Treating Gum Disease

Laser Periodontal Therapy® (LPT) is a revolutionary new way to treat gum disease.

For years, Dr. George was concerned about the invasive nature of conventional periodontal treatment. Because it involved surgically removing diseased gum tissue, healing required suturing and placing a cumbersome and uncomfortable dressing over the healing tissue.

After considerable research, Dr. George has found a much less invasive and much more comfortable way to treat this wide-spread condition compared to traditional gum surgery. The procedure, called LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), works on gum disease similarly to how LASIX works with eyes.

Due to the design of the PerioLase MVP-7 laser (pictured above in Dr. George's office), Dr. George is able to target only the infected cells and bacteria allowing the body to naturally regenerate much of the lost gum attachment.

The PerioLase MVP-7 is the first and only laser to receive FDA approval for the LANAP procedure. Dr. George is one of only a few hundred dentists in the country licensed to perform LPT.

What this means for you are superior results with a minimally invasive non-traumatic procedure. Our patients are returning for post-op exams with smiles on their faces.

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Questions and answers about Laser Periodontal Therapy®

What is Laser Periodontal Therapy®?

Laser Periodontal Therapy® is a laser based technique for the treatment of periodontal disease using the Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., PerioLase® Laser. Fear of periodontal treatment vanishes when patients find out no scalpel or sutures will be used. Patient friendly laser treatment gets patients to agree to the treatment they need and continue with the follow-up care that is prescribed.

Our office is one of the first in the area to offer Laser Periodontal Therapy® for the treatment of gingivitis and/or periodontitis. Following are commonly asked questions about this technology.

How does it work?

Tartar, associated with inflamed and bleeding gums, is removed form the root surface of the tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments.

Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy removes a tiny amount of diseased tissue and aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.

Does it hurt?

Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we may anesthetize the area for the patient’s comfort. In this way we can precisely direct the laser for treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and of short duration.

How long does it take?

Initial treatment is focused on scaling and the use of small instruments to remove the tartar. Then, the laser portion of the treatment is performed and normally only takes a few minutes. Depending on the severity of the patient’s periodontal disease, treatment may be accomplished in one office visit or in multiple visits. The estimated treatment time is reviewed with patients when we discuss their treatment plan.

Does this treatment cost more than traditional gum surgery?

Typically, we use the same billing codes as traditional gum surgery and the laser treatment is generally no more expensive than traditional surgery. There are other factors which may affect the cost, such as the severity of the periodontal disease, and how many teeth are involved. Many insurance plans pay only for a portion of this treatment. Patients should discuss their payment options with the dental office personnel as we offer financing for this treatment.

The dramatically increased comfort for our patients made the new system attractive to our office. We do encourage patients to take care of the need now to reduce further damage to their gums, teeth, and bone.

Will this laser treatment cure me of gum disease?

At this time there is no “cure” for gum disease. Laser Periodontal Therapy (LPT), as well as all forms of gum treatment, is a way of managing a condition for which there is no cure. I tell my patients to look at laser treatment as a way of turning back the clock on the progress of their gum disease. LPT has been shown in FDA trials to help regain lost supporting attachment of the teeth. The long term results are a direct result of excellent home care and frequent preventive professional maintenance.