Laser assisted periodontal Therapy

At last, there is a non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. And it comes from an interesting new application of laser technology called Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy.

Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammatory condition of the gums (gingivitis) and/or the supporting bone and attachment around the teeth (Periodontitis). Periodontal disease usually progresses from gingivitis to periodontitis. It is estimated that, 50 individuals out of 100 have moderate to severe gum disease,40 out of the 50 don't know it, and only 3 individuals out of 100 will ever get treated before it is too late.

Until very recently, the only way to control advanced cases of periodontal disease involving deep pocket damage to gum tissue was to literally cut away the gums so pockets can be kept clean and small. Surgery is a very radical and painful procedure and may still be necessary in the very worst cases of gum disease.

We treat periodontal disease with gentle scaling and laser assisted therapy. With this approach and conscious patient participation the vast majority of patients with 6 to 9 mm deep pockets can experience pocket reduction. We use very fine delicate instruments to gently remove any debris and hard deposits that are adhering to your teeth. This can be compared with removing barnacles from a pier.It will remove the mechanical irritant to your gums and supporting bone and eliminates a major reservoir of bacteria. This tartar or calculus that our hygiene team will remove for you is like a barracks for gum disease bacteria.

Theralase™ (FDA and Health Canada approved) technology is used in our clinic for laser assisted periodontal therapy. It is fast, less expensive, gentle, non-invasive and pain free.

After removing the tarter and calculus we will use a laser to selectively treat, infected disease tissue around your teeth (which are like small wounds all around your teeth).Laser deactivate harmful bacterial toxins that contribute to gum disease and activate and speed the healing process in the gum. We have found that laser therapy also helps increase blood circulation at the bottom of disease pockets and help regenerate gum attachment. A series of treatment Laser assisted periodontal therapy will be done once a week for approximately four weeks.

McKenzie Dental Hygiene Clinic
www.docsheila.com