Laser Gum Therapy

Dental lasers have revolutionized the way doctors and dental professionals provide care.

At Concierge Smile Boutique we offer two kinds of Laser Therapies: Periodontal Laser Therapy or LANAP- Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. Laser Debridement Reduction

The use of Dental Lasers is to provide our patients with the best optimal standard of care available today for their dental needs. Dental lasers are the latest innovation to treating gum disease in combination with scaling/root planning (SRPs) and in some cases an intervention that could prevent Scaling/root planning when combined with routine cleanings.

A simple way to understand how lasers are used to treat Periodontal Disease:
In the older way or traditional dentistry, patients who are diagnosed with periodontal disease are advised that they would need SRPs every 2 years. When SRPs are performed the root surfaces are cleaned, however, the number of aggressive bacteria that cause damage to the gum and bone are left deep in the gums.

In order to tackle gum disease in a more successful and preventative manner, our office recommends all SRPs to be combined with Periodontal Laser Therapy. In doing so, once the mouth has been "deep cleaned" we use lasers to reduce the bacteria and help the reattachment of the gums around the tooth.

The use of Laser Gum Therapies is most effective right after the patient has had all removal of calculus, plaque, and stain from teeth. Using Laser Periodontal Therapy helps reduce the bacteria, promote reattachment of gum, and lowers the future risk of further disease progression and the need for SRP. Lastly, it causes the blood in the gum to congeal or become sticky which helps to seal and protect the pockets while healing.

The optimal success of utilizing laser therapy includes the simultaneous combination with cleanings/ deep cleanings or within a window of 2 weeks after teeth are cleaned. If more than 2 weeks have passed, the patient will need to have their teeth cleaned again to have a successful laser treatment.

Example: A patient comes in cleaning and needs LDR but does not want to do it that same day. The patient can be scheduled for 30min for LDR only within the next 2 weeks. If the 2-week window has been missed, the patient should have their teeth cleaned again and a laser can be performed at that point in time. Typically, the patient will wait till their next due cleaning date to do laser treatment.

We all know that Laser therapies are not covered by insurance. However, our office takes pride in how we take care of each and every one of our patients. We do not let insurance breakdowns/coverage dictate how to diagnose/recommend treatment that our patients need. The patient has the full right to decline any and all treatment. They have the full right to only have SRPs and decline laser, however, ALL treatment recommendations must be presented, and it should be the patient who Accepts or Declines the treatment.

In our office we may recommend:

1) 4 Quads SRP with 4 Quads Periodontal Laser Therapy (PLT.)
The patient is already numb due to the SRP procedure, hence, will not need further anesthetic.

2) After a routine cleaning with 4 Quads Periodontal Laser Therapy (PLT.)
The patient may not have any calculus/plaque under the gums and does not warrant the need for SRP, but exhibits DEEPER pockets, bleeding, and the presence of inflammation. This tells us that the patient's gingival bacteria are becoming aggressive and have begun to cause destruction of gum and bone.

Periodontal Laser Therapy is when the laser setting is on a stronger power and requires topical anesthetic gel to ensure patient comfort. NO injection required.

Done during cleaning appt or on separate appt

3) After routine cleaning with Laser Debridement Reduction (LDR.)
LDR is when the power of the laser is on a low setting and does require topical anesthetic. It is used for patients with Minor or NO pockets but has the presence of bleeding and inflammation. done during cleaning appt or on separate appt