Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure
LANAP- an FDA cleared and patented laser procedure
NEW TECHNOLOGY - NEW COMFORT
What is Laser Periodontal Disease Therapy?
Laser Periodontal Therapy is a laser based technique for the treatment of periodontal disease using the Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., PerioLase Laser. Fear of periodontal treatment vanishes when patients find out no scalpel or sutures will be used. Patient friendly laser treatment allows patients to be more comfortable with the treatment they need and continue with the follow-up care that is prescribed.
Our office is one of the first in the area to offer Laser Periodontal Therapy for the treatment allows of gingivitis and/or periodontitis. Following are commonly asked question about this technology.
How does it work?
Tartar, associated with inflamed and bleeding gums, is removed from the root surface of the using teeth an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments. Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy removes a tiny amount of diseased tissue and aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.
Does this treatment cost more than traditional gum surgery?
Typically we use the same billing codes as traditional gum surgery and the laser treatment is generally no more expensive than traditional surgery. There are factors which may affect the cost, such as the severity of the periodontal disease, and how many teeth are involved. Many insurance plans pay only for a portion of this treatment. Patients should discuss their payment options with the financial coodinator. We offer Citi and Care Credit NO interest plans.
Laser Periodontal Therapy is a laser -based approach to gum disease using an Nd: YAG free running pulsed laser requiring specific knowledge and skills drawn from dentistry. To you the patients this means: less pain, less down time and less recovery time which is decidedly less costly to you and your employer. The reasons we use Laser Periodontal Therapy are to: remove only the diseased tissue without removing any of the healthy tissue, maintain the height of the tissue around teeth, minimize pain and discomfort to the patient, get a closure of the periodontal pocket wound and allow healing to take place. Controlling periodontal disease makes it possible to save and restore otherwise hopeless involved teeth.
Does it hurt?
Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we will anesthetize the area for the patient's comfort. In this way we precisely direct the laser for treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and of short duration.
How long does it take?
Initial treatment is focused on scaling and the use of small instruments to remove the tartar. Then, the laser portion of the treatment is performed and normally only takes a few minutes. Depending on the severity of the patient's periodontal disease, treatment may be accomplished in one office visit or in multiple visits. The estimated treatment time is reviewed with patients when we discuss their treatment plan.
Breakthrough LASER Gum Disease Treatment
Have you been told that you have gum disease? Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection that destroys the gum and supporting bone surrounding your teeth. Three out of four adults 35 years and older may be affected, and according to the ADA (American Dental Association). more than 60% of the adult population has periodontal disease. Bleeding gum, tooth movement, loose teeth, bad breath, or pain associated with brushing, are all symptoms or periodontal diease. There is mounting evidence regarding the direct link between periodontal disease and a variety of other, possibly life-threatening diseases. Periodontal Diease has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, miscarriages, and low birth weight.
The new standard of care for periodontal disease is Laser Periodontal Therapy. If you have been told that you need gum surgery or you have periodontal disease, this new technology replaces cutting of the gum tissue with a scalpel and does not require stitches. This means an easy recovery with minimal bleeding, which preserves gum tissue, reduces root exposure and sensitivity, and is reasonably priced as compared to traditional gum surgery.