Do you suffer from red, swollen and tender gums that occasionally bleed when brushed or flossed? Has your dentist told you that you are suffering from moderate to severe periodontal disease? Were you told you had "pockets" that were 4 mm or more between your teeth? Did your dentist refer you to a periodontal specialist? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, we have a treatment option in our practice that you may be very interested in knowing more about.

We are pleased to announce that we have recently completed intensive training in Laser Periodontal Therapy and now offer this treatment using the World's first digital dental laser--the PerioLaseâ MVP-7. This laser was specifically designed for treating gum (periodontal) disease. This addition makes it possible for us to effectively treat gum disease problems and establish ideal conditions for healing the gums around teeth that have periodontal pockets, right in our office.

The PerioLaseâ MVP-7 laser now gives us a gentle and effective way to stop the damage being done by the infections in the gums. Patients who have had this form of laser treatment report that they have little or no discomfort after the procedure. We are proud to be among the first of the growing number of dental offices in the country to provide this breakthrough laser treatment to our patients.

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

It's an infection of the gums. It starts out as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form calculus or tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria which attacks the soft tissue around the gums. This early stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis. Symptoms include red swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath and, sometimes, an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Untreated, Gingivitis becomes Periodontitis. At this severe stage, bacteria destroys both the gums and the supporting bone structure. Pockets form where teeth are separated from the gums and surrounding bones. Left untreated, Periodontitis often results in tooth loss.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO HAVING THE THERAPY?

EASY - LANAP™

is about as EASY as erasing a blackboard -- there's no cutting and no suturing.

LESS DISCOMFORT

Patients report much LESS DISCOMFORT with LANAP than with standard surgery -- during and after the procedure.

LESS TIME

It takes LESS TIME than traditional surgery. All it takes is two 3-hour visits to the office and a few shorter follow up visits.

FEWER TROUBLES DOWN THE ROAD- LANAP™

does not include the major loss of gum tissue that traditional surgery almost always involves. This tissue loss can lead to more sensitive teeth, since your roots are exposed. Also, if the treatment needs to be performed again in the future, you have not removed the bone and gums during the first treatment with LANAP. Typically, with LANAP, any gum tissue loss is actually reduced swelling of the area from the inflammation being relieved.

SHORT RECOVERY

Many patients find that they have less than a 24 HOUR RECOVERY period, so you won't lose time from work. Healthy Smiles will recommend a soft diet for a few days. In most cases, patients feel fine right after the procedure.

SAFE - LANAP™

with the Periolase is SAFE for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Coumadin or Cyclosporine.

A. Perio Probe indicates excessive pocket depth.
B. Laser light kills bacteria and diseased tissue. (Dotted line shows gum tissue cut away with traditional surgery.)
C. Ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments are used to remove root tartar.
D. Laser finishes cleaning and sterilizing pocket which aids in sealing the pocket closed so new germs cannot enter
E. Reattachment of connective tissue to the clean root surface, with a stable fibrin clot and gingival crest to create "a closed system"
F. Bite trauma is adjusted
G. New attachment is regenerated. New bond and new ligament is formed and healing occurs.