Laser Periodontal Treatment

Laser periodontal treatment is a new dental method that uses laser technology to fight gum disease. Dr. Wiland is the only periodontist in Kokomo and Richmond, Indiana to offer this service. It's a less invasive and very effective way compared to old gum surgery methods. This treatment aims to remove infected tissue and bacteria from around the teeth. It helps prevent more infections and speeds up healing.

The cost of laser periodontal therapy can be between $1,400 and $2,000 per quadrant. This price varies based on location, disease severity, and dental practice. Even though it's pricier than traditional treatments, laser therapy causes less pain, bleeding, and swelling. Most people can go back to their daily activities in just a day or two.

Laser periodontal treatment is a top choice for gum disease management. It offers long-term benefits like treating periodontal disease well and reducing future treatment needs. Thanks to FDA-approved dental lasers, patients know they're getting a safe and effective treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Laser periodontal treatment is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery
• The cost of laser periodontal therapy can range from $500 to $3,000 per quadrant
• Laser therapy results in reduced pain, bleeding, and swelling during and after the procedure
• Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two after laser therapy
• Laser periodontal treatment is a highly effective way to manage gum disease and periodontal disease
• Dental lasers are FDA-approved medical devices that are proven safe and effective

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Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Bad breath that persists despite good oral hygiene
• Loose teeth or changes in the fit of dentures
• Receding gums or exposed roots
• Pus or discharge around the teeth and gums

These symptoms can be treated with the right care. Catching them early is crucial to avoid more serious problems. If you notice any of these signs, seeing a dentist is important to find the right treatment for you.

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Benefits of Laser Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Laser treatment is great for those with periodontal disease because it's minimally invasive. This means it's safer and you heal faster. It's also more comfortable and quicker than old-school gum surgery.

Here are some top benefits of laser treatment:

• Reduced risk of infection
• Precise treatment delivery
• Minimized scarring and damage to healthy tissue
• Shorter treatment sessions with fewer side effects

Studies show laser treatment works well for early and advanced gum disease. It fights gum inflammation, helping your gums heal and grow back. Plus, it's cheaper and safer than traditional treatments.

Laser treatment is a great choice for gum disease. It's quick to recover from and doesn't hurt much. It's a smart, easy way to fix gum problems.

Benefits of Laser Treatment	Description
Minimally Invasive	Reduces risk of complications and promotes faster recovery time
Precise Treatment Delivery	Minimizes scarring and damage to healthy tissue
Faster Recovery Time	Promotes healing and tissue regeneration

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The Science Behind Dental Lasers

Dental lasers have been around since 1994. They've come a long way, making dentistry faster, less painful, and less scary for patients. There are four main types: Erbium lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, Diode lasers, and CO2 lasers.

These dental lasers help with many treatments. For instance, Diode Lasers are great for soft tissue work like gum treatments. Erbium Lasers work on both soft and hard tissues.

Using laser technology in dentistry has many benefits. These include:

• Less pain and discomfort
• Healing happens faster
• Less bleeding during treatment
• More precise treatments

Dental lasers have changed dentistry for the better. They make treatments more efficient and comfortable. With their precision and care for tissues and nerves, laser technology is key in today's dentistry.

Laser Type	Wavelength	Applications
Diode Lasers	810-980 nanometers	Soft tissue procedures
Erbium Lasers	2,940 or 2,780 nanometers	Soft and hard tissue procedures
CO2 Lasers	9,600 to 10,600 nanometers	Soft tissue procedures

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What to Expect During Your Procedure

Before you get laser periodontal treatment, it's key to know what's going to happen. The first step is pre-treatment preparation. This includes a detailed check-up and talking about your health history. Your periodontist will walk you through the step-by-step guide of the treatment, making sure you're at ease and well-informed.

The laser periodontal treatment itself is quite straightforward. It uses a dental laser to remove diseased gum tissue. The whole thing usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how bad the disease is. Right after, you might feel some soreness and swelling. But, these can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain meds and ice packs.

It's very important to follow the instructions your periodontist gives you after the treatment. This helps you recover quickly and smoothly. You might need to avoid certain foods, brush your teeth gently, and go to follow-up appointments. By knowing the procedure and following the pre-treatment preparation and step-by-step guide, you'll have a successful and comfortable laser periodontal treatment.

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Recovery and Aftercare Guidelines

After laser periodontal treatment, it's crucial to follow recovery and aftercare guidelines for the best results. This means managing pain, eating soft foods, and keeping your mouth clean during healing.

Here are some tips for a smooth recovery:

• Avoid spicy or hot foods in the first few days
• Don't chew on the treated side of your mouth
• Use an ice pack to reduce swelling
• Follow your doctor's instructions for pain medication

Patients should stick to a liquid diet for three days after treatment. Then, eat soft foods for four days. Using an antimicrobial rinse and gentle cleaning with a Q-tip can also help prevent complications and speed up healing.

By following these guidelines and taking care of yourself, you can ensure a successful recovery. It's also key to attend follow-up visits. This helps ensure the area is healing right and prevents future problems.

Post-Treatment Care	Recommendations
Discomfort Management	Take medication as directed, use an ice pack to minimize swelling
Diet	Liquid diet for 3 days, followed by mushy soft foods for 4 days
Oral Hygiene	Use antimicrobial rinse, gentle cleaning with a Q-tip

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Comparing Traditional vs Laser Periodontal Treatment

Patients face two main choices for treating periodontal disease: traditional surgery and laser treatment. It's important to know the differences to make a good choice. Traditional surgery cuts and sutures, which can hurt and be invasive. Laser treatment, on the other hand, uses lasers to remove infected tissue.

