Laser Periodontal Therapy

If you are like 100 million other Americans, you could be one of 50% of Americans who have periodontal disease, the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal disease starts off as plaque, an opaque bacterial film which eventually hardens forming tartar or calculus. Calculus deposits harbor bacteria which infect the gums. In early stages, this is called gingivitis, characterized by red swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well. Unchecked gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, resulting in tooth loss. The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets. Until recently that meant scalpel surgery and sutures. If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease and have been told you need to have scalpel and suture gum surgery, there is an exciting laser alternative called Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP protocol). LANAP protocol is the only laser-assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontitis or gum disease. This breakthrough procedure can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue, as shown in Dental university studies. Dr Johnson is one of few licensed dentists in the area to perform LANAP protocol, a patient-friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over standard gum surgery.

If you feel you may be helped by LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY, we will schedule a complimentary consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. X-rays and an oral examination will determine the extent of periodontal disease. When you return for your first LANAP protocol treatment, you'll receive a local anesthetic to eliminate any possible discomfort. A general anesthetic isn't necessary, because LANAP protocol is much less traumatic. A tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum, and the infection is cleared away. The procedure is fast: It takes just two 2-hour sessions. We treat one half of your mouth at each session…and you'll probably feel good enough to go back to work afterwards!!!!

For more info on LANAP protocol, click here.

LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY BENEFITS

Why is LPT better?

• There's much less discomfort with LANAP protocol LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY than with standard surgery – during and after the procedure. There is no cutting with scalpels and no suturing. You won't have to worry about bleeding, stitches, or postoperative infections because your gums have not been cut.
  
  
• LANAP protocol takes less time than traditional surgery: two 2-hour office visits for the actual procedure and two follow-up visits. Traditional surgery averages 8-10 office visits.
  
  
• LANAP protocol is less costly than traditional gum surgery and, as research shows, gives better, longer lasting results. In fact, 98% of LPT treated patients remain stable after 5 years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery.
  
  
• Following traditional surgery, recovery can take between 2 – 4 weeks during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling, where they may be restricted to a liquid or soft diet. After LANAP protocol a soft diet is recommended for a day or two, and common sense should prevail, but in most cases, patients feel good enough to eat anything they wish right after the procedure.
  
  
• There is less than a 24-hour recovery period so you won't lose time from work, and LANAP protocol LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, hemophilia, HIV, or those taking medications such as Coumadin or Cyclosporin.

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Dr. Johnson has a very calm demeanor and really made me feel at ease during my dental appointment.

- Robert S.
   Redondo Beach

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