What is laser periodontal therapy?

The PerioLase MVP-7 laser is utilized to provide a minimally invasive alternative to traditional periodontal procedures. This innovative technology precisely targets the source of inflammation while preserving healthy surrounding gum tissue.

One way that the laser can help with treatment is its unique capability to assist in wound healing. Periodontal disease, for instance, is like having a large, infected wound in your mouth. The laser assists in the unique phase of wound healing, known as hemostasis. This involves the cessation of bleeding. Periodontal lasers such as the PerioLase MVP-7 are uniquely capable of simultaneously cutting and coagulating soft tissue. This dual action promotes rapid hemostasis, helping to minimize bleeding and accelerate the healing process.

Other Laser Applications in Periodontics

While the laser is used primarily for reducing and disinfecting periodontal pockets, it also plays a valuable role in the following application:

  • Soft Tissue crown lengthening
  • Frenectomy
  • Removal of soft tissue lesions/Biopsy
  • Localized hemostasis
  • Removal of post-operative granulations
  • Removal of pigmentation on the gum tissue (Gum Bleaching)

These procedures can be performed quickly and effectively with the laser.

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) and Laser-Assisted Peri-implantitis Procedure (LAPIP)

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™) is an FDA approved protocol of laser periodontal therapy that utilizes the Millennium MVP-7 Nd:YAG PerioLase laser for the effective treatment of periodontitis through regeneration rather than resection (removal) of tissue. LAPIP or “laser-assisted peri-implantitis procedure” uses a soft tissue laser to remove harmful tissue and gently regenerate healthy gum and bone.

Dr. Beth Tomlin is a certified LANAP and LAPIP® regenerative specialist trained by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry. She offers patients the LANAP and LAPIP gum disease treatment procedure using the Millennium Periolase. This is the latest generation of the Nd:YAG laser and is designed specifically to treat periodontal disease. Like LASIK surgery for the eyes, our laser is able to treat periodontal disease using a minimally invasive approach.

The PerioLase used in the LANAP™ protocol utilizes a small, flexible laser fiber about the width of a paperclip. When placed into the periodontal pockets, the laser energy emitted through this fiber precisely removes the unhealthy diseased gum tissues lining the pocket while leaving the healthy gum tissues intact. After the unhealthy gum tissues have been removed, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, and the laser is utilized at a different setting to stimulate the formation of a blood clot in the pocket. This blood clot assists with sealing healthy gum tissues to the root surface. The LANAP protocol is a gentle, conservative, non-invasive method of treating gum disease without cutting, suturing or removing tissue. This provides an effective method to treat periodontal disease with a faster recovery that is almost painless.

The benefits of LANAP™ include the following:

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1

Fast Healing

LANAP™ creates an environment that allows your body to heal itself. It is not invasive or obtrusive.

2

Little Discomfort

Many of our patients say that there is little or only minimal discomfort, during and after Laser Periodontal Gum Surgery with LANAP™.

3

Short Recovery

There is no significant recovery time – so no time needed off work or other activities.

4

Minimal Reduction of Gum Tissue

There is only negligible reduction of gum tissue during treatment (unlike traditional periodontal surgery). A positive side effect of laser periodontal gum surgery is that in many cases regeneration and reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth and bone is possible

5

Reduced Inflammation

LANAP™ can decrease the inflammation in your mouth

6

Elimination of Bacteria

This treatment can remove the infection associated with gum disease

7

Reduce Bleeding Gums

LANAP™ can decrease bleeding gums

8

Minimal Bleeding

There is only minimal bleeding during treatment, unlike traditional surgery

9

Decreases Tooth Looseness

LANAP™ can reduce the severity of loose teeth

Who will benefit from Laser?

Laser therapy provides additional pocket reduction and antibacterial control for patients with:

  • Pocket depths between 5 and 6mm
  • Very advanced, inoperable pockets
  • Extremely inflamed tissue
  • Continuing pocket breakdown during maintenance
  • Medical Problems (that would contraindicate traditional periodontal surgical treatment without discontinuing or modifying their medication usage)
  • Patients on blood thinning medications such as Plavix or Coumadin do not have to discontinue usage of these drugs with this laser therapy.
  • Age Concerns
  • Emotional concerns, such as fear of surgery
  • Refractory periodontal infections where the laser may be used in conjunction with microbiological testing
  • Previous periodontal therapy
  • Gingival overgrowth due to prescriptions medications (i.e., Dilantin, Cyclosporin, Calcium Channel Blockers) or orthodontic appliances

For patients who are concerned about conventional blade surgery to treat periodontal disease, the periodontal laser treatment can be a life-changing event. Patients are able to preserve their natural teeth, enhance their smile, and avoid the potentially life-threatening systemic effects of untreated periodontal disease.

It is important to note that laser therapy is not a definitive cure for periodontal disease. Conventional flap/osseous surgery is always offered as an option to our patients, and in some cases, it will still be the best option. Dr. Tomlin and Dr. Bowers will be able to direct you to the most beneficial treatment based on your individual needs and concerns.

A Long-Term Investment in Your Oral Health

The success of laser periodontal surgery does not end when you leave our office. With proper home care, regular periodontal maintenance visits, and a healthy lifestyle, this procedure can significantly increase the chances of keeping your natural teeth for a lifetime.

At Park Cities Periodontics, we take a comprehensive approach—looking beyond just today’s treatment and focusing on how to support your health for years to come.

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Ready to Learn More?

If you have been told you have advanced gum disease or have struggled to keep deep pockets under control, laser periodontal surgery may be the next step toward a healthier smile. We are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and create a personalized plan that works for you.

Call us today at 214-522-9700 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. We look forward to taking the next step in restoring your gum health.