Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease is an inflammation or infection of the soft tissues that support the teeth (the gums). The condition develops when bacteria and sticky plaque adhere to the teeth in a colorless film. If not removed, the plaque hardens. Toxins produced by the bacteria irritate the gums. The surrounding tissue may bleed easily and become red and swollen. This early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis.

In time, the structures that hold the gums to the teeth break down, causing deeper pockets to form along the gum line. These pockets can fill with more plaque and bacteria and the disease will continue to extend deeper into the gums. Eventually, the disease can cause the destruction of bone that holds the tooth in place and tooth loss.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, about 80 percent of Americans have some form of periodontal disease. Genetics greatly influence the risk of developing the disease. Some other known risk factors include: crooked or crowded teeth, smoking, poor diet, diabetes, pregnancy, loss of a filling and use of certain medications.

In addition to gum inflammation and potential tooth loss, periodontal disease has been linked to other serious problems. Researchers have found an association between gum disease and increased risk for coronary artery disease and stroke. Pregnant women with periodontal disease are more likely to have a premature, low birth-weight baby. Periodontal disease can lead to serious health problems in patients with diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis (loss of bone mass density).

Treating Periodontal Disease Regular brushing, flossing and dental cleaning prevent plaque build-up and reduce the risk of periodontal disease. Once the condition occurs, a patient may require specialized treatment, called scaling and planing. After giving a local anesthetic, the periodontist uses a scaling device or ultrasonic cleaner to remove all the plaque and tartar below the gum line. Once all the plaque has been removed, the surfaces of the root are smoothed, or planed. Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection after treatment. In more serious cases, the dental professional may need to cut the gums to get at and remove the plaque and repair damaged bone.

PerioLase® Traditional treatment for periodontal disease is time-consuming and can be painful. Thus, many patients are reluctant to undergo the procedure.

Now there is another option. LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ (PerioLase®, by Millennium Dental Technologies) uses a Nd:YAG laser to perform periodontal therapy without the need for scalpels or sutures. A small laser fiber is inserted into the pocket between the tooth and gum. The laser light kills the bacteria and clears away the infection. Next, the dentist removes any deposits on the surface of the root. Finally, the laser beam is aimed one more time inside the pocket. This creates a small blood clot that forms a natural bandage and enables the gum to once again adhere to the surface of the tooth.

LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY takes about two hours. The dentist performs the treatment on one-half of the mouth at a time. Recovery is fast, with most patients needing only a mild analgesic afterwards. Patients are advised to eat soft foods for up to a week and to be careful not to be too aggressive with brushing and flossing.

LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY with the PerioLase is only available to dentists who are willing to be trained in the technology. For more information about the procedure, or referral to a dental provider, visit the manufacturer's website at http://www.millenniumdental.com/periolase.html.

For information on PerioLase®, or referral to a dentist using the technology - http://www.millenniumdental.com/periolase.html

For information on periodontal disease:
Academy of General Dentistry, http://www.agd.org
American Academy of Periodontology, http://www.perio.org
American Dental Association, http://www.ada.org
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, http://www.nidcr.nih.gov