Gum disease affects approximately 80% of adults.
Treating these conditions range from a simple cleaning in gingivitis to laser gum surgery in advanced cases. If not treated, the majority of adults will lose their teeth by age 70.
Over 32 years of dental practice, the treatment of advanced gum disease focused on scaling and root planning followed by pocket elimination procedures. The pocket is the environment that house millions of destructive bacteria.
Today, with innovative dentistry we can predictably treat simple and advanced cases with conservative and minimally invasive therapy. As a result, patients do not have to face surgeries but can now save their teeth and improve their general health with painless and non-invasive treatment.
In this issue, we will discuss two innovations with respect to treatment choices- The Tray Delivery System (Perio-Protect) and Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP).
Gum disease begins as plaque colonies on the teeth that creep below the gum. This causes a pocket to form, causing bone loss then early loss of teeth. These pockets increase in depth becoming a breeding ground for larger colonies of plaque.
The inflammation results in bleeding, soreness, abscess, bone loss and eventual tooth loss.
These colonies eventually break off into smaller pieces and travel through blood vessels causing damage to other organs. The bacteria in these colonies are linked to diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer, some cancers and pre-term low birth weight babies.
The Tray Delivery Periodontal System is innovative in that it provides a gel form of peroxide to be placed directly into the pockets; thereby killing the bacteria located deep within the pockets. This is precisely the source of the infection. Patients now have an additional partner in the fight against gum disease. Since it is non-invasive, it can be used repeatedly. The Perio-Protect method is the treatment used in my dental practice. The results are remarkable and our patients appreciate this conservative choice.
How does it work? The Tray Delivery System is prescribed by the doctor and applied by the patient at home. Patients are given custom trays. A small amount of the gel is placed in the tray then placed snugly into the mouth. A low concentration of hydrogen peroxide gently and thoroughly cleanses the periodontal pockets, combatting bacteria, whitening your teeth and freshening your breath.
While there is no “cure” for gum disease, it can be managed with daily treatment to prevent bacteria from recolonizing. When the desired results have been achieved, your dentist will revise your treatment plan to maintain the results.
The Tray Delivery Method is an appealing, minimally invasive option for advanced periodontitis and early-stage gum disease.
The Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)-
The Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is an innovative laser alternative to gum surgery for patients plagued by gum disease. If you are committed to the preservation of your health and to the prevention of the infection getting worse, then there is hope with this conservative yet effective treatment.
Laser assisted procedures offer a more effective gum disease treatment option compared to conventional surgery. It achieves regeneration by sterilizing the infected gum tissues, destroying bacteria and helping healthy gums to reattach to the teeth. The procedure is actually the only treatment proven to achieve true periodontal regeneration; thereby enhancing and restoring the health of your gums.
Fortunately, laser technology now makes it possible to perform more frequently preventive surgery in all medical fields. Compared to surgery, when you use laser assisted procedures for your periodontal disease treatment, there is significantly less pain, bleeding, sensitivity, gum loss, swelling and downtime. Best news of all, you know that your gum tissues are actually rebuilding and healing.
In closing, the future in gum disease treatment is promising. Innovative dentistry and unique skills enable dentists to meet the individual needs of our patients. Thanks to these innovations, gum treatments are now less invasive, less painful and most importantly more effective in managing periodontal disease in our community.
Dr. Kendal V. O. Major is Founder and CEO of Center for Specialized Dentistry which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in Nassau and Freeport. He is the first Bahamian Specialist in gum diseases and dental implants since 1989. He also is a certified Fast braces provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, Nassau at (242)325-5165 or [email protected].
Perio-Protect Tray Delivery System
Trays and Antibacterial gel
Bone growth after Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure
Before and After Laser Assisted Procedures
