There is a new kind of treatment available for correcting advanced periodontitis. It is a new laser technology known as Periolase. It is involved with the removal of oral particles, infected tissue and bacteria as well as stimulating bone and gum tissue for re attachment.

The benefits of periolase over the traditional ‘flap’ type surgery are –

-          There is a much lower risk of the gum disease persisting, due to the re growth of the gum connective tissue.

-          It is absolutely pain free.

-          The recovery time is minimal and there is no higher cost involved compared to the cost of the usual scalpel mode of gum surgery.

Laser Gum Surgery How Does it Work?

The approved type of laser is named LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure).

-          This pulsing laser differentiates between the darker colored diseased tissue and the healthy tissue, and only acts on the affected area.

-          Following the removal of the diseased tissue, the laser then stimulates the healthy tissue to re attach to the bone.

-          The gum is then sealed by the heat of the laser, creating a thermal blood clot, which acts as a stoppage for bacteria, or any other tissue which could cause the sealed gum pockets to re open.

The cost of such surgery is currently about $5000 dependant upon the severity of the disease, but in any case is certainly comparable with the normal ‘flap’ type of surgery.

The procedure is usually carried out in two sessions, about one week apart, each side of the mouth being treated separately, and a local anesthetic like novocaine is normally given for patient comfort.

The laser will be used to destroy the affected tissue, which is then removed by the actions of water, suction, and the laser. The laser will then stimulate the gum tissue re growth and subsequent re attachment to the bone, At this stage the patient’s bite may be readjusted to prevent any unwanted teeth grinding, and for the patients own comfort.

The recovery time is almost instant, and patients can return to work the very same day, although a little rest time is advised.

Instruction will be given by the surgeon with regard to oral hygiene during the healing period. Usually a soft food diet is recommended for 1 week, to prevent any disturbance to the newly formed thermal blood clots, and for the first week only the use of cotton buds for gently rubbing the teeth is permitted.

Once the blood clots have healed completely, the gum tissue will have become sealed thus preventing any further infection or gum disease.

Tags: , , ,