Laser Treatment for Peridontal Disease

The periodontal laser has only recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of periodontal disease. Because an estimated 80 percent of people suffer from periodontal or another form of gum disease, and because past surgical treatments were so painful that many people refused or discontinued them, this new, painless and successful method has great potential.

Function

• The periodontal laser works in two ways. It uses light energy to remove diseased tissue and it kills the bacteria that cause periodontal and other gum diseases.

Features

• The laser has a tiny fiber that is about as thick as three strands of hair. This tiny fiber slips between the gum and the root of the tooth and removes only the disease, leaving healthy tissue and bone. There is no cutting; therefore there is little bleeding and no damage to surrounding tissue and bone.

Benefits

• Gum disease is the No. 1 cause of tooth loss. Because the periodontal laser removes ONLY diseased tissue, there is less pain and bleeding, less "down" time for the patient and a higher rate of success in stopping or reversing the destruction caused by periodontal disease.

Considerations

• Although periodontal laser surgery is relatively new, the promise of reversing the ravages of the disease is great. As with any medical procedure, there are still dangers and considerations involved. There is, for example, a risk of burning. Laser surgery should be used in conjunction with traditional scaling and root planing.

Potential

• Because the laser surgical procedure has been shown to reverse the damage to teeth and bone from periodontal disease, its potential is promising. The ability to save teeth, gums and bone would improve the overall health of the mouth and the quality of life for many.