Laser Periodontal Therapy

Laser Periodontal Therapy

What is Laser Periodontal Therapy?

Laser Periodontal Therapy (LPT) is a breakthrough in the treatment of gum disease just as LASIK was for ophthalmology. LPT takes some of the most effective treatment techniques that have been used for many years and enhances them with the conservative use of a specialized laser. This very special combination of treatments has proven to be as effective as surgery for the treatment of periodontal disease, with no cutting or suturing involved. In addition to the benefits of gum treatment, Laser Periodontal Therapy is used to take the sting out of painful aphthous ulcers, and to perform frenectomy and gingivectomy procedures. Thus, Laser Periodontal Therapy is an FDA-approved procedure for the treatment of periodontal disease and bone regeneration.

How is LPT Used to Treat Gum Disease?

In the United States, approximately two thirds of the population has some degree of gum disease, yet statistics show that fewer than 3% have treatment. LPT can help eliminate infection and heal diseased gum tissue which, if left untreated, can lead to early tooth loss. Research suggests that dental infections left unattended may also be associated with the hardening of the arteries, heart attack, stroke and premature births. Although there are many factors that prevent patients from having recommended treatment, Laser Periodontal Therapy is a non-surgical approach to treating gum disease, which often puts our patients’ minds at ease. Dental professionals and patients alike agree that LPT is a very effective treatment, and it is far less invasive and therefore much more comfortable than traditional periodontal surgery.

How Does LPT Work?

We use Laser Periodontal Therapy in order to preserve as much of the healthy gum tissue as possible, maintain the height of the gums around the teeth, and minimize discomfort to our patient. There's much less discomfort with LPT than with standard surgery, both during and after the procedure, which also takes less time than traditional surgery. Typical treatments proceed over two, 2-hour visits to the dentist, and two follow-up visits. Traditional surgery requires four sessions of about one hour each, with subsequent visits for suture removal and additional check-ups.

Also, with LPT, a general anesthetic isn't necessary, because LPT is much less traumatic. A tiny laser tip (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum, and the infection is cleared away. LPT is fast!! Your dentist will treat one half of your mouth at each session and with a typical recovery time being less than 24 hours, you'll probably feel good enough to go right back to work afterwards.

In conclusion, the many benefits of this newly discovered technique far outweigh the pain and long recovery time of traditional periodontal surgeries. As compared to surgery, Laser Periodontal Therapy offers the following benefits including:

  • Faster healing or recovery time
  • Minimal post-op discomfort-usually pain can be managed with over the counter pain medications.
  • Less bleeding than with surgical procedure
  • Less time spent in the dental chair than traditional surgery.
  • Reduced risk of infection - laser virtually sterilizes periodontal pocket.
  • Decreased sensitivity.

Laser Periodontal Therapy for General & Periodontal Practices 

Treatment Procedure:

A. Perio probe indicates excessive pocket depth.
B. Laser light removes bacteria and diseased tissue.
C. Ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments are used to remove root surface tarter.   
D. Laser finishes cleaning pocket and aids in sealing the pocket closed so new germs cannot enter.   
E. Healing of gums to clean root surface occurs.
F. Bite trauma is adjusted.
G. Healing occurs.



 

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