Periodontal gum treatment – non surgical approach using State of the Art Laser Technology

First we have to understand the periodontal disease process, the methods that have traditionally been used, and the laser alternative therapy that is being offered at our office. We are offering a complementary consult if you feel you may be suffering from periodontal disease. Please call our office to set up an appointment for a brief examination. Remember this brief exam and consult is only available to answer any questions you might have and to determine if you would benefit from this kind of treatment.

Periodontal disease – what causes it?
In the US, more than 50% of adults over 30 have some degree of this inflammatory & infectious disease of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. The disease is caused by bacteria, called a biofilm or plaque, and it grows on the surfaces of the teeth and on the roots, which are under the gum line. If this plaque is left to harden it becomes calculus. If this disease is left untreated, the end result is the loss of the attachment fibers that connect the tooth to the bone and that leads to progressive bone loss. A deep periodontal pocket is formed when there is a continued loss of this fiber attachment and the bone. As the periodontal pocket gets deeper, it provides an environment for further growth of the bacterial colonies. If this process continues the loss of bone becomes irreversible and this will eventually lead to loosening and loss of the teeth.

Treatments that are usually used
Phase 1: The first step in the treatment of periodontal disease involves the removal of the bacterial plague and calculus from all tooth surfaces above and below the gum line. This non-surgical approach is called deep cleaning or scaling and root planning (SRP), and is accomplished by ultrasonic and hand instruments. This procedure usually requires the patient to have local anesthesia and it takes several visits to complete the process.

Phase2: Because it has been shown through scientific research, that this scaling and root all by itself rarely is successful in treating pockets greater than 5 mm., the patient needs to be reevaluated after 6 to 8 weeks to determine the success of the initial SRP’s. If the pockets still are over 5 to 6 mm or greater, with bleeding, this may indicate continued active disease and will likely show radiographic bone loss over time. These pockets that persist will require further treatment.

Phase 3: The next step of treatment of this periodontal problem would a surgical approach. This course of treatment is utilized when the initial non-surgical treatment was not successful. This type of surgery usually involves the cutting of the gums to reduce the depth of the pockets, suturing and a gum packing to assist in proper healing of the surgical site.

For decades periodontal disease has been treated with root planning (deep cleaning and smoothing of the roots) to remove detrimental “biofilms” or plaque, pus and destructive bacteria. Without treatment, tooth loss becomes a reality. With proper treatment gum disease can be stabilized. Gum disease can not be cured but it can be controlled. Use of the LASER therapy for periodontal disease is coexistent with root planning. Because of the pain, discomfort and costs involved in traditional gum surgery, many patients with periodontal disease are looking for other non-surgical alternatives.

Non-surgical laser periodontal treatment using state of the art diode laser
The development of the dental laser has shown it to be an effective tool in the non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease.

How does it work?
The Diode laser, when used properly, decontaminates the pocket around the tooth and allows healing by: bacterial reduction, vaporization of the biofilm and enhancement of the re-attachment of the connective tissue to the tooth. These factors together result in a non-surgical reduction of the pocket and healing. The Diode laser can also decontaminate the subgingival root surfaces and actually desensitize the root surface itself. The result of this combination of SRP and laser treatment is a shallow, healthy pocket with no inflammation which the patient can maintain in a plaque free environment.

The treatment protocol for the Diode laser
The treatment of periodontal disease is initiated with traditional scaling and root planning(SRP) to remove the gross amounts of plaque and tartar. This is then followed by the use of the Diode laser decontamination of the pocket to eliminate
Each patient will have their own custom treatment plan that will be developed for them depending upon the severity of the disease and it’s location as well as the depths of the diseased pockets. Usually if pockets are very deep and there is continued bleeding, additional laser decontamination treatment will need to be done at ten day intervals. At the ten day intervals the areas treated will be re-evaluated to check healing and pocket resolution. This will determine how many additional sessions will be required at the ten day intervals. In extreme cases, some patients may require additional periodontal gum surgery to gain full pocket resolution and health.