Waterlase Gum Disease Treatment in Berwyn, IL

Serving patients in Berwyn, Cicero, Riverside, North Riverside & Lyons

Minimally Invasive Care from Our Berwyn Periodontist

Waterlase laser therapy can help ease symptoms of periodontal disease without invasive surgery. Unlike traditional periodontal surgery, Waterlase treatment is non-invasive, more effective, and more comfortable for patients.

Our Berwyn periodontist is here to help you treat gum disease. If you’re suffering from symptoms such as bleeding gums or loose teeth, contact our dental clinic in Berwyn by calling (708) 788-4444 to schedule your appointment.

Advanced Training for Complex Gum Disease Cases

Dr. Kenny Alejandro Robles completed advanced training at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation dental clinic in Los Angeles, where he developed expertise treating medically compromised patients with complex periodontal conditions. This specialized experience means Dr. Robles can safely and effectively treat gum disease in patients with underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and immune system disorders. His bilingual practice ensures clear communication throughout your treatment, with services available in both English and Spanish for patients from Berwyn, Cicero, Riverside, and Lyons.

What Is Waterlase Laser Therapy?

Waterlase is a revolutionary laser treatment for gum disease that offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. This FDA-approved technology combines laser energy with a gentle spray of water to target and remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue. The primary purpose of Waterlase is to remove diseased gum tissue and promote the regeneration of healthy tissues, offering a more comfortable alternative to traditional gum surgery. This innovative treatment is particularly effective for moderate to severe cases of periodontal disease, making it a valuable option for many patients.

Most patients suffering from gum disease can benefit from Waterlase therapy, making it an appealing option for those looking for a less invasive and more effective alternative to traditional periodontal surgery when treating gum disease. Check out these Waterlase Laser Dentistry patient testimonials from Biolase.

How Waterlase Works

The success of Waterlase treatment lies in its well-structured and systematic approach. The process includes:

Measuring the depth of periodontal pockets using a probe to assess the attachment loss, ensuring that the treatment is tailored to the specific needs of each patient
Using the laser to remove infected gum tissue and kill bacteria
Removing calculus and tartar from the root surface
Stimulating the bone and gum tissue to promote regeneration
Sealing the treated area to promote healing

Typically, each session of Waterlase lasts between one to two hours, providing thorough and precise treatment. To learn more about periodontal disease treatment, contact our Berwyn periodontist today.

The Waterlase Technology

Waterlase utilizes advanced laser technology specifically designed for periodontal therapy. This laser operates by combining laser energy with water droplets to create a precise cutting action that can target infected gum tissue while preserving the healthy tissue around it. The precision of this laser is one of the key factors that make Waterlase a minimally invasive treatment. It effectively eradicates bacteria and promotes bone and gum tissue regeneration.

The Waterlase laser offers the following benefits:

Eradicates harmful bacteria
Catalyzes the regeneration of healthy gum tissue
Creates a closed, sealed system to aid in the healing process and minimize the risk of further infection
Achieves true regeneration of periodontal tissue without traditional cutting or suturing

Benefits of Waterlase Laser Therapy

Less Pain and Discomfort

One major advantage of Waterlase is the considerable reduction in pain and discomfort during and after the procedure. Unlike traditional gum surgery, which often involves significant cutting and stitching, Waterlase offers the following benefits:

Uses a laser that emits a mild, warm sensation
Seals nerve endings, minimizing temporary discomfort
Often eliminates the need for anesthesia in minor procedures
Patients undergoing Waterlase typically report minimal pain and discomfort, both during the procedure and throughout the healing process

Faster Recovery Time

The minimal invasiveness characteristic of Waterlase enables a substantially shortened recovery period relative to traditional gum surgery. Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately or within 24 to 48 hours after the Waterlase procedure. This is a stark contrast to the extended recovery times often associated with conventional surgical procedures, which can require several days or even weeks of downtime.

