Periodontal disease is an infectious process that has been linked to other health problems.  The goal of periodontal treatment is to control or eliminate this infection, and help the body’s own healing process.  In a patient with this disease, pockets exist between the tooth and gum tissue.  Bacteria reside in these pockets and cause inflammation and breakdown of tissue.

The laser is offered as an addition to conventional treatment.  The in-office treatment sets the stage for healing by attacking the bacteria. A fine fiber-optic tip delivers laser light energy to every aspect of the pocket under the gum-line of each tooth.  The laser has an affinity for dark pigmented bacterial, the kinds that are the most damaging in periodontal disease.  Theses microbes are instantly destroyed.  Healthy gum tissue, root surfaces, and teeth are not harmed.  This process also removes the inflamed and diseased tissue.  Toxins are flushed away, bacteria are removed, and a disease-free tissue surface is created that can heal.

Follow up care at home may involve irrigation of the tissue with an anti-microbial solution to aid healing and prevent re-infection.  Follow-up office visits also important to monitor progress, aid healing, and evaluate the need for further treatment when necessary.