Laser Bacterial Reduction
Our office uses a Diode Laser. These lasers have a wavelength of 810 nm to 980 nm. Laser produces light energy that can be absorbed by a target tissue. The laser wavelength does not effect bone or enamel. Thus, a diode laser is perfect to use to help kill the bacteria around teeth. The absorption process produces a thermal reaction in the gum tissue. The heat kills the bacteria and the light energy bio-stimulates the gum tissue. The results with Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy and Laser Bacterial Reduction are amazing.
Laser Periodontal Therapy – laser protocol to attack the cause of the infection. Elimination of the bacterial infection and eliminate bleeding gum tissue.
Laser Bacterial Reduction – is a disinfection and lowering of bacteria colonies. This laser protocol is designed to lower the risk of new infection.
Both Laser Periodontal Therapy and Laser Bacterial Disinfection is an adjunct to mechanical instrumentation from your hygienist. The goal of all cleanings is to eliminate the bacteria that is causing the problems. The mouth is the gateway to the body. Patients with periodontal disease have a 275% increase in medical expenses and have two times the hospital cost of patients that have no periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease causes the degradation and destruction of gum tissue. Tissues are exposed to the patient’s blood stream. Periodontal infection involves wounds with local and systemic results. Therefore, treatment should focus on managing the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is a local inflammatory process in gingival tissue caused by the body’s response to a bacterial insult. Universal standards of wound care for periodontal disease include: ultrasonics, hand instrumentation and laser debridement of the wound.
L.A.S.E.R = Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation
Radiation = energy emitted in the form of waves or particles
Laser energy is non-ionizing radiation and does not damage DNA.
Why the great results with lasers in fighting gum disease?
- Laser soft tissue therapy affects a change in the bacterial load in the pocket and leaves a clean, coagulated wound to heal.
- Creates new epithelial attachment
- Photo bio-stiulation increases fibroblastic (gum tissue cells) and osteoblastic (bone building cells) activity
In a research study, periodontal disease patients were treated for periodontal disease. One group received the laser therapy. There was a 96.9% reduction in bleeding values with the laser and only a 66.7% reduction of bleeding values in the non-laser treatment group. Furthermore, there was a significant prolonged antibacterial effect seen months after laser treatment.
Laser treatment displays:
- Promotion of impaired wound healing
- Regenerative properties with the release of Human Growth Factor
- Reduction of inflammation
- Reduction of pocket depth
- New tissue attachment to the tooth
- Reduction of bacterial colonies
- Bio-stiulation
Insurance usually covers hygiene services for the purpose of prevention. If you have periodontal disease, your needs are likely to exceed your dental insurance coverage.