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Frequently asked questions and answers related to laser periodontal therapy, dental implants, gum lifts, sinus lifts, bone grafting and periodontal maintenance.
Will Laser Periodontal Therapy be painful?
Laser Periodontal Therapy requires no cutting or stitches, making it virtually painless and bloodless.
Is it safe to put a laser in my mouth?
Yes. The laser uses a very small fiber to reach only the portion of the gums requiring treatment. It gently passes between the teeth and gums, without affecting other parts of the mouth.
How long does laser gum surgery take?
It typically requires one or two visits after the initial consultation. Depending on the extent of your gum disease, we’ll typically treat one half of your mouth during each session.
How long does it take to recover from the laser gum procedure?
Recovery times vary for each patient. Following traditional gum surgery, recovery can take between 2-4 weeks, during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling. With Laser Periodontal Therapy, there is typically a less-than-24-hour recovery period. And because there is no cutting involved, there’s less possibility of post-treatment infection.
My dentist recommends traditional gum surgery. How do I know the Laser Periodontal Therapy is right for me?
No single treatment is right for everyone. Ask your dentist or periodontist if Laser Periodontal Therapy might be a good option for you or contact us for a no-fee consultation and evaluation.
Can people with diabetes or other health concerns take advantage of the laser gum therapy?
Yes. LANAP is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia or those taking such medications as Coumadin or Cyclosporin.
How much does the laser gum procedure cost?
Laser gum therapy is often less expensive than traditional gum surgery because it requires less visits to the doctor (typically two visits for the laser gum treatment compared to four visits-plus with subsequent visits for suture removal and additional check-ups for traditional gum surgery).
Will the procedure be covered by my insurance?
Exact coverage depends upon your individual dental insurance. But if your insurance covers traditional gum surgery, it will cover the laser gum treatment as well. Ask us, and we will provide a pre-determination of your coverage.
Once my gums have been treated, is the gum disease gone?
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but it can be stabilized and maintained. Once the initial treatment has been completed, good home care and regular periodontal maintenance is essential to keep the disease under control and to maintain good oral health.
Why do I need periodontal maintenance after surgery?
Following therapy, regular cleanings are vital to maintaining periodontal health. In cases where patients have a high susceptibility to breakdown or in cases where the patient cannot reach all areas with oral hygiene techniques, plaque can begin to form immediately after treatment. To keep the disease at bay, it is important to keep up with your regular periodontal maintenance exams.
Why do I need a soft-tissue graft?
In some cases, a soft-tissue graft is needed to treat gum disease, reduce sensitivity and to cover unsightly exposed root surfaces to help prevent future gum recession.
Why do I need a bone graft?
Bone grafting is performed to replace or build up jaw bone that has been lost due to periodontal disease, trauma or ill-fitting removable dentures.
Why do I need a sinus lift?
A sinus lift is a bone grafting procedure that is sometimes performed as a part of preparing an area for a dental implant. A sinus lift is done when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw or the sinuses are too close to the jaw for dental implants to be placed.
What is oral conscious sedation?
The process involves prescribing a sedative drug to be taken by mouth about an hour before the planned procedure. When the medication takes effect, you will become extremely relaxed and drift into a sleep-like state. Our experienced team will continue to monitor you throughout the entire appointment. Once the medication wears off, most patients feel no discomfort or residual effects from the dental visit.
Oral sedation is safe and effective, but can last for several hours after the appointment. It is important to remember that on the day of the appointment you will need someone to bring you to our office, take you home and stay with you until you have completely recovered.
What is nitrous oxide sedation?
Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, can make you feel more comfortable during your appointment. Nearly all patients can have nitrous oxide and patients who have used it report very few, if any, side effects. It's one of the safest anti-anxiety techniques available.
During your dental procedure, nitrous oxide is administered by placing a soft rubber hood over your nose though which you receive the gas. You simply breathe in and out through your nose as you would normally breathe. If you are like most patients, you'll begin to feel the nitrous oxide take effect within 3-5 minutes. Following treatment, the effects of this gas are completely reversed within 3-5 minutes, simply by breathing normally. In fact, you will be able to safely drive home or to work following your appointment. |
