Cosmetic dentists have always been of the strong professional opinion and firm belief that periodontal health should be done in the least painful, least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished through non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing.
Scaling involves scraping beneath the gumline to remove plaque and tartar. This is done with an ultrasonic tool. Root planing makes the root surface smooth so it will better resist further buildup of tartar.
If so recommended by the dental tea, the patient may also be given adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation. This is done on on a case-by-case basis.
Most cosmetic dentists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment, especially periodontal surgery.
However, ongoing observation and care will be necessary. Surgery may still be necessary, but it does not have to involve the use of cutting instruments. Thanks to Laser Periodontal Therapy, tissue that has been damaged by periodontal disease can be removed with the precision of ultra-modern lasers. These lasers are both highly safe and much more comfortable than cutting tools.
This is why it is important to see a cosmetic dentist who can perform LANAP. When a person is diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease, surgery often is the only option. However, cutting the mouth with metal instruments is both crude and destructive. Too much healthy tissue is damaged in the process, and the risk of infection is higher because it takes so long for the gums to heal.
Plus, it hurts. LANAP can be used instead for any and all of the following periodontal surgeries traditionally done with primitive instruments.
* Periodontal Pocket Reduction Procedures.
* Perio Regenerative Procedures
* Crown Lengthening
* Soft Tissue Grafts
One of the best things about LPT (LANAP) from the patient's point of view is that it is almost entirely free of all discomfort while the laser is in use. From a medical standpoint it is clearly superior as well, because it causes much less bleeding during and after surgery and far less swelling after surgery.
However, every laser has different wavelengths and power levels that can be used safely during different periodontal procedures. Damage to periodontal tissues can result if an the wrong setting is used.
It is therefore important to see only a dentist who is both highly trained and very experienced in the use of lasers and knows the ins and outs of LANAP.
In addition to the above procedures that are used to treat periodontal diseases, many cosmetic dentists also perform purely aesthetic procedures to enhance your smile. Oftentimes, patients who pursue cosmetic procedures notice improved function as well. Cosmetic procedures include:
* Crown Lengthening
* Soft Tissue Grafts
* Ridge Augmentation
There is also a new tray delivery device called Perio Protect(R) that is marketed for the treatment of gum disease. Call our office for information on how to obtain a fact sheet on this exciting new device.
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