complete their therapy in 1-2 appointments, with each session only adding about 10 min to the appointment length. This is significantly less time than traditional surgery, which often requires multiple procedures spread over several months.

Is laser treatment safe?

Laser periodontal therapy is FDA-approved and has been used safely for over two decades. The Picasso Laser we use is specifically designed for soft tissue procedures and includes safety features that prevent damage to healthy structures. Dr. Eckdahl has extensive training in laser dentistry techniques and stays current with the latest advances.

Will my insurance cover laser treatment?

Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal therapy when medically necessary, regardless of the technique used. We're in-network with Delta Dental Premier and United Concordia, and we submit claims to virtually all insurance providers. Our team will verify your specific benefits before treatment.

Can laser treatment save teeth that are loose?

In many cases, yes. Laser therapy removes the bacteria causing bone loss and stimulates regeneration of the supporting structures. While severely compromised teeth may still require extraction, we've helped many patients avoid tooth loss through early laser intervention—it's one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do.

How do I maintain results after treatment?

Success depends on consistent home care and regular professional maintenance. We'll provide specific instructions for brushing, flossing, and using antimicrobial rinses. Most patients need professional cleanings every 3-4 months initially, then may return to standard 6-month intervals once their condition stabilizes.

What happens if I don't treat my gum disease?

Untreated gum disease progressively destroys the bone and ligaments supporting your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. The bacteria also enter your bloodstream, potentially contributing to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic health problems. Early treatment prevents these serious consequences and protects your overall health.

Your Next Step Toward Healthier Gums

Gum disease doesn't improve on its own—it only progresses and becomes more expensive to treat. The bacteria destroying your gums and bone won't stop because you're hoping the problem will go away.

Dr. Eckdahl offers complimentary consultations to evaluate your periodontal health and discuss treatment options that fit your needs and lifestyle. During your first visit, we'll address your concerns and develop a customized plan to restore your oral health with maximum comfort—because exceptional dental care rooted in love means treating each patient as we would our own family.

Contact Red Rose Dentistry today at 262-860-1500.

You can also email us at office@redrosedentistry.com to schedule your consultation.

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