Laser treatment is often more successful than traditional methods. It targets infected tissue more precisely, which means less damage to healthy tissue. Plus, it's less painful. Patients usually feel better quickly, returning to their daily life in just 24 hours.

Key Benefits of Laser Periodontal Treatment

• Higher success rates compared to traditional methods
• Lower pain levels and minimal discomfort
• Faster recovery time and less swelling
• More precise targeting of infected tissue

Laser periodontal treatment is a better choice for many. It's more effective and comfortable than traditional surgery. With its benefits, it's why more people choose this modern treatment for periodontal disease.

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When thinking about laser periodontal treatment, cost considerations are key. LANAP treatment for periodontitis is less than $2000 per quadrant for severe cases. Regular dental cleanings cost about $165, and scaling and root planing range from $275 to $980.

Insurance plays a big role in treatment costs. Most dental insurance covers periodontal treatments, but Delta Dental may not.

If you have insurance, you might still need to finance some costs. Knowing your insurance coverage and cost considerations helps with planning and budgeting.

Here's a quick look at the average costs for different treatments:

Treatment	Average Cost
LANAP treatment for periodontitis	less than $2000 per quadrant
Regular dental cleaning	$165
Periodontal scaling and root planing	$275-$980

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Finding a Qualified Laser Periodontal Specialist

Looking for a specialist for laser periodontal treatment? Dr. Wiland has received special training in the LANAP technique and has lots of experience. He is a board certified periodontist with a Master's degree in his specialty. He has received three years of training in the specialty of periodontics after dental school.

Start by researching and comparing local periodontists. Dr. Bruce Wiland is a top example with over 35 years of experience. He offers many services like gum disease treatment and dental implants. There are convenient locations in Indianapolis, Kokomo and Richmond, Indiana.

When searching for a specialist, think about these things:

• Qualifications and experience
• Patient reviews and testimonials
• Insurance coverage and payment options
• Services offered, such as LANAP laser treatment and dental implants

By looking at these factors, you can find a skilled laser periodontal specialist. They will give you the best care for your teeth and gums.

Factor	Importance
Qualifications and experience	High
Patient reviews and testimonials	High
Insurance coverage and payment options	Moderate
Services offered	Moderate

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Long-term Maintenance and Prevention Strategies

After laser periodontal treatment, it's key to keep your gums and teeth healthy. This means regular follow-up care, good home care, and ways to stop gum disease from coming back.

Seeing your dentist regularly is important. It helps track your treatment's success and catches problems early. Also, brushing and flossing daily helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause gum disease.

Follow-up Care Schedule

Follow-up visits are usually every 3-6 months. This depends on your gum disease's severity and treatment success. Your dentist will check your gums, look for disease signs, and give care tips.

Home Care Recommendations

For good oral health at home, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush. Floss once a day to clean between teeth. Using antibacterial mouthwash also helps fight gum disease.

Preventing Recurrence

To avoid gum disease coming back, use a mix of prevention strategies. This includes regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and a healthy diet. By sticking to these steps, you can keep your gums and teeth healthy for a long time.

Prevention Strategy	Frequency
Brushing	Twice a day
Flossing	Once a day
Dental checkups	Every 3-6 months

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Conclusion

Laser periodontal treatment is a new and effective way to fight gum disease. It offers many benefits, like less invasive procedures and quicker healing. It also targets diseased tissue precisely and lowers the chance of infection.

The cost of laser therapy might be higher than old methods. But, its long-term benefits in better oral health and less tooth loss are worth it. People should talk to skilled laser periodontal specialists to see if it's right for them.

Good oral hygiene is key to preventing and managing gum disease. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings are essential. Knowing the signs and getting treatment early can protect your dental health and overall well-being.

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FAQ

What is laser periodontal treatment?

Laser periodontal treatment, also known as LANAP, is a new way to treat gum disease. It uses special laser technology to remove diseased gum tissue. This method is less invasive than traditional gum surgery.

How does laser technology work in dentistry?

Dental lasers emit focused light energy. This energy targets and removes diseased gum tissue. It leaves healthy tissue untouched. This makes treatment more precise and less invasive.

What are the common signs and symptoms of gum disease?

Signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. You might also have bad breath, tooth sensitivity, or loose teeth. If you notice these, see a dentist right away.

What are the benefits of laser periodontal treatment?

Laser treatment is less invasive and has a faster recovery time. It delivers precise treatment and reduces infection risk. These benefits make it a popular choice over traditional surgery.

How do dental lasers work, and what are the different types?

Dental lasers use focused light to target diseased gum tissue. Different lasers, like Nd:YAG and diode lasers, are used for various dental needs. They help in periodontal treatments.

What can I expect during the laser periodontal treatment procedure?

The procedure starts with preparation. Then, the dentist uses a laser to remove diseased tissue. Comfort measures are used to ensure a smooth experience.

How do I care for myself after laser periodontal treatment?

Follow your dentist's aftercare instructions. This may include managing discomfort and following dietary guidelines. Good oral hygiene is also key during recovery.

How does laser periodontal treatment compare to traditional gum surgery?

Laser treatment often has better success rates and less pain. It also offers better long-term results. Many patients prefer it over traditional surgery.

How much does laser periodontal treatment cost, and is it covered by insurance?

Costs vary based on the condition and location. Insurance may cover it, and some providers offer financing. This makes treatment more accessible.

How do I find a qualified laser periodontal specialist?

Look for a dentist with the right qualifications and experience. Ask questions during your consultation. This ensures they meet your needs. You will find that Dr. Wiland is the dentist for you.

How do I maintain my oral health after laser periodontal treatment?

Keep up with follow-up care and home care. Preventing gum disease recurrence is also important. This ensures long-term oral health.