Dr. William P. Lamas – Laser Periodontal Therapy near Key West, FL

Laser therapy has changed the way treatments and tests are performed across numerous healthcare industries, including dentistry. For nearly 30 years, these revolutionary tools have been used to treat a variety of dental issues, including gum disease (i.e., periodontal disease). With laser periodontal therapy, the harmful bacteria residing and multiplying within the pockets surrounding the teeth are destroyed. Once these bacteria are eradicated, the irreversible damage that was being done to the soft tissue and the bone responsible for stabilizing the teeth is reduced, and healing can begin. Dr. William P. Lamas addresses gum disease using this innovative treatment at his office in Miami, near the Keys.

In 1991, the FDA Clears Laser Therapy for Use in the Dental Industry

The introduction of lasers into the world of dentistry has changed the way many procedures are performed, for the better. With laser dentistry, many procedures are less painful, more precise and require less healing time than is seen with their traditional counterparts. For these reasons, at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near the Florida Keys, whenever possible, Dr. William P. Lamas replaces traditional dentistry procedures with their newer, state-of-the-art counterpart. Laser Periodontal Therapy for the treatment of gum disease is one such replacement.

Laser Periodontal Therapy Replaces Traditional Scaling and Planing

Periodontal disease in the U.S. is a real problem. Nearly 65 million people in the U.S. have some form of gum disease. Due to the discomfort and stress associated with the traditional solutions for gum disease, many of these people do not seek dental care.

The Traditional Scaling and Planing Treatment, Explained

– During periodontal scaling procedures, calculus (i.e., tartar), plaque and stain are removed from the root and crown surfaces of the teeth. Root planing involves removing surface dentin that contains tartar, bacteria and their toxins as well as the roughened cementum. Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning procedures and are usually performed using hard instruments (e.g., curettes, periodontal scalers, etc.) and ultrasonic instruments. Following this traditional deep cleaning procedure, patients may receive antibiotics to treat any infection that remains. After this procedure, patients usually experience pain for a couple of days, but tooth sensitivity can last up to seven days.

At Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, Near the Keys, dental lasers are eliminating the need for drills, curettes, periodontal scalers and scalpels when addressing gum disease; thus, making treatment less stressful and more comfortable for the patient.

A Certified LANAP® Laser Periodontal Therapy Clinician in Miami, Near the Florida Keys

Laser Periodontal Therapy is helping people who would have avoided seeking treatment for periodontal disease by providing them with a drill-free, vibration-free, and nearly pain-free treatment option. As a Certified Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure® (LANAP®) Laser Periodontal Therapy Clinician and a Doctor of Dental Medicine, Dr. William P. Lamas has the experience, skills and knowledge necessary to address periodontal disease using the FDA-approved LANAP®. At his office near the Keys, Dr. Lamas uses this procedure to eradicate gum disease quickly and easily.

Laser Periodontal Therapy: An Extremely Effective Treatment for Gum Disease

Dr. Lamas uses Laser Periodontal Therapy at his office in Miami, near the Florida Keys, to address periodontal disease. Using a laser, he can address moderate to severe periodontal disease quickly and accurately. In addition, patients find these innovative periodontal therapy treatments much more comfortable than Scaling and Root Planing for the treatment of gum disease.

How the Laser, At Lamas Dental Specialists, Which is Located in Miami, Near the Keys, Works

While it is true that the sun generates several rays of different wavelengths, the single-wavelength laser that is used for treatment identifies and eradicates bacteria and diseased tissue. With the use of Laser Periodontal Therapy, Dr. William P. Lamas can specifically target problem areas to significantly reduce the possibility of causing damage to other areas inside the patient’s mouth.

The Dangers of Gum Disease: It is About More Than Just Your Teeth

The early stage of gum disease (i.e., gingivitis) affects the soft tissue and the hard structures supporting the teeth. At this stage, gums are red and inflamed. With treatment, the negative results of gingivitis are reversible; however, left untreated, a more chronic infection may develop. This chronic form of gum disease is referred to as periodontitis. If this chronic infection develops, the likelihood of losing a tooth or several teeth increases; furthermore, unless treatment is sought, an individual’s risk of suffering a stroke and/or a heart attack may increase.

Bacteria and Your Mouth

While over 700 types of bacteria have been discovered inside the mouth, the majority of people host from 34 to 72 different types. Most of these bacteria are harmless, with some actually being necessary for a healthy digestion process; however, two of the bacteria that harm the teeth and gums the most are the Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans strains.

Porphyromonas Gingivalis

– This type of bacterium is usually not present in a mouth that is healthy; therefore, when it is, this bacterium usually indicates periodontitis.

Streptococcus mutans

– This bacterium resides in the mouth releasing an acidic by-product that erodes tooth enamel. The Streptococcus mutans bacterium feeds on the sugars and starches that we consume and then releases the enamel-eroding by-product. Once the enamel is compromised, tooth decay is imminent.

