LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is an amazing breakthrough in the treatment of gum disease. If you have been told you need “deep cleanings”, “scaling and root planing” treatment or scalpel and suture gum surgery, there's a laser alternative you need to learn about.

It is estimated that over 50% of American adults have some form of periodontal (gum) disease which has become the major cause of tooth loss in adult life. Research has shown that there is a link between gum disease and being at higher risk for other serious health problems including heart disease, diabetes and complications during pregnancy. Researchers are coming to the conclusion that any chronic inflammation in the human body (including the inflammation due to gum disease) puts you at much higher risk for these other serious health problems.

Periodontal disease starts off as plaque, an opaque, sticky film which eventually hardens forming tartar or calculus.

Calculus deposits harbor bacteria which infect the gums. In early stages this is called Gingivitis and is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well. Left unchecked, Gingivitis progresses to Periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen resulting in gaps and spaces between the teeth and eventual tooth loss.

The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the inflammation and infection and close up the pockets. Until now, that meant aggressive scaling and root planning and possible surgery and sutures. But today we offer LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ (LPT™), a patient-friendly, minimally-invasive procedure that’s a patient friendly and effective alternative to standard gum treatments or gum surgery.

In most cases we will schedule a complimentary consultation to explain how the laser works and give you a demonstration. Next, we will take X-rays and Dr. Roth will examine your teeth and gums and make a definitive diagnoses and determine the extent of the infection. When you return for your first LPT™ treatment, you'll receive a local anesthetic to eliminate any possible discomfort. A general anesthetic isn't necessary, because LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is much less traumatic.

Using the Periolase MVP-7 dental laser, a tiny glass fiber (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum, and the infection is cleared away. The procedure is fast: It usually takes just two sessions. Dr. Roth will treat one half of your mouth at each session...and you'll probably feel good enough to go right back to work afterwards.

Dr. Roth is the only dentist in the Conejo Valley trained and certified to perform LPTTM using the Periolase MVP-7 dental laser

Treatment Procedure