Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)

Serving Kanata, Stittsville and Ottawa, Ontario

Approximately 75% of American adults over age 35 have periodontal disease, and until now, the only effective treatment for deep pockets was surgical treatment. This was often painful, invasive and time consuming. Side effects after surgery would sometimes include recession, cold sensitivity of the roots and big spaces between the teeth. This had led people to look for nonsurgical treatment for their gum disease.

Because of these side effects, many people would put off treating their gum disease and develop more severe bone loss that would result in tooth loss. Sometimes they would turn to therapies like putting antibiotic (arrestin, periochip etc) in the pocket which can sometimes help a little, but were not effective at treating the problem.

LAPT is a revolution is treating gum disease. Without using a scalpel or stitching the gum, the laser is used to kill the bacteria in the pocket and then reattach the gum to the tooth. It is conservative periodontal treatment and is often an ideal fit for people looking for nonsurgical (no scalpel, no sutures) gum treatment.

The laser eliminates diseased tissue while preserving healthy gums, so scalpels and sutures are eliminated, discomfort is minimized, and the results are exceptional.

LAPT harnesses the gentle but effective power of laser light to treat gum disease. The steps are as follows:

1. A periodontal probe is in place to accurately measure the depth of the bone loss.
2. Pulsed laser light selectively removes the diseased and infected tissue from the inside of the pocket. The laser is so precise that it does not affect the healthy tissue. The laser light also kills the bacteria in the pocket.
3. Special scalers are used to remove the tartar. The tartar has been loosened by the laser light so it comes off more easily than during traditional scaling.
4. Laser light is again used, but at a different setting. This pass with the laser makes a firm clot that connects the gum to the root surface forming a fibrin clot.
5. The tissue is pressed against the root surface and the fibrin clot forms at the top of the gum.

The procedure is fast. Following laser treatment you will be seen to check and adjust the bite needed. You will also be seen every three months for special post-laser maintenance visits. These visits are critical for the long term success of your laser treatment.

The procedure is comfortable. Most people don't even need an Advil or Tylenol.

The procedure works. Histological studies prove that LAPT can regrow new bone and new attachment to the teeth. Realize that every patient’s healing is different. How closely you comply with the instructions after treatment, how thoroughly you clean your teeth, and how regularly you come in for the post-laser maintenance care will make a big difference in your results. The research is pretty clear though, it you follow the protocol, the protocol works!

Why is Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy Better?

• LAPT is about as easy as erasing a blackboard — there’s no cutting and no suturing.
• There's much less discomfort with LAPT than with standard surgery - during and after the procedure.
• It takes less time than traditional surgery. 
• Traditional surgery requires four sessions of about one hour each, with subsequent visits for suture removal and additional check-ups.
• Following traditional surgery, recovery can take between to 2-4 weeks during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling, where they may be restricted to liquid or soft diets.

LAPT is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Coumadin or Cyclosporin.

For more information about how laser assisted periodontal therapy works, please contact our Ottawa cosmetic dentist Dr. Barakat today. Dentistry at Main serves patients in Stittsville, Ottawa and Kanata, Ontario.