If you are like 100 million other Americans, you could have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It starts off as plaque, an opaque bacterial film which eventually hardens forming tartar or calculus. Calculus deposits harbor bacteria which infect the gums.

In early stages, periodontal disease is called gingivitis and is characterized by red swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well. Unchecked gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure.

Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, resulting in tooth loss. The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets. Until recently that meant scalpel surgery and sutures. If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease and have been told you need to have scalpel and suture gum surgery, there is an exciting laser alternative called Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). LANAP is the only laser-assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontitis or gum disease. This breakthrough procedure can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue, as shown in Dental university studies. Dr. Schmorr is one of few dentists in the area to perform LANAP, a patient-friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over standard gum surgery.

Benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy

• There’s much less discomfort than with standard surgery – during and after the procedure. There is no cutting with scalpels and no suturing. You won’t have to worry about bleeding, stitches, or postoperative infections because your gums have not been cut.
• LANAP takes less time than traditional surgery: two 2-hour office visits for the actual procedure and two follow-up visits. Traditional surgery averages 8-10 office visits.
• LANAP is less costly than traditional gum surgery and, as research shows, gives better, longer lasting results. In fact, 98% of LPT treated patients remain stable after 5 years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery.
• Following traditional surgery, recovery can take between 2 – 4 weeks during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling, where they may be restricted to a liquid or soft diet. After LANAP a soft diet is recommended for a day or two, and common sense should prevail, but in most cases, patients feel good enough to eat anything they wish right after the procedure.
• There is less than a 24-hour recovery period so you won’t lose time from work, and LANAP LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, hemophilia, HIV, or those taking medications such as Coumadin or Cyclosporin.

Looking for a Dentist in Raleigh?

If you feel you may be helped by Laser Periodontal Therapy, contact Dr. Rebecca Schmoor at Glenwood Smiles to schedule a consultation to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry and PerioLase services!