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Virtually Painless Laser Periodontal (Gum) Treatment

Author: Harvey Shiffman
Harvey Shiffman

Harvey Shiffman

Dr. Shiffman is in general practice at the Laser Dental Center in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Dentistry and completed a general practice residency at Georgetown University Medical Center with an emphasis on treating medically compromised patients. Dr. Shiffman completed certification with the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) in three types of laser systems and was recently awarded a Fellowship in the ALD. He is personally involved in the use and development of cutting-edge technology and has performed thousands of laser dental procedures over the last 12 years. Dr. Shiffman has lectured on advances in Laser Dentistry at events such as the Yankee Dental Congress, Greater New York Dental Meeting and the Academy of Laser Dentistry, and has published articles on clinical laser use in Dentistry, Dentalcompare, Dental Tribune, and LVI Visions.
03.13.15 / 11:20 am

History of lasers in dentistry

Lasers use light energy in a super-focused manner to change our lives. The first lasers were developed in the 1960s. All of us have seen lasers in the supermarket scanning groceries, in disc players, and many more places in our daily lives. The possibilities for laser use in dentistry did not occur until 1989 when the first FDA approval was granted for soft tissue use (gums and other tissues). In 1996 the FDA approved the first use of lasers on hard tissue such as teeth and bone. Each of these lasers is of a different “wavelength” that has different characteristics in the way that they are attracted to different types of tissues in and around the mouth.

The procedure

This procedure is a laser assisted periodontal therapy to treat gum disease without uncomfortable cutting or sutures. The treatment manages infected gums in a single office visit by utilizing the industry’s only proven multi-wavelength laser treatment provided by the Fotona LightWalker® laser. The combination of two laser wavelengths dramatically improves the outcome of laser assisted therapy. Laser dentistry quickly and painlessly removes dangerous toxins that lead to bone deterioration, while simultaneously promoting the growth of healthy gum tissue.

Here’s how it works

Laser assisted periodontal therapy is regarded for its comfort, but a local anesthetic is applied to ensure absolutely no pain is felt during the procedure. A general anesthetic isn’t necessary.

A small laser fiber, about the size of a thin hairbrush bristle is placed in the pocket space between the gum and tooth to eliminate bad bacteria and diseased gum tissue. The healthy tissue is left unharmed, and the pocket is cleared for further cleaning.

A second laser wavelength uses a thin laser quartz rod, which creates a photo-acoustic or sound wave to gently break apart tartar and calcium deposits on the tooth’s roots along with detoxifying the root surfaces. The laser fiber returns to reach the bottom of the pocket and remove harmful toxins and bacteria while sterilizing the bone and tissue. This action elicits blood clotting. The clots contain fibers that will support the reattachment of the tissue to the bone and foster the regrowth of lost tissues.

Gums that were once diseased are restored to health without cutting, scaling, stitches, or pain. Laser assisted periodontal therapy is remarkably powerful and effective, yet gentle. Unlike traditional periodontal treatments, which employ sharp tools to cut away affected tissue, laser assisted periodontal therapy keeps your gums intact and allows you to remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure and afterwards.

If your gums are tender, inflamed, bleeding, or receding from the tooth, it’s likely you have gum disease. It’s important to promptly seek treatment since gum disease contributes to cardiovascular issues, diabetes, stroke, and low birth weight in pregnant women. Gums anchor the teeth, so acceptable periodontal health promotes oral health, too. Dr. Shiffman and his Boynton Laser Dental Center, www.boyntonlaserdental.com, located in Palm Beach, Florida are committed to keeping up with the latest advances in Laser Dental therapy to help maintain your health and well-being.

Harvey Shiffman

Dr. Shiffman is in general practice at the Laser Dental Center in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Dentistry and completed a general practice residency at Georgetown University Medical Center with an emphasis on treating medically compromised patients. Dr. Shiffman completed certification with the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) in three types of laser systems and was recently awarded a Fellowship in the ALD. He is personally involved in the use and development of cutting-edge technology and has performed thousands of laser dental procedures over the last 12 years. Dr. Shiffman has lectured on advances in Laser Dentistry at events such as the Yankee Dental Congress, Greater New York Dental Meeting and the Academy of Laser Dentistry, and has published articles on clinical laser use in Dentistry, Dentalcompare, Dental Tribune, and LVI Visions.

Harvey Shiffman

Harvey Shiffman

Dr. Shiffman is in general practice at the Laser Dental Center in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Dentistry and completed a general practice residency at Georgetown University Medical Center with an emphasis on treating medically compromised patients. Dr. Shiffman completed certification with the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) in three types of laser systems and was recently awarded a Fellowship in the ALD. He is personally involved in the use and development of cutting-edge technology and has performed thousands of laser dental procedures over the last 12 years. Dr. Shiffman has lectured on advances in Laser Dentistry at events such as the Yankee Dental Congress, Greater New York Dental Meeting and the Academy of Laser Dentistry, and has published articles on clinical laser use in Dentistry, Dentalcompare, Dental Tribune, and LVI Visions.

17 responses to “Virtually Painless Laser Periodontal (Gum) Treatment”

  1. Laser dentistry is comprised of three different types of lasers. Diode, Nd:Yag and Erbium:Yag. Each has its own ‘target’ tissue. Ultimately, gum disease treatment with the Laser can help restore good oral health.

  2. I just don’t get how it can be claimed “virtually painless”. Is it painful or is it not? Has there been any studies on how painful it actually is? You just never can trust until you use a device or there has been good research on the subject. The rest really doesn’t mean much until that research has been shown. Other than that I hope it goes well and works. Hopefully we will get some proof on the matter soon.

  3. Laser technology is cutting edge science, which is helpful in treating various problems in human beings, without adding to their exiting discomfort. Problems in the mouth and gums are especially curable with laser treatment and have become widely popular. There is no doubt that laser treatments are the future of dental science.

  4. Wow, it looks really sleek! Of course, I know plenty of people who hear “laser” and “gums” in the same sentence and will run off, no matte how painless it claims to be. Hopefully more technology comes out so that lasers aren’t seen as frightening as they are now.

  5. I have never heard of this laser treatment for gum disease before. You suggest, however, that this is a procedure that reduces the uncomfortable cutting or sutures that regular procedures require. Overall, it seems like it is a pretty non-invasive and a really great alternative. Thank you for sharing!

  6. When we think of lasers and helping people, we usually think of laser eye surgery. I really had no idea that they were used to help those with gun problems. Even though they were approved in 1996, they weren’t that widely advertised. The process of everything is quite interesting to see.

  7. There are many benifits of Virtually Painless Laser Periodontal (Gum) Treatment:

    Virtually Painless, More Natural Dentistry*
    Accuracy & Precision
    Reduced Trauma
    Less Bleeding & Swelling
    Fewer Dental Visits
    Versatility

  8. From some past years laser is used in various dental procedures to get effective results. With its high energy beams it can be used for both hard tissue and soft tissue.

  9. My brother developed a periodontal gum disease and it needs to be treated right away. It was explained here that laser periodontal treatment is a process to treat the gum disease without surgery or sutures. Moreover, it’s highly recommended to go to experienced dentists for laser periodontal treatment.

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