Laser periodontal therapy is a laser-based approach to treating gum disease using an Nd:YAG free running pulsed laser. This method of periodontal therapy is used to treat patients with moderate-severe or severe disease (that means teeth with deep periodontal pockets) and has been shown to be effective in treating apparently periodontally hopeless teeth.
The advantage of this procedure to you, the patient, over traditional osseous surgery is that laser treatment means less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, less tissue removed and less recovery time.
Treatment Procedure:
A. A perio probe is used to identify sites with excessive pocket depths
B. A laser is then applied to the deep pockets to vaporize bacteria, diseased tissue, pathologic proteins and alert
Dr Richards to the presence of tartar.
C. An ultrasonic scaler and specialized had instruments and then used to remove root surface calculus and tartar.
D + E. The laser is used to complete debridement of the pockets and to aid blood clotting (a stable blood clot is necessary to
create a closed system to allow the tissue to heal and new fibrous attachments form between the tooth and bone).
F. Occlusal adjustment is performed to avoid occlusal trauma and aid the healing process.
G. New attachment is regenerated.
- To see a video of the laser treatment procedure please go to: http://www.lanap.com/patprocedure.php