When you see your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning, although it might seem like a simple visit, there are actually quite a few things on the docket. Your dentist needs to inspect your mouth for any signs of problems, remove built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth, and ultimately ensure that your mouth is healthy and beautiful until the next visit. This routine also includes taking X-rays, and while some patients wonder why this step is necessary, it’s important to realize the vital role that it plays in preventive dentistry. Here’s more about how X-ray images can help your dentist provide you with the best possible oral care.

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide—in fact, research estimates that over half of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of the disease. It can cause a pretty significant amount of discomfort, but if left untreated, it has the potential to completely obliterate your oral health! Fortunately, it can be addressed with the help of your trusted dentist and a revolutionary, effective approach: laser therapy. Continue reading to learn more about why dentists these days are turning toward lasers to address gum disease.