Laser Periodontal Therapy
Unique laser technology designed to repair and heal gum disease fast and with less pain.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease begins when a film called plaque accumulates on the teeth. Certain strains of bacteria that live in this plaque damages the gum tissue and bone. Your body tries to fight this infection with an inflammatory response, sending white blood cells to the area to destroy the bacteria. This inflammation causes the tissue to bleed easily when you brush or floss. This stage of the condition is called gingivitis.
If the infection and inflammation persist, what results is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the gums and bone around the teeth are slowly destroyed, many times with no awareness or symptoms. At this stage, it is called periodontitis, or gum disease.
The biggest risk factors are ineffective home care, smoking, genetics, and diabetes. Periodontitis has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease, high blood sugars, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and other serious medical conditions. In short, healthy gums are the gateway to a healthier body.
Options and Alternatives
Gingivitis can be reversed with regular professional cleanings, excellent home care, and daily flossing. It is also important to eat healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. These types of foods have important antioxidants and phytonutrients your body needs to remain healthy.
Once your condition has progressed to periodontitis, surgical intervention is often necessary to eliminate the deep pockets which develop between the teeth and gums. If these pockets persist, they become "privileged sites" for bacteria to organize even more colonies.
Laser Periodontal Therapy, also called LPT, is a progressive technique using specialized lasers to destroy the aggressive bacteria which cause disease and alter the tissue so that it can heal. The use of the laser is less invasive than traditional surgery and results in a much faster and less painful recovery.
How it works
A. Depth of pocket is measured under anesthesia
B. Laser selectively removes diseased pocket lining
C. Ultrasonic instruments and laser cleans root surfaces
D. Laser disinfects pocket and seals the wound
E. Tissue is compressed against the tooth
F. Bite is adjusted if necessary
G. Healing results in new attachment
Your Surgical Visits
We treat one half of the mouth at a time. The surgical visits are made one to two weeks apart and each visit will take 2-3 hours. The pockets are re-measured while you are numb to allow for more accurate measurements without causing discomfort.
A first pass is made with the laser, giving the doctor access to the depth of the pockets and allowing better visualization of the roots of the teeth. The teeth are then cleaned thoroughly using special laser tips and ultrasonic instruments, which have tips that vibrate very quickly, loosening up any deposits on the teeth and flushing them away with an irrigating solution.
A second pass is made with the laser, disinfecting the pockets and sealing them through the formation of a stable blood clot. A bite adjustment is completed if necessary.
The First Few Days
Most patients experience mild discomfort of the treated areas for the first few days. The tissue will appear discolored around the teeth, similar to a scab. It is crucial not to brush or pick this away, as this fibrin barrier is what allows the gums underneath to begin creating a new attachment to the teeth.
It is very important to follow the liquid/soft food diet recommendations during this time to ensure a stable environment for the healing of your tissues.
Continuing Follow-Up Care
As the gums heal, the teeth may shift, and your bite may need to be further adjusted. If an occlusal guard is recommended following surgery, impressions will be made of your teeth, and splints will be fabricated to stabilize the teeth while you sleep. It is important to wear these splints, as many people tend to clench their teeth during sleep. This clenching can produce damaging forces which can delay or prevent healing.
Professional cleanings in our office are recommended every three months for the first year, and a re-evaluation of your condition will be done at the one-year visit, which will include periodontal data collection and new xrays . Most patients with gum disease remain at risk for the rest of their lives and will benefit from having their teeth cleaned every three months indefinitely.
How much does it cost?
The cost of your treatment will depend upon the severity and complexity of your condition. At your initial evaluation, we can identify these factors, and give you an estimate of what your costs would be and how much insurance may cover.