So you’ve read about the ways our board-certified periodontists can treat gum disease without surgery! You’re intrigued by the prospect of restoring your gum health without the aid of a scalpel. After all, don’t most dental treatments involve that special tool?
While traditional periodontal surgeical procedures may involve a scalpel, our peridontists also look to use advanced, modern techniques, such as Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or LANAP.
This is the first and only FDA-approved procedure for treatment aggressive forms of periodontal disease.
But how exactly does it work? Let’s explore!
Is laser gum treatment necessary?
Once periodontal disease has progressed to the second and third stages (periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, respectively), the damage caused is irreversible by brushing and flossing alone.
At this point, the gums are infected and gaping pockets have formed between the gums, the jaw bone and the tooth roots. These pockets are filled with bacteria, plaque, and debris, and they’re impossible to reach with your toothbrush. This is when laser periodontal therapy and similar procedures are necessary for removing the infected area of the gums and treating gum disease.
How does laser periodontal therapy work?
Laser periodontal therapy works in conjunction with scaling and root planing. Using a special dental laser, our periodontists are able to target the infected, inflamed areas of the gum and remove them. (Not all dental lasers have the same function! There are various dental lasers available to treat different dental concerns.) This specific laser allows for great precision and accuracy in targeting infected areas around the roots of the teeth. We use this laser to kill the bacteria in the gums that’s causing and perpetuating the infection as well as removing the already-infected tissues. Once we remove all infected tissue and the roots of the teeth are exposed, we begin the scaling procedure.
How does the scaling procedure work?
The scaling and root planing procedure is how we treat and thoroughly clean the remaining tooth roots and gum tissues that are susceptible to infection. With the tooth roots exposed, we use specialized tools to remove built-up plaque, bacteria and tartar from the exposed root surfaces, the crowns and the gums. Completing this scaling procedure during periodontal laser therapy allows us to eradicate all of the previously infected periodontal tissue to perform a deep cleaning on the remaining roots and tissues.
<h2> What are the benefits of laser periodontal therapy?
This treatment against gum disease is not nearly as invasive as a typical oral surgery. Without the need to cut through tissues, there’s significantly less bleeding following laser therapy.
The use of lasers also reduces the amount of swelling and pain stemming from the removal of infected gums.
Removing the damaged tissues, residual bacteria and tartar allows the remaining periodontal tissues to regenerate between the gum and the tooth roots once they’re back intact.
Receive advanced laser periodontal therapy with Dr. Stilley at PHC!
Laser periodontal therapy is an modern, non-surgical treatment for those with advanced forms of periodontal disease. We’re proud to have doctors in Tampa and New Port Richey who are trained and certified in laser gum surgery and board-certified in periodontics – the treatment of gum disease.
If you have periodontal disease, it’s important that you begin treatment with a qualified periodontist as soon as possible. Our perio experts are dedicated to salvaging as much gum tissue and bone as possible throughout your treatment. And depending on your unique case, we have highly effective, non-surgical treatment options available to you!
PHC has been providing advanced periodontal care in the Tampa Bay area since 1977. If you have symptoms of periodontal disease or your general dentist referred you to us, you can rest assured your gums are in expert hands! At your first visit, one of our experienced periodontists (Dr. Stilley, Dr. Medina, or Dr. Mashkouri) will examine the condition and health of your gums and discuss your treatment options to help you make the best decision for your health.
Request an appointment today!
