A Bioidentical and Non-Surgical Approach to Treating Periodontal Disease:

When it comes to treating periodontal (gum) disease, the traditional treatment method has always been a surgical approach.  Traditional gum surgery is often referred to as “flap” surgery because the gum tissue is cut and pushed back allowing the Periodontist (gum specialist) to remove debris and place new bone in the infected areas.  This procedure is extremely beneficial in the fight against gum disease, however with this surgery gum tissue loss occurs.  Once the surgery is complete the end result  can lead to longer appearing teeth along with tooth sensitivity.  With that said; in this blog I am going to discuss the non-surgical approach my Inland Empire Biological Dental Laser specialty office uses when treating periodontal disease.

The non-surgical approach to treat gum disease is called the LANAP procedure.  Instead of using scalpels and sutures, this non-surgical method uses a periodontal laser.  The laser disinfects the gum tissue clearing it of debris, disinfects the areas treated, and most importantly stimulates new bone to grow.  The Laser is used in stages during this appointment to remove diseased tissue in the periodontal pockets and to disinfect, then electric scalers and hand scalers are used to remove debris, and finally the laser is used again to eliminate any remaining bacteria and to form a blood clot.  This blood clot is essential for healing the infected tissue and stimulating bone tissue to grow.  The LANAP laser is the only FDA approved laser for the treatment of periodontal disease.

The “down time” for the LANAP procedure is minimal and does not require any sutures.  It requires a minimum of two 2 hour appointments along with a few additional visits.  Post surgery all that is required is to adapt to a soft food diet.  Finally, the LANAP procedure is safe for patients with health concerns like; diabetes, high blood pressure, blood thinner medication.

If you are interested to learn with my Inland Empire Biological dental office can do for you or a loved on please call (951)686-3666