Houston cosmetic dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group strongly believe periodontal health should be done in the least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished through non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing.

Scaling involves scraping beneath the gumline to remove plaque and tartar. This is done with an ultrasonic tool. Root planing makes the root surface smooth so it will better resist further buildup of tartar.

If so recommended by the dental tea, the patient may also be given adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation. This is done on on a case-by-case basis.

Most Houston cosmetic dentists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment, especially periodontal surgery.

However, ongoing observation and care will be necessary. Surgery may still be necessary, but it does not have to involve the use of cutting instruments. Thanks to Laser Periodontal Therapy, (also known as LANAP and LPT), tissue that has been damaged by periodontal disease can be removed with the precision of ultra-modern lasers that are both highly sterile and comfortable to the patient.

This is why you need to see a Houston cosmetic dentist who can perform LANAP. When a person is diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease, surgery often is the only option. However, cutting into the gums metal instruments is both crude and destructive. Too much healthy tissue is damaged in the process, and the risk of infection is higher because it takes so long for the gums to heal.

Plus, it hurts. LANAP can be used instead for any and all of the following periodontal surgeries traditionally done with primitive instruments.

* Pocket Reduction Procedures
* Regenerative Procedures
* Crown Lengthening
* Soft Tissue Grafts

LPT (LANAP) causes patients far less discomfort during surgery, less bleeding during and after surgery, and less swelling after surgery. However, every laser has different wavelengths and power levels that can be used safely during different periodontal procedures. Damage to periodontal tissues can result if an the wrong setting is used.

It is therefore important that you see an expert in LANAP such as Dr. Dale Brandt who is a nationally renowned specialist in this procedure.

In addition to procedures to treat periodontal disease, many Houston cosmetic dentists also perform purely aesthetic procedures to enhance your smile. Oftentimes, patients who pursue cosmetic procedures notice improved function as well. Cosmetic procedures include:

* Crown Lengthening
* Soft Tissue Grafts
* Ridge Augmentation

There is also a new tray delivery device called Perio Protect® that is made just for treating gum disease. Call our office for information on how to obtain a fact sheet on this exciting new device.