Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy

Laser-Assisted Periodontal therapy is an innovative method of care for the treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is one of the most common diseases to afflict the human body, the incidence increasing with aging. Evidence continues to mount that connects the presence of periodontal disease with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and difficulties controlling diabetic sugar levels.

Our practice has been utilizing a dental laser in the treatment of active periodontal disease for some time. Traditional treatment of deep periodontal pockets has always consisted of deep scaling and root planing, usually requiring local anesthetic injections. Positive results from that traditional treatment have always been somewhat tenuous and hard to maintain. Often, more invasive surgical procedures by a periodontal specialist were necessary, which often results in gum recession and root sensitivity.

Now with the advent of the laser, closure of the periodontal pockets has become easier to attain because the laser energy actually stimulates the growth of cells that are needed to regenerate the original attachment of the teeth to the bone and gum tissues. Patients have found this treatment to be much easier to tolerate than the traditional treatment and it is performed in ONE VISIT. Most importantly, results have been remarkable in many cases. Never before have such improvements been achieved and maintained. In many cases, follow-up surgery can be avoided.

Antibiotics can be placed below gumline in deeper pockets to treat periodontal disease. Control of this chronic disease is an important component of maintaining good health as we age.