When a patient is diagnosed with periodontal disease or receding gums or their dental implant is failing, they immediately start to dread the painful surgery that follows. Although over 80% of adults suffer from some degree of gum disease, only 3% of adults with moderate to severe levels of gum disease will accept treatment. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to receding gums, loss of bone, and ultimately, tooth loss.
The PerioLase MVP-7 Laser is an advanced technology used to perform FDA-cleared laser gum treatment. These procedures successfully treat gum disease because the laser can target the source of the inflammation without hurting or removing any healthy gum tissue and without the need for scalpel or sutures. Only a certified dentist like Dr. Lisa Turner of Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is proven skilled in performing these procedures.
Traditional Gum Surgery
Traditional treatment for gum disease involves surgery. This surgery can be painful and requires significant recovery. During traditional treatment, the periodontist will use a scalpel to cut the diseased gum and scrape the bone to remove the infection. When that is complete, she will use foreign material to refill the areas of bone loss and then use sutures to connect the gums back to the teeth. Over time, the gums will heal, and healthy gum tissue will grow, helping restore the gums to a natural look and feel over time.
Laser Gum Surgery With The PerioLase MVP-7 Laser
In laser gum surgery, there is no cutting and no stitches. A laser fiber is placed between the teeth and gums into the periodontal pocket. The laser can remove diseased tissue lining the gums and kill the bacteria without damaging the healthy tissue. The roots are then cleaned, and the laser is used to seal the tissue around the tooth, allowing your body to heal naturally. Laser gum therapy promotes tissue regeneration and reduces the periodontal pocket depths without removing any tissue. The laser gum treatment is called Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) and is an FDA-cleared treatment for tissue regeneration.
A similar procedure performed with the same laser used in the LANAP procedure can also be used to treat dental implants affected by inflammation that can damage the soft tissues and the bone and may cause implant failure. Treating this area non-surgically with LAPIP (Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure) kills the bacteria causing inflammation and spurs regeneration of healthy supporting bone structure saving the implant.
The Bottom Line
| Traditional Gum Treatment | Laser Treatment |
| Surgery Requires cutting to remove infected tissues Requires sutures or stitches to reattach gums 2 to 4-week recovery Some pain and swelling Requires stopping many blood thinners and medications Does not stimulate bone regeneration Requires intensive after-care and monitoring | No cutting No drilling No sutures or stitches 24-hour recovery time Minimal discomfort Reduced risk of infection Decreased sensitivity Less bleeding 98% of laser-treated patients demonstrate regeneration and remain stable |
Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is a team of dental professionals who have decades of experience working together with patients needing specialty dental services. If you suffer from periodontal disease or peri-implantitis, contact us to schedule an exam and consultation with our board certified periodontist today!
