If your dentist or your periodontist recommends that you get Laser Gum Therapy (or surgery), you may find yourself asking what exactly is laser gum therapy?
This treatment helps patients who have advanced periodontal disease (better known as gum disease) and need to take action.
When plaque builds up around the bottom of your teeth near or below the gum line, it can become infected. This infection (caused by harmful bacteria) can affect the gums and supporting bone structure of your teeth.
Laser Gum Therapy (sometimes referred to as LANAP, a specific type of laser gum therapy) can be used to assist in destroying bacteria and removing infected tissue. Using a laser helps target the infected gum area while leaving the healthy gum areas untouched. Your periodontist will have removed the plaque buildup with root planing and scaling procedures prior to using the laser.
This approach is a minimally invasive procedure eliminating cutting and suture surgery. Instead of cutting away infected tissue we are now able to regenerate soft tissue attachment to the root and new bone much of the time.
At the Broward Center for Laser Periodontics and Implants, we provide a number of gum treatments depending on your specific need.
Do you have other questions about what Periodontists do? Please feel free to call our offices – we’d be happy to talk more with you!
Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700