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 Laser Periodontal Therapy is an FDA approved dental procedure that that is used primarily in the treatment of periodontal disease and bone regeneration.
Laser Periodontal Therapy can help prevent infection and heal gum tissue. Failure to treat gum tissue that is infected by periodontal disease often leads to early tooth loss. Research shows that dental infections may contribute to other medical conditions including hardening of the arteries, heart attack, stroke and premature births.
Laser periodontal therapy represents the same type of technological breakthrough in the treatment of gum disease that the world of ophthalmology experienced with the advent of LASIK. LPT uses 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 technology and, methodology now proves to be just as effective as surgery for the treatment of periodontal disease.
Houston cosmetic dentists would rather use the LPT procedure as much as we can possible because it allows us to preserve as much existing, healthy gum tissue as possible. It helps to better maintain the height of the gums around the teeth, and it minimizes the amount of discomfort felt by the patient.
The Periolase® laser emanates a tiny beam of concentrated light energy. This beam sterilizes the area and removes diseased tissue only. It also facilitates the scaling and root planing that is also critical to the procedure.
The Laser Periodontal procedure is basic enough, with the advanced Periolase™ laser doing most of the work that more primitive, metal cutting tools once did.
A The perio probe shows the dentist exactly how much excessive pocket depth is present.
B The dentist removes bacteria and diseased tissue with the laser.
C An ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments are then used to clean root surface tartar.
D The dentist finish cleaning the pocket with the laser, then seals it with the laser so that new germs cannot enter.
E The healing of gums to now clean root surface occurs.
F The dentist now adjusts any bite trauma is adjusted.
G Healing occurs throughout the gumline.
Benefits of LPT:
Because LPT involves no cutting of tissue, it results in faster healing.
Also, because it does not involve cutting of healthy tissue, there is also minimal post-operative pain. What little discomfort the patient does feel can easily be managed with Motrin®.
Because a laser cauterizes blood vessels as it cuts away diseased tissue, there is less bleeding both during and after the procedure.
Patients will spend less time in the dental chair LPT than they will for traditional surgery.
The heat of the laser sterilizes the periodontal pocket. This greatly reduces the risk of infection.
LPT also decreases sensitivity both during and after the treatment.
There are many other benefits besides treating gum disease including the treatment of Aphtous ulcers and performing frenectomy and gingivectomy procedures.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic dentistry services.
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