Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Dr. Nix and your dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!
If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages where bone loss and diseased pockets have formed (Periodontitis) Dr. Nix will discuss your treatment options including:
Of the three choices you have to treat your disease Dr. Nix most often recommends Laser Periodontal Therapy utilizing the Periolase dental laser. This revolutionary laser treatment is the ONLY FDA cleared protocol for regaining new gum attachment and bone around your teeth.
Do all dentists have the Periolase Laser?
No. Dr. Nix is the first dentist in the State of Nebraska to utilize this procedure and one of only 150 dentists in the entire nation willing to invest in this wonderful technology. Having used lasers for over 15 years, you can be confident in Dr. Nix's experience to treat your disease. Dr. Nix has completed advanced training in the use of Lasers and is the first dentist in the State of Nebraska to be licensed to perform the LANAP Laser Periodontal Therapy and receive Laser certification from the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry.
What exactly is Laser Periodontal (gum)Therapy?
This Laser Periodontal Surgery is called LANAP or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, and replaces the traditional gum scraping of scaling/root planing and the old bone surgery with its scalpels, sutures, and pain.
The Periolase Laser removes only the diseased tissue and leaves healthy tissue alone. The technique involves two passes with the laser, with ultrasonic cleaning of the pockets completed between the laser passes. Dr. Nix will also adjust your bite at each appointment, a vital step in assuring proper healing.
How much pain will I have?
There will be NO pain during the surgery. You will be completely numb and we can also use oral sedation to help you relax if you so choose. Post treatment pain is so different than traditional surgery because the laser promotes the body's healing process. You can expect some mild discomfort which is easily handled with analgesics. Patients who have had the LANAP laser gum surgery experience very little discomfort following the procedure and most often only have to take Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to feel comfortable.
How many appointments does it take?
We always complete the treatment in two appointments which are scheduled one week apart. This is the best way to get rid of the bacteria that cause the disease and keep it from spreading into other teeth.
What exactly happens to my diseased pockets?
You can expect to have NEW gum attachment and bone formation in most of your pockets. This Laser LANAP Therapy is the only FDA cleared laser procedure that will actually give this result. Most Dentists treating gum disease with only "soft tissue management", and Scaling/Root Planing will only see REPAIRED attachment, which is far inferior to new gum and bone formation of the Laser procedure.
Is the Laser Periodontal Therapy a Cure for my Disease?
No. There is no cure for moderate/advanced periodontitis. The good news is that we can now treat it very effectively with the Periolase Laser LANAP therapy. Just like so many other diseases such as Diabetes, even though there is no cure, it can be successfully treated to allow you live with the disease under control .
I have seen other dentist adds for laser gum treaments, are they the same thing?
If the dentist is not using the Periolase laser and following the LANAP protocol the answer is NO! The FDA has only cleared the Periolase Laser and the LANAP to be utilized for this protocol. Only dentists who have been trained and licensed for the Periolase LANAP therapy can claim to treat your gums with new attachment and bone formation.
There are other lasers (diode, and erbium lasers) which can be used to treat minor gum problems but these laser procedures have NO FDA cleared research to show new attachment or new bone formation after treatment!
If you are interested in the FDA research performed by Dr. Ray Yukna ask Dr. Nix and he will get you a copy of the scientific study and FDA clearance.
Call toll free 800-647-5038 today and let our experienced team help you with our Periolase Laser!