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I would like more information on the laser used to correct pockets around the teeth. I may need to use this in the near future. Thank you, Richard SinclairRichard,
The procedure that we use to treat pockets around teeth (periodontal disease) is LANAP. You can find information in our website http://www.cosmetic-dentistry-center.com/lanap-t-48.html. LANAP effectively treats periodontal disease and the treatment is easy on the patient and there is very little post operative discomfort. If you currently have pockets around your teeth then it would be in your best interest to get treatment sooner than later. Periodontal disease is a silent disease and when you have an infection or pain that is related to it, and then this will mean that now you have a severe form of it.
Thanks,
Dale J. Brant, DDS
Charles Campbell, DDSLabels: LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, laser periodontal therapy
Laser Periodontal Therapy is a highly sophisticated dental procedure that is approved by the FDA It is used primarily for the treatment of periodontal disease and bone regeneration.
LPT can help eliminate infection and heal diseased gum tissue which, if left untreated, can lead to early tooth loss. Research suggests that dental infections may also be associated with hardening of the arteries, heart attack, stroke and premature births.
Laser periodontal therapy (LPT) represents a true technological revolution in the treatment of periodontal disease, analogous to the advance that LASIK brought to the world of ophthalmology. LPT takes some of the most effective treatment methodologies that have been used for decades and improves them with the conservative use of a laser.
This very unique blend of treatments now proves to be just as effective as surgery for the treatment of periodontal disease.
Houston cosmetic dentists prefer to use the LPT procedure as often as possible because it allows us to preserves as much of the healthy gum tissue as possible. It also better maintains the height of the gums around the teeth, and it minimizes the amount of discomfort felt by the patient.
The laser generates a tiny beam of concentrated light energy. This energy sterilizes the area, removes diseased tissue only, and it facilitates the scaling and root planing that is also critical to the procedure.
The LPT procedure is basic enough, with the advanced Periolase™ laser doing the majority of the work that more primitive, metal cutting tools once did.
A Perio probe reveals exactly how much excessive pocket depth is present.
B The dentist uses the laser to remove bacteria and diseased tissue.
C The dentist then cleans root surface tartar using an ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments.
D The dentist uses the laser to finish cleaning the pocket and to also seal the pocket closed so new germs cannot enter.
E The healing of gums to now clean root surface occurs.
F Any bite trauma is adjusted.
G Healing occurs.
Benefits of LPT: - Because laser periodontal therapy involves no cutting of tissue, it results in faster healing.
- Also, because there is not cutting of healthy tissue, there is also minimal post-operative pain. What discomfort there is can easily be managed with Motrin®.
- Because the laser cauterizes blood vessels as it cuts away diseased tissue, there is less bleeding both during the procedure and after the procedure.
- Patients spend less time in the dental chair than they do in traditional surgery.
- The heat of the laser sterilizes the periodontal pocket, so the risk of infection is minimized.
- Laser periodontal therapy also decreases sensitivity both during and after the treatment.
- There are other benefits besides treating gum disease. These include:
-Removing the stinging sensation of Aphtous ulcers.
-Performing frenectomy and gingivectomy procedures.
Labels: LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, laser periodontal therapy, LPT
Ask the Dental ExpertsOur philosophy is to help our patients achieve and maintain exceptional dental health. We work hard to make sure that our level of care is deserving of our patients’ respect and confidence. Our tradition of preventive dentistry is the basis for all service and care in our practice. We welcome all questions and comments regarding dentistry in the hope that we increase your dental "IQ" and help you make better dental health decisions. DR Campbell:My dentist wants me to have periodontal laser treatment. My gums have always been red at the gum line. The spaces are only 3mm and I have no bleeding. I have all veneers and crowns in my mouth. The hygienist will be performing the procedure and has only been doing it for 8 months. Does it sound like I need this procedure?Thanking you in advance,Ellen
Thanks for the question, Ellen. It is hard to tell you what we would recommend without seeing you, but let me tell you that laser treatment for periodontal issues is very conservative and current therapy. Red gum lines that you describe are not what we want – we try to achieve pink, non-bleeding tissue as our ideal. We use the Millenium Laser in our office to perform LANAP, an FDA-approved procedure with a lot of science behind it. Again, it is a very conservative and minimally-invasive procedure for periodontal problems, whether those problems be early or advanced.
There is some discussion on our website that might help you with your understanding of what a laser does.
http://www.cosmetic-dentistry-center.com/lanap-t-48.html
Thanks for the question. Feel free to contact our office if you would like to discuss it further.
Chuck Campbell, DDSLabels: LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, laser periodontal therapy
Dentists estimate that more that 80 percent of the American population has a form of gum disease. However, it is also estimated that only 3% of these people ever seek professional help. Many people assume that gum disease is really not big deal. In reality, there are a number of complications it can lead to that are very severe, or even possibly life threatening.
- The bacteria that cause gum disease can get into the blood and infect internal organs. This can increase the risk of coronary disease, stroke, and infective endocartitis.
- Breathing these bacteria can affect the lungs and cause diseases like obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.
- These bacteria can also affect increase production of prostaglandins (hormones that trigger labor) in pregnant women, leading to premature birth.
There are several stages of gum disease, each being more severe than the other. The sooner you get help, the easier Periodontitis is to treat.
Gingivitis
This first stage of gum disease, characterized by gums that are inflamed, red in color, and that frequently bleed. This stage is completely reversible, and presents no risk of bone loss, if it is caught in time.
