Over the last several decades, laser technology has allowed countless healthcare professionals across various fields to effectively combat disease and achieve successful outcomes for millions of patients. Laser dentistry in Durham, NC with Dr. Michael Richter involves the use of the LANAP® laser protocol to provide patients with state of the art periodontitis treatment that is minimally painful and delivers lasting, therapeutic results.
How Laser is Used in Dentistry
- Diagnose disease and infection
- Assist in treating soft tissue problems affecting gums, lips, and the tongue
- Assist in treating hard tissue problems affecting tooth enamel, dentin, and bone
The Evolution of Laser Periodontitis Treatment and More
Laser was granted clearance for use in soft tissue surgery by the FDA in 1991 and has since been used for a variety of different purposes, more recently periodontitis treatment. Other uses in recent years include teeth and jaw bone recontouring and for various diagnostic purposes.
How Laser Works
Laser is short for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” If you were to compare a laser wavelength to that of the sun as they pass through a prism, you would find that a sun beam produces a rainbow of different colors while the laser produces just one solid beam of light.
When used for medical purposes, laser instruments contain several properties: an electric source, a mirror to guide the beam to its target, a semiconductor to generate the beam, and fiber optics to deliver it. By manipulating specific laser wavelength properties, laser dentists are able to treat or remove diseased tissue with much greater precision and efficiency.
Modern Periodontitis Treatment
To improve the oral health of patients with moderate to severe gum disease, Dr. Richter uses the LANAP® laser protocol. This state of the art, FDA cleared periodontitis treatment has provided effective, safe treatment for many patients who may have had to undergo more painful procedures or skip treatment altogether. The laser Dr. Richter uses, the PerioLase® MVP-7™, is at the top of its class and is considered one of the leading dental lasers available for detecting bacteria deep inside periodontal pockets and vaporizing diseased tissue on contact without causing any harm to the patient's healthy gum tissue. The procedure is very tolerable and drastically reduces bleeding, inflammation, and gum recession, which are all common consequences of traditional gum surgery. Laser even saves teeth at risk of being lost because it has the power to stimulate new bone growth in the jaw area to improve support.
Laser dentistry in Durham, NC with Dr. Richter is today's favored periodontitis treatment. If you have gum disease, please call us today for a consultation.