Laser periodontal therapy effective alternative to surgery

Laser periodontal therapy effective alternative to surgery

Laser periodontal therapy is an effective alternative to scalpel/suture surgery for treating gum disease, according to a new study in the International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry.

Led by Raymond A. Yukna, D.M.D., M.S., the histological split mouth design study looked at twelve single-rooted teeth with moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis. Six teeth were given Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) using the PerioLase MVP-7 by Millennium Dental Technologies, while the other six received scaling and root planing only.

After three months, all LANAP-treated teeth showed regeneration of root surface (cementum) and new connective tissue attachment (CTA), whereas none of the control teeth effectively showed new attachment or regeneration.

"These positive results support the concept that LANAP can be associated with cementum-mediated new connective tissue attachment and apparent periodontal regeneration of diseased root surfaces in humans,” said Dr. Yukna in a press release. "Recent years have seen major advancements in periodontal technology, and this study is a successful demonstration of using a free-running pulsed Nd:YAG laser applying the specific LANAP protocol."

"The publication of this study addresses many of the concerns held by the dental community," said Michael Minailo, president and CEO of Millennium Dental Technologies. "With growing demand and continued scientific support, we expect to see significant momentum in 2009."

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