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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. 

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 years of research, used a laser for treating gum disease and were able to consistently cause growth of new periodontal attachment.  The laser they developed is called a Periolase.  It is tuned to a specific wavelength, pulse width and power to maximize its 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.   Because of this, we have had great success with the Periolase and LANAP. 

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 an animated video on the LANAP procedure:

Here is a graphic of the basics of LANAP:

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