Thinking Outside the Box Means Thinking Outside the Tooth

There is substantial research linking gum (periodontal) disease to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even pancreatic cancer. Instead of addressing these systemic disease at advanced stages, why not be pro-active and deal with less pain by creating a healthy mouth.

Our mouths are the easiest line of access for bacteria to enter our bodies. Gum disease starts off as plaque, an opaque bacterial film, which eventually hardens forming tartar or calculus. Calculus deposits harbor bacteria, which infect the gums. In early stages, this is called gingivitis, 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.

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, harboring bacteria (which then enters the blood stream), and eventually resulting in tooth loss. Gum disease is a chronic condition, and the effects are wide-spread. The chronic infection of gum disease exacerbates other systemic diseases previously mentioned above.

The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets. This is where thinking "outside the box" comes in. Until recently treating gum disease meant cut and sew flap surgery (aka, scalpel surgery and sutures). Most dentists are trained to treat gum disease by cutting through healthy tissue on the surface to "scrape out" the infected, underlying gum tissue. Modern technology and the use of a specific laser and protocol have proven successful in treating gum disease, which in turn can help control diabetes and lower the risks of heart disease and stroke.

This "out of the box" successful, laser-alternative protocol I am referring to is called Laser Assisted new Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The LANAP protocol is the only laser-assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontitis or gum disease. This breakthrough procedure can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue, as shown in dental university studies and among my own patients. I can honestly say the LANAP protocol is a patient-friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over traditional gum surgery.

Be an informed patient/consumer. Always ask what your alternatives are. With the advancement of science and modern technology, there is no reason to settle for old-fashion, "traditional" solutions.