The way gum disease is treated is changing in dentistry.  Thanks to lasers, we now have something that can significantly improve the patients chances of saving their teeth. There are many reasons why the laser is helping.  It kills bacteria (including the ones that cause gum disease), it promotes healing and is a less invasive procedure. We have success with the Periolase laser and LANAP, the name of the procedure specific to this laser. 
Here is an animated video on LANAP:

 Here is a graphic of the basics of LANAP:

1. The probe indicates excessive pocket depth. 
2. Laser light kills bacteria and diseased tissue. 
3. Ultrasonic scaler uses sound waves to break up and loosen tartar and special hand instruments are used to smooth root surfaces. 
4. Laser finishes debriding pocket and establishes coagulation. 
5. The tissue is compressed against the root surface and a stable fibrin clot forms along the gum line. 
6. The bite is adjusted and equilibrated to prevent excessive (traumatic) chewing forces from interfering with healing. 
7. Healing with new attachment of the gums to the tooth.  

If you have gum disease issues, we will do a *free* consultation to see if the Periolase and LANAP are right for you. Click here to request an appointment.

One common question is what will I experience after LANAP?

Click here to read an informational article 

Here is historical information on the Laser

When the first working laser was introduced to the world, one observer said “The laser is a solution looking for a problem.” The laser is easily one of the greatest scientific inventions of the twentieth century. Forty years later, lasers are everywhere, from the supermarket to the DVD player (and the laser pointer we use to entertain the cat.) 

The first laser for dentistry was introduced in 1990. In 1998 two California  dentists reported the first uniquely laser-dependent dental procedure. Dr Robert Gregg and Dr. Del McCarthy, after extensive research, used a laser for treating gum disease and were able to consistently cause growth of new periodontal tissues (the tissue that holds the tooth in the mouth.) The laser they developed is called a Periolase. It is tuned to a specific wavelength, pulse width and power to maximize its effect on the treatment of gum disease. It has been submitted to the FDA and received approval for the treatment of gum disease. The specific treatment protocol, LANAP, was then submitted to the FDA and was approved. Both the Periolase and LANAP are patented. Dr. Gregg and Dr. McCarthy then set out to introduce the Periolase to the dental community.  They formed the IALD, the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, as a training organization.  Instead of just advertising in journals and sending them to any dentist that ordered one, they set up a training facility in California . After deciding to buy a Periolase, the dentist is given a date to attend training, and at the end of that training session, given a test. After passing the test, their Periolase is then built and shipped to them. There are then two additional required training sessions. 

This approach is unique in the dental world and has contributed greatly to the results we see.  For more information on gum disease, and other dental topics of interest, check out our Oral health section:  Click here to go to the Oral Health Section

Ready to appoint?  Call Julie at (503) 378-0466, or Request An Appointment