PerioLase Treatment is an alternative to
traditional periodontal surgery. First, the dentist will take X-rays to
make a definitive diagnoses and determine the extent of the infection. When
you return for your first PerioLase treatment, you'll receive a local anesthetic
to eliminate any possible discomfort. A general anesthetic isn't necessary,
because PerioLase treatment is much less traumatic. A tiny laser fiber (about
the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum,
and the infection is cleared away.
To see how PerioLase treatment works, watch this demo
video.
Dr. Aiello’s office is one of the first in the state of Michigan to offer the PerioLase laser for the treatment of gum disease. PerioLase allows us to treat periodontal disease without invasive gum surgery. Because there is no cutting and no stitches, people don’t experience the pain and bleeding associated with traditional gum surgery. In fact this impact for treating gum disease is similar to that of LASIK laser surgery for eyes. Dr. Aiello and his dental team will be happy to answer any questions about this innovative new treatment.
PerioLase treatment has many advantages over surgery.
• There’s no cutting and no suturing.
• There's much less discomfort -- during and after the procedure. In fact, almost all patients report no pain the day after the treatment has taken place.
• It takes less time than traditional surgery.
• Following traditional surgery, recovery can take between 2-4 weeks,
during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling. With
PerioLase treatment, there's less than a 24-hour recovery period, so you
won't lose time from work.
• PerioLase treatment is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes,
HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Coumadin or Cyclosporin.
How does it work?
Tartar, associated with inflamed and bleeding gums, is removed form the root surface of the tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments.
Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy removes a tiny amount of diseased tissue and aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.
Does it hurt?
Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we may anesthetize
the area for the patient’s comfort. In this way we can precisely direct
the laser for treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal
and of short duration.
How long does it take?
Initial treatment is focused on scaling and the use of small instruments
to remove the tartar. Then, the laser portion of the treatment is performed
and normally only takes a few minutes. Depending on the severity of the
patient’s periodontal disease, treatment may be accomplished in one office
visit or in multiple visits. The estimated treatment time is reviewed with
patients when we discuss their treatment plan.
Does this treatment cost more than traditional gum surgery?
Typically we use the same billing codes as traditional gum surgery and the
laser treatment is generally no more expensive than traditional surgery.
There are other factors which may affect the cost, such as the severity
of the periodontal disease, and how many teeth are involved. Many insurance
plans pay only for a portion of this treatment. Patients should discuss
their payment options with the dental office personnel as we offer financing
for this treatment. The dramatically increased comfort for our patients
made the new system attractive to our office. We do encourage patients to
take care of the need now to reduce further damage to their gums, teeth
and bone.
Laser Periodontal Therapy™, LPT™, and PerioLase®
are trademarks of Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc.
|
