Periodontal Therapy

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Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy uses a soft tissue diode laser with a certain wavelength to pinpoint and destroy bacteria and infected
tissue from the periodontal pockets. This treatment can be used in conjunction with scaling and root planing.

Periodontal Therapy

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What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

The actual word “periodontal” means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis) is an inflammatory condition which affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth and can extend into the bone around the tooth.

Gingivitis which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue often precedes periodontal disease. A bacterial infection affects the gums when the toxins contained in plaque begin to irritate and cause gum tissue inflammation. Once this bacterial infection colonizes in the gum tissue pockets around the teeth, it becomes a lot more difficult to remove and treat.

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can lead to the destruction of the connective tissue and surrounding bone. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to shifting and loose teeth and eventually total tooth loss.

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Scaling and root planning

The bacteria and calculus (tartar) which initially caused the infection is removed in order to restore the gum tissue. The gum pockets are cleaned thoroughly with hand instruments and the piezo ultrasonic scaler and at times treated with antibiotics to help stop the infection. A prescription mouthwash may be included with daily brushing.

Pocket elimination surgery

Pocket elimination surgery, also known as flap surgery, is a surgical technique which can be used to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and the gum tissue. Surgery on the jawbone helps to recontour the bone in order to prevent colonization of bacteria.

Tissue regeneration

Regrowth of tissues can occur using grafting procedures to restore gum tissue and bone. To assist in the regeneration process a membrane is incorporated.

Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)

Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy uses a soft tissue diode laser with a certain wavelength to pinpoint and destroy bacteria and infected tissue from the periodontal pockets. This treatment can be used in conjunction with scaling and root planing.

Dental implants

Dental implants can restore function and esthetics when teeth have been lost due to severe periodontal disease.

Contact our office if you have questions about periodontal disease, periodontal treatment, or dental implants.

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