Periodontitis, or moderate to advanced gum disease, is the leading reason why so many Americans experience tooth loss. Part of that reason has to do with the way periodontitis treatment is viewed. There used to be just one option – osseous surgery – and many avoided it because it can be uncomfortable, time consuming, and cause unwanted side effects. LANAP® laser treatment with Dr. Michael Richter is a safe, comfortable alternative to having traditional periodontal disease treatment in Durham, NC.
The LANAP® Laser Treatment Alternative
- Laser periodontitis treatment is very tolerable
- No incisions or sutures
- Less bleeding and swelling means minimal pain and a lower risk of infection
- Laser attacks bacteria with greater accuracy and efficiency for improved results
- Gum recession is less likely
- Gum tissue is reattached without stitches
- Recovery within 24 hours without prescription medication
- Helps prevent tooth loss by encouraging new bone growth
Treating Periodontitis: Laser Therapy vs. Traditional Gum Surgery
If you or someone you care about is living with periodontitis, only professional treatment can make it better. There are two ways to treat moderate to severe gum disease – with a scalpel or with a laser. Dr. Richter is one of few periodontists in the region to offer LANAP® laser treatment– a newer, minimally invasive method cleared by the FDA to safely remove bacteria and diseased tissue without causing damage to healthy gum tissue.
Osseous Surgery
Until recently, osseous surgery was the only option available for treating periodontitis and is still used today. This method involves using a scalpel to reach and remove infected areas under the gum line by cutting and rolling the tissue away from the tooth roots so it can be scraped out. Sutures are then used to close the gum line and encourage reattachment of the connective tissue, which may also require the use of grafting materials. The process can be uncomfortable and damaging to nearby healthy gum tissue, which invariably results in some degree of gum recession. Recovering from osseous surgery also takes considerable time. The gums are often very tender and most patients will need prescription medication while they heal.
Laser Surgery
LANAP® laser treatment with Dr. Richter is remarkably different. Laser energy has the unique ability to reach and remove bacteria from periodontal pockets without harming the healthy tissue in your mouth. No cutting or suturing is required, which makes the process less damaging to the gum line. Swelling and inflammation are reduced by as much as 98 percent and recession is negligible, if at all. Healing from a laser procedure takes no time at all and pain medication is rarely needed. Laser also stimulates new bone to give needed support to existing teeth. LANAP® treatment is FDA cleared and fully supported by scientific and histological studies to be the only proven periodontitis treatment that can generate bone regrowth.
Patients who need periodontal disease treatment in Durham, NC now have a choice. What will yours be? Call us today for your personal laser gum surgery consultation with Dr. Richter.