Mild Periodontitis
At this stage of gum disease, tissues begin to separate from teeth, resulting in gum recession and deep pockets characterized by probing depths of 3-4 mm.
Moderate Periodontitis
This next phase of gum disease is more severe, and can result in bone loss between 4-6mm. Bad breath, loose teeth, and sore gums also appear at this point. Moderate Periodontitis is irreversible with hygiene alone, but it can still be managed.
Advanced Periodontitis
Deep pockets at this stage of gum disease can be 6mm or more in depth and can only be treated by surgery or LANAP.
Refractory Periodontitis
Bone loss and impending tooth loss are inevitable at this point. However, even this stage of Periodontitis can be reversed with cosmetic dentistry. Tooth splints can be used, and some teeth can be extracted and replaced with bridges. Selective teeth can be extracted if need be and replaced with bridges. The best option, however, is a combination of LANAP (also known as Laser Periodontal Therapy) and cosmetic dental implants. LANAP is less invasive than previously preferred forms of surgery, and offers the benefits of speedier recovery time and less damage to healthy tissues.
LANAP
Laser Periodontal Therapy
PerioLase Laser Treatment
LANAP Post Operative Instructions
Gum disease is nothing to take lightly. If you have any of the symptoms described above, you should call our office and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If we can catch Periodontitis soon enough, only minimal treatment will be needed to restore a bright and healthy smile to you. Labels: Gum Disease, LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, laser periodontal therapy, periodontal surgery, periodontal treatment
LANAP is a minimally invasive periodontal surgery whose potential simply cannot be emphasized enough. While it is far less intense than other surgical methods, it has its share of postoperative instructions like every other major dental procedure. Following these postoperative instructions faithfully will minimize your comfort and contribute to a full and speedy recovery during the days and weeks that follow LANAP.
1. Minimize activity after LANAP.
2. Rinse as directed with Peridex. Periogard and warm salt water every day. Ask your dentist for specific instructions on how many times to do so.
3. Do not chew on the side of your mouth where you have had LANAP performed.
4. Avoid hot and spicy foods during the postoperative period following LANAP.
5. During the immediate postoperative period, avoid brushing the area where LANAP was performed.
6. The following conditions are normal during postoperative recovery from Laser Periodontal Therapy: - Light bleeding
- Slight swelling
- Minor soreness
7. If the surgical pack the dentist uses to treat your gum line with falls out, do not be alarmed.
8. Soft and nutritious foods, and particularly high protein foods, are the best diet to eat during this time.
9. Take all your medication that the dentist may give you as proscribed and in the full dosage instructed.
10. It is normal for teeth to be sore during the postoperative stage following LANAP. This occurs because previously loose teeth are now reattaching themselves to the gums and bones.
11. Very intense pain, fever, or severe bleeding is NOT normal after LANAP. Call us immediately if you experience either one of these. LANAP
Laser Periodontal Therapy
PerioLase Laser Treatment
Gum Disease The Cosmetic Dentistry Center recommends the quick and relatively painless LANAP procedure for busy Houston area professionals. Both the procedure and the recovery time take much less time than standard surgery takes. We routinely service business owners and executives from Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Clear Lake, Katy, and from other cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. Call 713.795.5905 today for an appointment. Labels: LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, laser periodontal therapy, ND: YAG laser, periodontal surgery
What is LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure and is a synonym for LPT, also known Laser Periodontal Treatment. The use of the specialized ND: YAG crystal laser has revolutionized the treatment of gum disease by making it possible to target both soft and hard tissues suffering from bacterial infection. Most of the 66% of Americans suffering gum disease never do anything about it because of misgivings about dental surgery. LANAP offers them a virtually painless and much more convenient alternative.
Is the laser painful?
It is hot, but not painful. The ND: YAG emits a stream of cool water or air to prevent the gumline from being damaged by its heat. Its precision focus and bright red beam make it very easy for the dentist to target only the diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue alone and minimizing discomfort to the point that the procedure requires no anesthetic.
What steps are involved in LANAP?
First, a probe is used to determine excessive pocket depth and the amount of infected tissue. The dentist then removes the diseased tissue with the laser, killing bacteria in the process. Prior to closing off the pocket, the dentist also removes tartar from the tooth root with special instruments and an ultrasonic scaler. Finally, the pocket is cleaned with the laser one more time and sealed to prevent future infections from developing.
What advantages and benefits do LANAP offers over traditional surgery, and is it truly as effective?
Yes, it is just as effective as traditional surgery. In terms of its advantages and benefits, there are several. First, patients can expect a much quicker recovery time because laser dental treatment minimizes damage to healthy tissue. Also, because the laser does not cut tissue gum height is better preserved around the teeth, resulting in considerably less post-operative stress to the mouth. Minor pain that patients sometimes experience is easily treated without a prescription with over the counter pin medicine. The NG: YAG laser also causes minimal bleeding, and the patient feels little pain during or after the procedure.
How long does LANAP take?
Generally, it only requires two, 2-hour visits followed by two short follow-ups. Since there are no stitches to remove, a typical recover, in many cases, can take less than 24 hours. People with busy schedules can get back to work much more quickly with laser assisted new attachment procedure.
Is there any possibility of tooth loss afterwards?
No. Tooth loss will actually be prevented by this procedure. The treatment is so friendly to healthy hard and soft tissues that it actually encourages the formation of new cementum and collagen on the roots. This strengthens them further inside the newly-treated periodontal pocket and solidifies their position within the gumline.Labels: alternative to dental surgery, LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, LPT
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