Laser Technique Treats Diseased Gum Tissue

Gum disease, including its early stage (known as gingivitis) and the full-blown stage (known as periodontitis), afflicts over 100 million Americans over the age of 35. However, only a mere 3 percent of these individuals seek treatment. When gingivitis (gum inflammation) deteriorates into periodontitis, deep pockets separating the gums and teeth begin to form – potentially leading to loss of bone mass around teeth. If left untreated, the result can be loss of teeth.

The case of advanced periodontitis usually requires invasive bone surgery. This entails loss of work time, 10 or more trips to the specialist, and a great deal of post-surgical pain. But with the LANAP procedure, the patient encounters far less pain. According to Denver periodontist, Charles Barotz, with LANAP, there is no cutting or suturing and patients encounter far less discomfort. The procedure can be completed in one or two visits with only two follow-up visits. He believes that LANAP will do for gum surgery what LASIK has done for eye surgery.

The laser treatment works by eliminating the bacteria causing the gum disease through intensive exposure of specific wavelength of light to which they are sensitive. The infected cells are then killed by the laser, leading to subsequent regeneration of gum and bone tissue through a process called biostimulation. Once the tissues undergo the healing process, the pocket that begins to form between the gums and teeth begins to close, allowing the gums to reattach to the teeth.

The company behind this innovative new technology, Millenium Dental Technologies, has claimed that LANAP-licensed practitioners are currently treating over 14,000 patients nationwide, on an annual basis. According to data from the company, new connective tissue attachment and regeneration of the root surface was achieved in 100 percent of cases studied using the PerioLase dental laser.

A research team led by Raymond Yukna, Director of Advanced Periodontal Therapies at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine documented consistently positive responses in patients treated with LANAP. In a split mouth design, twelve single-rooted teeth with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were treated. Six teeth received treatment by LANAP, while the other six teeth received scaling and root planning only.

Following three months, 100 percent of LANAP-treated teeth showed regeneration of the root surface and new connective tissue attachment. The other control teeth showed no evidence of new attachment or regeneration. There was also no evidence of adverse changes with the LANAP patients.

According to Yukna, the results of the study are very encouraging. He believes that these positive results support the concept that LANAP can be associated with new connective tissue attachment and regeneration of diseased root surfaces in humans. The results are unprecedented and are likely the start of a new generation of techniques for the treatment of advanced periodontal disease.