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

The initial warning signs of gum disease frequently go unnoticed; however, if you know what you should look for, it may help you recognize the problem so you can seek dental care early on:

Warning signs of gum disease include:

  • tender gums;
  • painful gums;
  • gums that bleed after brushing and/or flossing;
  • gums that look inflamed; and/or
  • bad breath.

While biannual cleanings can assist in the prevention of gum disease, they are not an effective treatment for the disease. Laser Periodontal Therapy is the treatment that Dr. William P. Lamas uses whenever possible to treat moderate to severe forms of this disease at Dr. Lamas’ office located near the Florida Keys.

Benefits of Laser Therapy Over Traditional Methods for Treating Gum Disease

Dr. Lamas uses this revolutionary periodontal therapy to treat patients with gum disease at Lamas Dental Specialists, near the Keys. Using this therapy, there is no reason for surgery with scalpels and stitches. Laser Periodontal Therapy offers patients a more comfortable procedure with a shorter healing time. Since this procedure is extremely gentle, and very little damage is done to healthy tissue, if any, many of Dr. William P. Lamas’ patients do not require any anesthesia, whatsoever. In addition, traditional methods typically require numerous treatment sessions and follow-up visits to remove sutures. Additional treatment sessions and follow-up visits are not necessary when lasers are used.

Some of the other benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy over traditional gum disease treatment methods include:

  • a more predictable result;
  • increased accuracy;
  • 90 percent reduction of swelling;
  • minimal discomfort and pain;
  • no need for incisions;
  • no sutures required;
  • generates new bone growth;
  • no pain medication;
  • a single treatment with two follow-up visits;
  • return to a regular diet within a couple of days;
  • low infection risk; and
  • an extremely fast recovery time (24 hours).

Laser Periodontal Therapy Near the Florida Keys

Using the LANAP® Treatment, Dr. Lamas can remove diseased gingival tissue (i.e., gum tissue) without creating incisions. Moreover, the laser seals the area directly after completing the treatment, so no sutures are required. This immediate sealing of the targeted area reduces the likelihood of an infection and decreases the risk of bleeding.

Who is a Good Candidate for Therapy Using the LANAP® Treatment Protocol?

Anyone with gum disease who wants to eradicate the bacteria causing the disease and remove the diseased tissue to prevent more damage from occurring to the support structures of the teeth should contact Dr. William P. Lamas’ office, near the Keys, to find out more about the benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy.

The LANAP® Treatment Protocol: The Perfect Choice for Patients with a Variety of Health Issues

Due to the low bleeding risk and decrease in the likelihood of infection, patients with a variety of health issues are ideal candidates for periodontal therapy with the LANAP® Treatment as well. These health issues include diabetes, hemophilia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as patients with advanced gum disease who use Bisphosphonates medications (e.g., Reclast, Boniva, Fosamax, etc.). This innovative procedure can even benefit teeth with poor prognoses, potentially delaying or eliminating the need for tooth removal. If you reside in the Miami area, including in or near the Florida Keys, and you have one of these health issues as well as gum disease, we can help. Contact Dr. Lamas’ office today at 305.440.4114 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

The LANAP® Treatment Protocol with a Certified LANAP® Clinician, Near the Florida Keys

Whenever possible, at his office in Miami, near the Florida Keys, Dr. William P. Lamas uses the 7-step LANAP® Treatment instead of Scaling and Planing to treat patients with gum disease.

The LANAP® Treatment Protocol Steps:

1. Using the periodontal probe, each tooth’s pocket depth is determined.
2. As the laser makes its initial pass, Dr. Lamas removes the tissue that is diseased and the bacteria that is surrounding each tooth. At this time, the tartar on the root surface is loosened as well.
3. Now that the tartar is loosened, he uses specially-designed ultrasonic dental instruments, to gently remove the tartar on the root surfaces.
4. He passes the laser over the targeted areas a second time. This pass is done to stimulate blood clot production in the pockets and prevent epithelium regrowth in these areas. The epithelium is the thin tissue that forms the outer layer of hollow structures, like the pockets. Since the pockets are the perfect place for bacteria to grow, closing these pockets is essential to the prevention of a recurrence of gum disease.
5. The soft tissue and bone begin reattaching to the clean surfaces of the roots.
6. Dr. Lamas adjusts the patient’s bite. This eliminates/prevents trauma that could be caused by an incorrect bite.
7. With time, new bone and connective tissue will grow. The connective tissue will attach to the necks of the teeth and the alveolar bone.

After being diagnosed with gum disease, prompt treatment is essential to reducing the likelihood of ongoing damage to the teeth and their supporting structures. In addition, seeking treatment right away decreases the likelihood that the patient’s overall health will be negatively affected.

By practicing good oral hygiene and having biannual cleanings, gum disease can be prevented. If you reside in or around Miami, including the Florida Keys, and you are concerned that you may have gum disease or you are looking for an experienced, dedicated and compassionate dentist to help you care for your smile, contact Lamas Dental Specialists today at 305.440.4114. Dr. William P. Lamas offers new patients complimentary consultations, contact his office today to schedule yours.