Dentists-what is your opinion? Now I am once again reluctant to go for deep scaling and root planning after?

Question

having read this article about using Laser Treatment:

"Traditionally, gum disease was treated with a procedure called “scaling and root planing”. The procedure was about as unpleasant as it sounds. Performed by the dental hygienist, scaling and root planing involved using hand instruments to remove plaque and tartar. Unfortunately, since this technique didn't remove the biofilm that houses the bacteria, the effectiveness of scaling and root planning has always been somewhat lacking.

Since we are committed to clinical excellence, we treat periodontal disease with the most advanced technology available in modern dentistry, micro-ultrasonic instruments and lasers.

This combined use of technologies actually eliminates the infection rather than “manage the disease”, which has been the traditional form of treatment.

How does the laser work?
A diode laser is used in combination with a micro-ultrasonic hand instrument that...

Google: Laser care for gum disease

Answer 1

This laser is called a PerioLase. It is the only "laser" that has been proven to regrow bone. There are only about 50 dentists in the whole US that have this system, it is very expensive. My office just bought one. My dentist is going to a training seminar to learn exactly how to operate it in September. It is amazing when you see x-rays of people that it has been used on. You do need to still have the deep scaling done however, to remove any tartar from the teeth. Look into this laser online and you may find a dentist near you has it. It costs about $7000.00 to have done though.

Answer 2

I am uninformed, perhaps, but I still think of the laser as a cutting instrument. I do not know if a low-power laser would be useful in sterilizing a periodontal pocket. I can't wait to read the answers of more informed members.

As far as "interupting the biofilm with micro-ultrasonic instruments," this is something that is generally available in every single dental office in the USA and we use it daily. It can be used before, during and after a scaling and root planing procedure and that's what I do, as do most other dentists. We just don't make it sound like some mystical procedure reserved for the gifted few.

Answer 3

I am not a dentist.

However, in my experience, dentists use laser therapy as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, scaling and root planing.

Lasers are great for spot-treating deep pockets and even cold sores. But as for removing calculus under the gum line, a good hygienist with the proper tools is still the standard of care.

Your quote seems to be an advertisement for a product rather than a clinical evaluation - in other words, not very objective.

Answer 4

I agree with several posters replies. Lasers are used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. Basically it "cauterizes" the tissue and burns out any remaining bacteria that may remain, thus helping the tissue to heal faster. I also agree that the blog that the asker presented sounds like an advertisement for a laser. Laser therapy is still somewhat controversial, but many dentists are implementing them in their practices with great success. Cauterizing tissue is nothing new in respect to the laser, they do it all of the time for wound healing, and to burn off moles and other growths. It is just a different form of cauterizing using a laser. My sister used to have the vessels in her nose cauterized all of the time to help prevent nosebleeds. As for the bio film, this can be removed by using an ultra-sonic system, as Dr. SAM stated. I use my cavitron on low-power and flush out the pocket for a full minute to remove the bio film. As Dr. SAM also stated most offices have sonic or ultrasonic instrumentation available. I have had much success with scaling and root planing, followed by bio film removal without the use of a laser. However my dentist has a laser that he uses for gingivectomies and such. In my state RDH's can't use a laser, but in many states they can with the correct training courses.

Answer 5

I am so impressed with the information I just read about new technology in the dental world. I wish this was available when I was a child. The fear of dentists was placed in me at the age of 9 and has not departed. I had gingivitis and for months and months, I would have to go and get this digging in my gums and picking away. Just thinking about it sends me into anxiety. Needless to say, I lost many of my teeth and had to have partials. I am glad that the technology has developed and can help people in need today - but at the rate of $7000....I would never be able to afford it. My daughter just had 5 fillings (very small in the pockets of her teeth) and a cleaning - and the bill was over $1000!!! I am mortified! The price of everything has increased........oh well....

Answer 6

If scaling is done properly it is not painful. The laser is very unfounded. I can assure you it does not grow bone. They safe thing to do would be to find a competent periodontist for a consultation.