FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
NEW TECHNOLOGY – NEW COMFORT
What is Laser Periodontal Therapy™?
Laser Periodontal Therapy™ is a laser based technique for the treatment of periodontal
disease using the Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., PerioLase Laser. Fear of
periodontal treatment vanishes when patients find out no scalpel or sutures will be used.
Patient friendly laser treatment gets patients to agree to the treatment they need and
continue with the follow-up care that is prescribed.
Our office is one of the first in the area to offer Laser Periodontal Therapy™ for the
treatment of gingivitis and/or periodontitis. Following are commonly asked questions about
this technology.
How does it work?
Tartar, associated with inflamed and bleeding gums, is removed form the root surface of the
tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments.
Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is
gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy removes a tiny amount of
diseased tissue and aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease. After the area
is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.
Does it hurt?
Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we may anesthetize the area for the
patient’s comfort. In this way we can precisely direct the laser for treatment. Post-procedure
discomfort is typically minimal and of short duration.
How long does it take?
Initial treatment is focused on scaling and the use of small instruments to remove the tartar.
Then, the laser portion of the treatment is performed and normally only takes a few minutes.
Depending on the severity of the patient’s periodontal disease, treatment may be
accomplished in one office visit or in multiple visits. The estimated treatment time is reviewed
with patients when we discuss their treatment plan.
Does this treatment cost more than traditional gum surgery?
Typically we use the same billing codes as traditional gum surgery and the laser treatment is
generally no more expensive than traditional surgery. There are other factors which may
affect the cost, such as the severity of the periodontal disease, and how many teeth are
involved. Many insurance plans pay only for a portion of this treatment. Patients should
discuss their payment options with the dental office personnel as we offer financing for this
treatment.
The dramatically increased comfort for our patients made the new system attractive to our
office. We do encourage patients to take care of the need now to reduce further damage to
their gums, teeth and bone.