SERVICES

Laser Periodontal (Gum) Treatment

What is a Laser?

A laser is a high tech devise that generates a tiny beam of very concentrated light. This beam of light brings energy into your mouth through a tiny fiber about the size of three human hairs, to help remove areas of infection and remove gum disease around the teeth with great precision and accuracy.

The laser beam kills the bacteria in your gums and seals off blood vessels, which minimizes the chance of infection or bleeding. Patients are also much more comfortable during and after treatment with laser therapy. This allows patients to return to work or their daily activities very soon after treatment. The need for local anesthetic is reduced but it is usually used to make sure that you feel absolutely nothing during the treatment


Are Lasers New to Dentistry?

Shortly after the invention of lasers in the early 1960's, lasers were investigated for their use in gum treatment. Recent developments have made it possible to use lasers more effectively in the dental office, for treatment of all soft tissues, including gums and to treat hard tissues like bone and tooth enamel.


Are Lasers Dangerous?

In the hands of a skilled specially trained periodontist like Dr. Strout, lasers are very safe and effective treatment device. Dental lasers are very low powered, which is essential for treating the delicate tissues of the mouth. In addition, the controlled heat and light of the laser destroys many of the bacteria and viruses in the mouth and inside periodontal pockets.

 

 

 

There are many benefits of laser dentistry which include:

  • Faster healing thank traditional treatment
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • Decreased chance of cold sensitivity after treatment
  • Less time in the dental chair
  • Less bleeding (most patients have no bleeding after they leave the office)
  • Less post-treatment discomfort

Will My Insurance Pay for Laser Treatment?

Today many dental services can be performed with the laser or traditional treatment.  If your insurance covers the procedure, then if the traditional treatment or laser treatment is used it will be covered.

Is Laser Dental Periodontal Treatment For Me?

After thorough examination, Dr. Strout can determine if the use of our laser is indicated for you. Apart from the fact that laser treatment is very gentle and quiet and heals with very little post-operative discomfort or bleeding, laser treatment may be very beneficial for the following situations:

  1. Blood Thinners: If you are on Cournadin or take aspirin every day and your MD does not want you to stop them, then laser treatment is beneficial beacuse of the reduced chance of bleeding during treatment.
  2. If you have high blood pressure and the use of Epinephrine is contraindicated, then laster treatment is for you.
  3. If you are allergic or hypersensitive to Epinephrine, causeing rapid heartbeat whenever you get dental injections then the use of laser treatment is beneficial, since Epinephrine is not necessary to be used.