LANAP® Laser Therapy
Fast becoming a favorite among dentists practicing periodontics and patients alike, LANAP® laser therapy is a minimally invasive solution to treating moderate to severe periodontal disease. The LANAP® protocol relies on the advanced technology of the PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser, designed to target harmful oral bacteria and infected gum tissue. LANAP® laser therapy offers the following advantages:
- No incisions or sutures are required for performing LANAP® laser treatment.
- Recovery time is minimal, and the advanced periodontal procedure even helps to save teeth by stimulating bone growth in affected areas.
- One to two visits is usually all it takes to treat the entire mouth, immediately reducing up to 90 percent of the inflammation caused by periodontal disease.
- No contraindications exist for the procedure, nor does is interfere with medication protocols.
Osseous/Flap Surgery
Osseous, or “flap,” surgery is a traditional method of treating moderate to advanced periodontal disease within the field of periodontics. With this treatment, the periodontist is able to access tartar located deep beneath the gum line by retracting the gums to expose the tooth roots and supporting bone tissue. Root surfaces are smoothed of any plaque or tartar deposits, and any surface discrepancies on both the roots and bone tissue are eliminated. Bone grafts may occur in tandem with osseous surgery to restore areas of bone tissue deficit. Gum tissue is trimmed of necrotic (infected) tissue and sutured into position, encouraging reattachment of the gums to the tooth and bone surfaces.
Scaling and Root Planing Therapy
A non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease, scaling and root planing therapy is often performed to address early to moderate periodontal disease. Special hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers are used to rid the tooth surfaces (both above and below the gum line) of plaque and tartar deposits. This mechanical action also helps break up the oral biofilm, a substance that coats the teeth and provides an environment conducive to supporting the destructive bacteria living within it. Following the procedure, gum tissues and periodontal pockets are irrigated with an antimicrobial rinse and allowed to heal. The goal of scaling and root planing is to generate reattachment of the gum tissues to the root surfaces, and therefore reduce periodontal pocket depths.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is a program recommended for those who have been diagnosed with and treated for periodontal disease. Occurring in three to four month intervals, these appointments are characterized by thorough above and below the gum cleanings, continual monitoring of periodontal pocket depths and bone health, and the treatment of any recurring, active areas of periodontal infection.
Gingivectomy
Excess gum tissue around one or more teeth can be removed through a gingivectomy procedure. Tissue overgrowth can result from biological factors, taking certain types of medications or chronic, persistent gum disease. Though often utilized to help control periodontal disease when other treatments have proven unsuccessful, gingivectomies can also be employed cosmetically to reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile.”