If you're like 100 million other Americans, you could be one of 50% of Americans who have periodontal disease, the major cause of tooth loss in adults.  

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues.  When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended.  You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages where bone loss and diseased pockets have formed (Periodontitis), we will discuss your treatment options including:

• Scaling and Root Planing(Often called deep cleaning)
  
• Laser Periodontal (gum) Therapy
• Osseous (bone) Surgery or LANAP

What exactly is Laser Periodontal (gum)Therapy?  

The Laser removes only the diseased tissue and leaves healthy tissue alone. The technique involves two passes with the laser, with ultrasonic cleaning of the pockets completed prior to the laser.   

       

              A)  Perio probe indicates excessive pocket depth.

                      B)      Laser light removes bacteria and diseased tissue.

                      C)    Ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments are used to remove root surface tarter.

 

             

              D)    Laser finishes cleaning pocket and aids in sealing the pocket closed so new germs cannot enter.

 

 

                      E)   Healing of gums to clean root surface occurs.

 

 

                      F)   Healing occurs.

 

 

             

How much pain will I have?  

There will likely be ZERO pain during the procedure. You will be completely numb. Post treatment pain is so different than traditional surgery because the laser promotes the body's healing process. You can expect some mild discomfort which is easily handled with analgesics.  Patients who have had laser gum therapy experience very little discomfort following the procedure and most often only  have to take Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to feel comfortable. 

How many appointments does it take?

We always complete the treatment in one or two appointments.

What exactly happens to my diseased pockets?

You can expect to have repaired gum attachment in most of your pockets.

Is the Laser Periodontal Therapy a Cure for my Disease?

No. There is no cure for moderate/advanced periodontitis. The good news is that we can now treat it very effectively with the Diode laser gum therapy. Just like so many other diseases such as Diabetes, even though there is no cure, it can be successfully treated to allow you live with the disease under control .

 A-Dental Center  (818) 755-1588

North Hollywood Cosmetic and General Dentist
11335 Magnolia Blvd Ste 1A
North Hollywood, CA 91601
adentalcenter@aol.com