The laser used in Waterlase not only treats the diseased tissue but also promotes faster healing, allowing patients to:

Get back to their normal routines with minimal disruption
Experience less pain and discomfort
Have a reduced risk of infection
Enjoy a quicker healing process

Preservation of Healthy Tissue

By preserving healthy tissue, Waterlase can:

Treat existing periodontal disease
Support the regeneration of bone and gum tissue
Minimize the need for more invasive procedures, such as soft tissue grafts
Help maintain the natural structure and function of the gums
Provide a more natural and sustainable improvement in gum health, which is essential for overall dental wellness

Possible Risks Associated with Waterlase

While Waterlase is generally safe, potential risks and considerations include:

Sensitivity: Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity.
Infection: Though rare, there is a small risk of infection.
Cost: Waterlase can be more expensive than traditional treatments.

Possible Side Effects

As with any medical procedure, Waterlase carries potential side effects, typically milder than those associated with traditional surgery. Common side effects include:

Light bleeding
Slight swelling
Soreness
Tenderness
Tooth sensitivity

These symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and proper post-operative care.

Comparing Waterlase to Traditional Gum Surgery

Invasiveness: Waterlase is less invasive, involving no cutting or stitching.
Pain and Discomfort: Patients typically experience less pain with Waterlase.
Recovery Time: Waterlase offers a faster recovery period.
Tissue Preservation: Waterlase targets only diseased tissue, preserving more healthy gum tissue.
Outcome: Waterlase promotes natural tissue regeneration, which is not a feature of traditional surgery.

Who Is a Candidate for Waterlase?

The process of determining Waterlase candidacy involves an evaluation of the stage and severity of your gum disease. Ideal candidates for Waterlase include patients who:

Are in the early to middle stages of gum disease
Have periodontal pockets up to 6mm deep
Have swollen and bleeding gums
Have loosening teeth
Have ongoing periodontal disease despite regular deep cleanings
Prefer a less invasive treatment option

Suitability for Advanced Gum Disease

Waterlase is particularly suitable for patients with moderate to severe gum disease, as it effectively treats even advanced cases. The laser therapy can penetrate deep below the gum line, reaching and regenerating bone loss up to 6mm deep. This makes Waterlase a viable option for many patients who might otherwise require more invasive treatments.

However, Waterlase may not be suitable for those with extremely advanced gum disease or those with significant gum damage beyond 6mm. In these cases, more aggressive surgical grafting may be required. Alternative treatments, such as traditional flap surgery or scaling and root planing, may be more appropriate for these patients.

Post-Treatment Laser Dentistry Care

Proper post-treatment care is vital for a seamless healing process and optimal outcomes. Patients can expect:

Mild postoperative sensitivity and soreness, which typically lasts a few days
Discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Always follow the recommended dosage and instructions on the packaging
Following a liquid diet for the first three days post-treatment, gradually transitioning to soft foods over the next few days

Patients should follow these post-treatment instructions:

Avoid brushing and flossing the treated areas for 10 to 14 days to allow the gums to heal properly
Reduce physical activity to minimize swelling and aid the healing process
Apply ice packs to the affected areas as needed
Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress

Frequently Asked Questions

Waterlase differs from traditional gum surgery by using laser energy combined with water to remove diseased tissue without harming healthy tissue, resulting in less pain and faster recovery. This makes it a less invasive and more efficient option for treating gum disease.

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Local anesthesia is used when needed to ensure a pain-free experience, though many minor procedures can be performed with little to no anesthesia due to the gentle nature of the laser.

Waterlase is effective for moderate to severe gum disease. Early stages may not require such extensive treatment and can often be managed with traditional deep cleaning procedures.

The procedure typically takes about one to two hours, depending on the severity of the periodontal disease and the number of areas being treated. In cases of severe gum disease, Dr. Robles may recommend having the procedure done every few months.

Learn More About Laser Periodontal Treatment with Dr. Robles

If you’re struggling with gum disease and want to explore Waterlase as a treatment option, contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Robles and our experienced bilingual team are here to provide you with the best care and help you achieve optimal oral health.

Contact our dental office in Berwyn today by calling (708) 788-4444. We welcome patients from Cicero, Riverside, and Lyons.