Laser Periodontal Surgery

Dental lasers are a medical technology that emits a beam of concentrated light. When used for surgical and periodontal procedures, the laser acts as a cutting instrument. The procedures performed with dental lasers are minimally invasive and preferable to conventional surgery.

Lasers in dentistry allow for many periodontal procedures to be performed with no noise, minimal pain, less bleeding, faster recovery times and fewer appointments. Some additional benefits lasers have over traditional methods include:

• Reduced heat and vibration
• Little or no need for anesthetic
• Minimal bleeding
• Faster treatment time
• Increased rate of retention of implants
• Reduced damage to healthy tissues
• Minimal post-operative swelling and discomfort
• Fewer infections or post-operative complications

The LANAP® procedure helps avoid the use of traditional surgery and sutures by utilizing specialized lasers and techniques to remove bacteria from periodontal pockets in the gum tissue.

Tartar and plaque on the tooth surfaces can harbor bacteria, allowing for the development of Gingivitis. Often causing discomfort and swollen or bleeding gum tissues, Gingivitis can progress to an infection in the the gum tissues, known as Periodontitis. This infection of the gums can create periodontal pockets, separating teeth from the surrounding gum and bone structure. If left untreated, this condition will lead to tooth loss.

To repair the damage to the tissue, the infection needs to be cleaned out, and the pockets must be sealed. What previously required surgery and stitches can now be accomplished through laser treatment. The LANAP® procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser technology to remove the diseased tissue and bacteria. The laser is also used to help seal the pocket so that new germs can not get back in. This treatment minimizes trauma to the gum tissue, providing a more comfortable procedure for the patient than traditional methods and significantly reducing healing time.

Lasers have numerous functions in periodontal offices and can be used on both hard and soft tissues.

Periodontal offices may use lasers to:

• Place dental implants
• Reshape gum tissue
• Biopsy or removal of soft tissue lesions and ulcers
• Remove areas of tooth decay
• Increased rate of retention of implants
• Eliminate infection in gum tissue pockets
• Fuse tissues
• Perform frenectomies (such as correction of ankyloglossia)
• Perform oral surgery and extractions