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Gum Disease in Albuquerque, NM
Gentle, Laser-Assisted Periodontal Care
- Laser tech for gentler gum disease therapy
- Less invasive care for faster recovery
- Judgment-free periodontal treatment
Gentler Gum Disease Treatment, No Judgment
Less Invasive Laser Gum Therapy
Dr. Slaman uses WaterLase and laser-assisted periodontal therapy (LAPT) to remove infected tissue and bacteria while protecting healthy gums. Compared with traditional gum surgery, laser treatment usually means less bleeding and swelling and a quicker recovery. 3D cone beam imaging shows exactly where bone loss has occurred, so he treats only the areas that need it.
Comfort at Every Step
If dental visits make you nervous, oral conscious sedation can help you relax through treatment. Dr. Slaman uses The Wand® to numb gradually and more gently than a traditional syringe. While you're here, you can settle in with a warm blanket, noise-canceling headphones, and a fresh cup of coffee.
Honest, Judgment-Free Guidance
Bleeding or receding gums are nothing to be embarrassed about, and our team won't lecture you. Dr. Slaman uses intraoral camera images to show you what's happening in your mouth. Then he explains your options so you can choose the treatment that fits your health and goals.
"The treatment is beyond compare."
After years of dental problems, this patient found an office where she felt comfortable from day one. She credits our hygiene team and personable care for keeping her coming back. We bring that same welcoming, judgment-free approach to treating gum disease.
Innovative Technology for State-of-the-Art Treatment
Our Albuquerque dental office advanced dental technology to provide effective periodontal disease diagnosis and treatment, including:
Affordable Care Is Available
We provide patients a number of options to keep their treatment affordable. We are not in-network with insurance, but will gladly provide all the documentation you need to collect reimbursement from your provider. Other ways to pay include:
CareCredit
We partner with CareCredit®, a healthcare-specific credit card. CareCredit allows qualifying patients to finance their care with a number of flexible payment plans.
In-Office Payment Plan
Dr. Slaman wants everyone to enjoy the long-term benefits of a healthy smile. Our compassionate team can work with you to determine a payment plan that suits your budget.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection in the gums. Periodontal disease is incredibly common, and the likelihood of needing treatment increases as we age.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40% of adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease. Early detection and treatment are key to controlling gum disease and protecting the health of your teeth.
Gingivitis
The early stages of periodontal disease are known as gingivitis. With the proper care, gingivitis can actually be reversed, making prompt treatment and lifestyle changes incredibly important. Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Swollen gums
- Red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
Periodontitis
Without treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis is not reversible, and can undermine your oral and overall health. Symptoms of periodontitis include those of gingivitis plus:
- Deep pockets between your gums and teeth
- Loose teeth
- Painful chewing
- Change in the function of your bite
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Even patients with otherwise outstanding oral hygiene habits who brush and floss routinely can develop periodontal disease. This underlines the importance of scheduling regular visits with Dr. Slaman every six months (or more often as needed) for routine checkups and exams. Regular checkups allow you to receive treatment in its earliest stages and can save your smile.
There are a number of contributing factors that can increase the risk of gum disease, including:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Hormonal changes, especially with pregnancy or menopause
- Obesity
- Poor nutrition
- Family history
- Medications
- Compromised immunity
- Conditions like diabetes
- Inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis
How Scaling and Root Planing Works
If you have periodontitis, scaling and root planing can help. Think of it as a deep dental cleaning. It typically goes like this:
The Importance of
At-Home Care
Though we're always here for dentist-directed treatment, we also want to stress the importance of good at-home care. It can make a world of difference for our Albuquerque gum disease patients. In fact, it can even help reverse gingivitis.
Wondering what that means? Patients should brush their teeth twice per day to keep plaque and tartar at bay. You should also floss each day, so you can remove plaque around your teeth and at the gum line. When you visit our welcoming practice, we can put together a course of action for your at-home care to help you keep gum disease under control.
