Lightfoot Center for Laser Periodontics Blog

Periodontist vs Dentist: A Complete Guide

June 13, 2022

Male surgeon in scrubs stands in a dental operating room.

People of all ages are realizing the importance of dental care and scheduling visits to the dentist. Yearly dental check-ups keep your mouth healthy and prevent bacteria from spreading to your body. But sometimes you experience dental pain and you need a professional, like a periodontist. 

What is a periodontist and why would you need to see one? And, how is visiting a dentist different from seeing a periodontist?

If you’re suffering from tooth pain or other strange oral health symptoms, you might want to see a periodontist. Keep reading more about a periodontist vs dentist to find out more. 

(more…)

What Are Dental Implants? Everything You Need to Know

May 10, 2022

Woman smiling while displaying tooth implant modal.

According to research, almost 70% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. By age 50, they’ve lost about 12 teeth, and by age 74, more than 26% of adults have lost all their natural teeth. To combat this problem, many people turn to dental implants.

So, what are dental implants? They’re one of the most popular choices for tooth replacement.

If you’re considering this option, it’s important to understand what they are and what they can do for you. Read on as we discuss the basics of dental implants, including how they work and the benefits they offer.

(more…)

Save Your Smile: Understanding Treatments for Gum Disease

April 26, 2022

Healthy gums and teeth receiving a cleaning.

Almost half of American adults show signs of gum disease. It’s important to address your periodontal issues if your dentist suggests that you might have gum disease. 

Early symptoms can be reduced with a healthy oral routine, while severe symptoms might require surgery. We’re taking a look at treatments for gum disease today, exploring your options for treating severe gum disease. 

We hope the ideas below are useful to you in your search for periodontal treatment.

(more…)

7 Impressive Benefits of Laser Gum Therapy in Norwood, MA

March 2, 2022

Periodontist drawing gum disease on a virtual screen.

About 47% of adults ages 30 and up have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases with age, too. In fact, 70% of adults over the age of 65 years have gum disease. 

Gum disease could impact your smile and quality of life. In fact, you might even start losing teeth. Before that can happen, talk to your periodontist in Norwood, MA about laser gum therapy.

This form of gum disease treatment can keep your gum disease from progressing further. Instead, you can improve your dental health and smile.

(more…)

How to Find the Right Periodontist for Laser Gum Therapy: A Guide

January 25, 2022

Dentist in green scrubs, mask, and magnifying glasses, focused on treating a patient under bright dental lights. Calm, professional atmosphere.

About 47% of adults above the age of 30 have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. In the early stages, your gums can appear red and swollen. They might even bleed.

In its more advanced stages, however, your gums can pull away from your bones. You might even begin losing teeth. Periodontal disease is one of the biggest threats to oral health.

If you’ve developed periodontal disease, consider visiting a periodontist to talk about laser gum therapy. Not sure which specialist in Norwood, MA can help? Here are eight tips you can use to find the best specialist in town.

(more…)

What Is a Periodontist? A Quick Guide

December 27, 2021

Wooden blocks on a white table spell "FAQ" in bold black letters, set against a blurred background with a calm and informative tone.

When we have issues with our teeth, we head to the dentist to get things taken care of. However, sometimes our teeth aren’t the problem, it’s our gums. 

If this is the case, going to the dentist isn’t the best option. Instead, a better choice is to plan a visit to your local periodontist. 

Are you interested in learning more about what a periodontist is and how they can help you with your oral health? Keep reading!

(more…)

A Complete Guide to Laser Gum Therapy

November 30, 2021

Periodontal probe for measuring pocket depths.

Did you know that more than 47% of people over the age of thirty have some form of gum disease? Gum disease is no laughing matter, especially since it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition, as well as tooth loss. There are many ways to prevent gum disease, but what should you do if you are already suffering from the condition?

Luckily, there are several treatment options available, including laser gum therapy. You might be wondering what laser gum therapy is, what it does, and how it works. Luckily, you’ve clicked on the right article to have all your questions answered. 

(more…)

Treatment For Gum Disease: What Needs to Be Done

October 27, 2021

Periodontist drawing gum disease on a virtual screen.

About 47.2% of adults have some form of gum disease. Plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth activate harmful bacteria that attack your gums, causing gum disease. 

If you fail to get early treatment, it can lead to tooth loss, heart disease, diabetes, and more. Your dentist will assess your gums to know the type of gum disease you have before prescribing treatment. Below is a guide to help you know the right gum disease treatment for you.

(more…)

How to Prevent Tooth Decay During the Holidays

December 19, 2017

How to prevent tooth decay during the holidays.

We all know that sugar is bad for our teeth, and it’s no secret that there is often an influx of sugary foods made available to you during the month of December because of the holidays. It seems like every Christmas cookie you see is made of pure sugar, and everyone is trying to get you to join in the festivities by offering you two or three, or four or five! While you are safe to join in the fun with moderation and good hygiene in mind, we don’t recommend cutting it too loose this holiday season!

(Read More)

The Connection between Diabetes and Gum Disease

November 16, 2017

Connection between diabetes and gum disease.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month to bring attention to the disease and the millions of people affected by it. We’d like to join this effort from the perspective of your oral health.

Like other diseases linked to periodontitis, diabetes is both a cause and effect of gum disease. This bi-directional relationship presents a tricky approach to the treatment options available to those patients suffering from both. However, hope is not lost. There are things you can do to prevent them, and modern advancements in periodontal care have made it much easier to treat severe cases of gum disease more effectively, and with less pain.

(more…)