Laser Periodontal Therapy

Conquering and preventing gum disease (Periodontal disease) is easier now than ever before with the Periolase and Laser Periodontal therapy.

Today's Dentistry now offers Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). LANAP performed with the Periolase laser, is an alternative to traditional painful periodontal surgery. Neither scalpel and nor stitches are used.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of your gums. Newly published research has cited a link between periodontal disease and heart disease, respiratory disease, and premature low birth-weight babies. The question is, with all that is available to prevent gum disease, "Why do approximately 80% of American adults have it?" The answer is that many people do not realize they have gum disease because it doesn't hurt in the early to moderate disease phases.

Traditional treatment involves using sharp instruments to scrape the tartar from the root surfaces (scaling and root planing), allowing the gum tissue to reattach to the roots. However, when the disease progresses to a point where scaling and root planing would not be effective, gum surgery is indicated. With traditional periodontal surgery, the gum tissue is cut with a scalpel and pushed aside. The roots and bone are cleared of deposits and smoothed. Then the gum tissue is replaced and stitches are used while the gum heals, often resulting in long exposed roots that are sensitive, unsightly, and vulnerable to decay.

We use a new procedure to treat gum disease without cutting your gums and using stitches. It is called Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure or LANAP for short. LANAP can accomplish the healing of your diseased periodontal tissue by using the only FDA approved laser treatment protocol.

How LANAP with the Periolase works.

After your teeth and gums are totally numb (and do not forget that Medicated Relaxation is available at our office for those that are anxious in a dental chair) a small laser fiber approximately the diameter of a paper clip is inserted into the space between your tooth and gums. The energy from this laser light kills the bacteria that are causing your gum disease and selectively removes just the diseased tissue, leaving behind the healthy gum tissue. Then an ultrasonic cleaning instrument is used to remove the tartar from the root and tooth surfaces, washing away the debris with a steady flow of medicated solution. Finally, the laser is again passed around the gum tissue to form a natural bandage around the necks of the teeth sealing them from re infection.

Sound simple? It is!

With the gum tissue completely numb, the treatment is essentially pain free as is the recovery period. In contrast, traditional periodontal surgery with the use of scalpels and sutures can often lead to a recovery period that can be quite uncomfortable. Where traditional gum surgery was indicated in just the very recent past, Periolase laser therapy is now available with less pain, quicker recovery, and less scarring. In addition, 98% of laser-treated patients do not have further disease progression after five years while it is estimated only 5% reportedly do not have further disease progression after traditional gum surgery.

For more information on Laser Periodontal Therapy, call Today's Dentistry at (541) 482-7771. If you are concerned that you might have gum disease or your dentist has told you that you need to have gum surgery, let us show you how you can regain your oral health without the pain of traditional surgery.

Laser FAQ's

Q: I have heard of other dentists using lasers to treat periodontal (gum) disease. A laser is a laser right?

A: Lasers are powerful tools that when used properly in the hands of a highly trained doctor can produce some amazing results. All lasers are different and have different functions. It’s important to know what laser can perform which procedures the best. The Periolase is a specific type of laser that targets the diseased tissue and bacteria that cause gum disease while leaving the healthy tissue intact.  It is also the only laser with a FDA APPROVED patented procedure for treating periodontal (gum) disease backed by university based research proving the results. No other laser can make these claims.  Would you want to get Lasik surgery on your eyes done with a laser without FDA approved clearance and university backed research showing it works and is safe?

Q: What is the patented procedure and why is it important?

A: The patented procedure is called LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Protocol).  When you have periodontal disease the attachment that holds your tooth to the bone is lost.  LANAP can actually re-attach the tooth to the bone and gums where it has been lost. It is important to know because the periolase and LANAP is the ONLY laser and procedure that has been proven to accomplish this.

Q: Is there any specific training needed to operate a laser?

A: Most lasers have little to no required mandatory training needed before a dentist or hygienist begins to use them. The Periolase laser is different. It requires many hours of mandatory hands-on training by a doctor before it is used in private practice. This makes the laser very safe and effective in the hands of an educated and skilled doctor.

Dr. Marut has been using lasers since 2001 and maintains an active membership in the Academy of Laser Dentistry. He has gone through extensive education, training, including hands –on supervised, and testing in the proper use of lasers.  This training allows you the most comfortable and safest experience possible.

What questions should I ask my dentist if they recommend laser treatment?

You should ask:            

1.) Is the recommended procedure approved by the FDA?

2.) Is the procedure backed by university based research showing results?

3.) How much training is mandatory before operating the laser?

4.) Are you a member of any dental laser specific organizations?

5.) Will the doctor be performing the procedure or a hygienist?