Q: I was just told that I have moderate to advance periodontal disease. I started deep cleaning and scaling. I am being referred to a periodontal specialist by my dentist. I want to know if laser surgery would be a better option instead, to get rid of bad breath, replace any bone loss, save my teeth, and prevent the chronic presence of the gum disease. I realize there isn’t a cure but can the right preventions eliminate these symptoms and prevent any further health problems? When you say “control gum disease” does that mean you will have healthy gums, fresh breath, and good oral hygiene after laser surgery or periodontal surgery? How often will I have to see the dentist after surgery? Every 3 months or every 6 months? I am totally horrified. I wish that deep cleaning or surgery would fix the problem that my gums would just be healthy again. Will they be healthy after this procedure? Please let me know. What is the best option for me? Thank you and waiting for your response.
A: All of your questions are excellent. In our Laser Periodontal practice, as a first step we do a thorough clinical exam and review of a full mouth series of digital radiographs. If we determine that your gum disease requires further treatment, our first choice would be the use of an FDA cleared protocol with the laser. Assuming no other unusual factors, we would prefer to treat the disease without cutting or flapping of the gum tissue, as is done in traditional surgery. We can stabilize the disease in most cases and the use of the laser is the most effective method. In certain cases, we are forced to do traditional surgery. I would need to see you to determine the prognosis and the least invasive way to get your gums healthy again so you can maintain your oral health for many years. At the conclusion of your treatment, we would then recommend the appropriate interval for your cleanings and checkups. I hope this helps.
