Laser in Periodontics

At Vergoullis Dental Clinic, we offer one of the latest advances in Dentistry, the use of Dental Laser.

Nd:YAG (Neodymium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) lasers have been used safely and effectively in the periodontal treatment for pocket sterilization and gingival curettage. Laser periodontal therapy is a laser-based procedure that builds on early laser – sulcular debridement techniques, and was developed specifically for the treatment of moderate to severe periodontitis.

The laser device we use in our clinic is a free-running Nd:YAG laser with the unique features necessary to perform all soft tissue procedures. The laser beam is delivered to the tissue via an optical fiber.

Lasers allow the clinician to reduce the amount of bacteria and other pathogens in the surgical field. The laser’s heat also seals the gums with a “thermal blood clot, creating a physical barrier to any bacteria or tissue that could re-create gum pockets”.

Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (the LANAP™ protocol) is a patented therapy designed for the treatment of periodontitis through regeneration rather than resection. The LANAP is a minimally invasive alternative to periodontal surgery for certain patients. The primary end point of LANAP is debridement of inflamed and infected connective tissue within the periodontal pocket and removal of calcified plaque and calculus adherent to the root surface. Other advantages include improved hemostasis intraoperatively and improved patient comfort and acceptance.

The procedure combines the best aspects of laser soft tissue surgery with well-established principles of periodontal disease therapy.

We will explain how the laser works. A periodontal evaluation and X-rays will be performed to make a definitive diagnosis and determine the extent of your periodontal infection. When you return for your first LANAP™ Procedure treatment, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to eliminate any possible discomfort. A tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum, followed by scaling and root planing, intra-sulcular irrigation with specialised antiseptic rinse and finishing with a second round of laser. We will treat one quarter of your mouth at each session.

You will be monitored every 4 weeks and 6 months later a full clinical examination (probings, etc) will be performed to evaluate the initial results of your treatment. No probing is performed before the time point of 6 months in order to allow sufficient healing time. Once we determine that your periodontal status is healthy we might recommend you to receive prophys every 3-6 months for periodontal maintenance to prevent future periodontal breakdown. Patients are encouraged to improve and maintain standards of oral hygiene to prevent further active periodontitis.

Oral hygiene by the patient it is the most important determinant for long term results!

 Other indications for the use of Nd:YAG dental lasers are some of the following: