Laser Non-Surgical Gum Therapy

A Non-Surgical Treatment For Periodontal Disease - Laser- Assisted Periodontal Therapy

At last, there is a non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. And it comes from an interesting new application of laser technology called Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy. We will explain how this works and what it can do for you, but first, a little background.

Before 30 years of age, decay is the major reason for tooth loss but after 30, gum disease becomes the major reason. It's estimated that over 80% of the adult population has gum disease to some degree.

Gingivitis becomes periodontitis, a serious problem as pockets form around teeth that become deeper than 3mm. This can be minimized with routine brushing, rinsing with mouthwash and flossing. But people are human, and we don't always follow through with the kind of persistent care necessary to make our dental health last through the later part of today's long life spans. And when pocket depths reach 6 to 9 mm and beyond, there's no way anyone but a dentist or hygenist can get to the bottom and keep them clean. As a result, you have debris and bacteria living in these pockets that can lead to chronic gum infection, bad tastes and odors in your mouth and serious, permanent bone and tooth loss. Today, there are known correlations between gum disease and heart, kidney and liver disease.

Up until very recently, the only way to control advanced cases of periodontal disease involving deep pocket damage to gum tissue was to literally cut away the gums so pockets can be kept clean and small. It can be a very radical and painful procedure and may still be necessary in the very worst cases of gum disease. Periodontal surgery is something to be avoided if a less invasive procedure is available, and in many cases Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy provides the perfect alternative.

With proper home care and conscious patient participation, 90% of patients with 6 to 9 mm deep pockets can experience pocket reduction. We go into your pockets and remove any debris and hard deposits that are adhering to your teeth. This can be compared with removing barnacles from a pier. It will remove the mechanical irritant to your gums and supporting bone and eliminates a major reservoir of bacteria. This tartar or calculus that our hygiene team will remove for you is like a barracks for gum disease bacteria.

After removing the tarter and calculus we will use a laser to selectively remove diseased, infected tissue around your teeth. This laser selectively targets only the problem tissue and leaves healthy tissue alone. At the same time the laser will kill the bacteria that cause your gum disease and stimulates the bottom of your gums to heal. We have found that laser therapy also helps increase your circulation at the bottom of your pockets and help revive or rejuvenate your gum attachment.

Your insurance normally picks up about half the cost of Unforgettable Smiles Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy program.