Great News - Great Way to Treat Periodontal Disease
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY (LPT) a patented non-surgical laser alternative to gum surgery is an ideal, less painful, less traumatic way to treat periodontal disease at any stage.
A general anesthetic is not necessary, because LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY is much less traumatic. A tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum, and the infection is cleared away. The procedure is fast: It takes just two 2-hour sessions.
There's much less discomfort with LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY than with standard surgery - during and after the procedure. LPT gives better, longer-lasting result. In fact, 98% of LPT treated patients remain stable after five years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery. There's less than a 24 hour recovery period, so you won't lose time from work. LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Coumadin or Cyclosporin.
What's different about LPT? LPT uses a special kind of laser called the PerioLase, invented by two dentists in Cerritos, California. Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthy spent years developing a better way to treat gum disease. The laser fiber, which is only about as wide as a couple of human hairs, is inserted between the gum tissue and your tooth, where it painlessly removes the noxious elements that cause gum disease.
The good news is, LPT is actually less expensive - by about 20% - than periodontal surgery.
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
The benefits of laser dentistry offer our patients some of the most exciting news to come along in many years. Reduced treatment time, less pain, quicker recovery with less risk of infection, and reduced need for pain relief or antibiotics are just some of the reasons we're excited that laser technology has come to dentistry.
Accuracy
Laser dentistry allows us to shape and remove diseased soft gum tissues with unparalleled accuracy, even in hard to reach recesses within periodontal pockets. Tissue can also be shaped for crown placements. Due to the high degree of accuracy and control, the need for sutures (stitches) is often eliminated. Laser precision also minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Faster Healing
Infections are reduced because the high-energy beam sterilizes tissues, destroying bacteria during the procedure. Wounds heal more quickly and tissues can be regenerated.
Less pain
Most patients experience considerably less pain and discomfort with laser dentistry. The need for anesthesia may be eliminated for some procedures. Pain medications following a procedure are also often reduced.
Less bleeding
Gum tissue can often be removed without bleeding and swelling as the powerful light beam seals blood vessels and nerve endings.
Safety
Laser dentistry is as safe as dentistry with traditional instruments. Although technological advancements continue to refine them, lasers have been in use in the dental field since the 1990s. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that lasers are a safe and effective tool for the treatment of a broad range of conditions for both adults and children.
Uses of Laser Dentistry
- Laser Periodontal Procedure: Noninvasive, gentle alternative to traditional gum surgery. Laser periodontal surgery eliminates up to 99% of bacteria that cause gum disease, while preserving much more of healthy gum tissue than traditional surgery.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Dental lasers may be used to seal tubules on the root of the tooth that cause hot and cold tooth sensitivity.
- Crown Lengthening: Dr. Massaro can reshape gum tissue as well as bone to expose healthier tooth structure. This reshaping creates a stronger foundation for restorations.
- Gummy Smiles: Dr. Massaro can reshape gum tissue to expose healthy tooth structure and improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
- Muscle Attachment (Frenula): A laser frenectomy can release muscle attachments which interfere with healthy gums. This procedure can be done in minutes with no sutures or incisions. A laser frenectomy may also help to eliminate speech impediments.
- Soft Tissue Folds (Epulis): Dental lasers may be used for the painless and suture-free removal of soft tissue folds often caused by ill-fitting dentures.
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