Laser Assisted Periodontal Treatment
Dr. Davis is commited to providing the most advanced methods of treatment to his patients.
The use of the diode laser in the treatment of periodontal disease (also referred to as "gum disease") provides benefits not just for dental health but also for general health of a patient that has periodontal disease. Besides what periodontal disease does to the mouth, it has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, premature births, low birth rates, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, studies continue being added to the list of ways that periodontal disease can adversely effect the general health of a patient. Therefore the seriousness of dealing effectively in the treatment of periodontal disease cannot be overstated.
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infection. In periodontal disease the gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces, called pockets, which become infected. The body's immune system responds to fight the bacterial infection and unfortunately this protective mechanism becomes destructive in that it starts to break down the bone and connective tissue that holds teeth in place, such that, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed and teeth become loose and may fallout or have to be removed.
The pockets need to be addressed by the removal of calculus, plaque and other debri on each tooth to create clean tooth surfaces by scaling and root planning procedure (which is the debriment of root surfaces with ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments but does not involve soft tissues). Following this procedure the diode laser is used for the decontamination or elimination of bacteria from the pockets, for curettage or the elimination of granulation tissue, bacterial products and ulcerated areas to create a clean and even epithelial lining without tissue tags (epithelial remnants) and for biostimulation to start the healing process. Hence the benefit of the diode laser is that the laser targets the bacteria and has an antibacterial effect that helps to disinfect the periodontal pockets, it stimulates the gums to cause increased microcirculation which helps rejuvenate the gum growth and decreases the pocket size.
The use of scaling and root planning procedure to treat pockets on its own without following with the use of the diode laser is a less effective periodontal treatment. The ideal environment for periodontal healing must include scaling and root planning which provides a clean, calculus-free, plaque-free hard tissue surface followed by the use of the diode laser. It is the diode laser that provides the additional benefits of elimination of pathogenic bacteria, a smooth clean soft tissue surface and biostimulation, all of which is needed in promoting an ideal environment in the mouth for periodontal healing in the reduction of the size of pockets.
The good news is with laser assisted periodontal treatment and patient participation such as brushing a.m. and p.m. and daily flossing at minimum and compliance with recommended recare regimen, Dr. Davis can help improve the periodontal health of his patients.
The goal for a patient who has periodontal disease is to:
- Educate as to the seriousness of periodontal disease and the patient's situation.
- Motivate the patient to take all measures to stop the progression of periodontal disease and in so doing having them realize the added benefit to their overall health.
- Encourage the patient to comply with the recommended recare regimen.
The goal is to help you achieve not just a beautiful smile but a healthy mouth because a healthy mouth is definitely something to smile about!
For more information regarding laser assisted periodontal treatments, overall periodontics, and related services, contact the office of Dr. John M. Davis III, D.D.S. at (954) 941-3003.
Dr. Davis' office is centrally located in Pompano Beach, FL and serves patients that travel from across the globe as well as locally from Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Parkland and Boca Raton.
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