Laser Periodontal Therapy

Millenium Laser

No cuts. No sutures.
No fear.

Laser Periodontal Therapy (LPT)

If you have been told you need scalpel and suture gum surgery, there's a laser alternative you need to learn about.

Until now, that surgery meant scalpels and sutures. But Dr. Welch is one of the only periodontists in West Tennessee to offer Laser Periodontal Therapy, a patient-friendly, minimally-invasive procedure that’s a great improvement over standard gum surgery.

In most cases, Dr. Welch's ofice will schedule a complimentary consultation to explain how the laser works and give you a demonstration. Next, they will take X-rays to make a definitive diagnoses and determine the extent of the infection. When you return for your first treatment, you'll receive a local anaesthetic to eliminate any possible discomfort. A general anaesthetic isn't necessary, because Laser Periodontal Therapy is much less traumatic. A tiny laser 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 takes just two 2-hour sessions. Dr. Welch will treat one half of your mouth at each session...and you'll probably feel good enough to go right back to work afterwards.

Why is LPT better for the treatment of gum disease?

Laser is about as easy as erasing a blackboard — there’s no cutting and no suturing.

There's much less discomfort with LPT than with standard surgery — during and after the procedure.

It takes less time than traditional surgery. All it takes is two 2-hour visits to the dentist and two follow up visits. Traditional surgery requires four sessions of about one hour each, with subsequent visits for suture removal and additional check-ups.

LPT gives better, longer-lasting results. In fact, 98% of LPT treated patients remain stable after five years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery.

Your dentist will probably recommend a soft diet for a day or two, and common sense should prevail, but in most cases, patients feel good enough to eat anything they want right after the procedure.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.

There's less than 24 hour recovery period, so you won't lose time from work.

LPT is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Plavix or aspirin. than with standard surgery — during and after the procedure.www.wtnperio.com

Brush and Floss Properly

One of the easiest ways to help prevent gum disease is to brush and floss every day, so therefore it is very important to know the correct way to take care of your teeth and gums. It does not matter if you brush first or floss first, as long as you do both (twice a day!).

Equipment

The most commonly used toothbrush is the manual toothbrush. Another option is the electric toothbrush, which uses electrical power to move the brush head. The resulting vibrations that are created gently clean the teeth. It is important to always choose a soft brush head when using either a manual or electric toothbrush, and to replace the toothbrush when the bristles begin to bend (or every two to three months).

According to a recent study in the Journal of Periodontology1, all dental flosses are equally effective. This means that it does not matter which type of floss you choose to use. There are many different varieties of floss, including waxed, unwaxed, flavored, and shred-resistant, so there is a type of floss out there for everyone!

How to Brush

Position the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. While applying slight pressure, gently move the brush in a circular motion using

short strokes. Use this method to clean the front of your teeth, then move to the back of your teeth, then the biting surfaces, and then your tongue, using the same gentle movements. Be sure you are constantly moving the brush head to avoid damaging your gums!

How to Floss

Using about 18 inches of floss, wrap the floss around your middle finger. Wrap the rest around your other middle finger, leaving 2-3 inches of floss between your fingers. While tightly holding the floss between your thumbs, insert it between two teeth. Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the tooth, and gently slide it up and down. Then, with the floss still in between the two teeth, switch the “C” shape against the adjacent tooth, and repeat the sliding motion. Move to the next tooth over, and repeat the process, unwrapping fresh floss from your middle finger as you go.

For more information on brushing and flossing techniques, to learn other ways to prevent gum disease, or to find a periodontist in Jackson, TN visit www.wtnperio.com or call Dr. Todd Welch at 731-215-2347.