It is an infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth, caused by bacteria commonly present in the mouth. It is normally painless and slow progressing and the number one reason for tooth loss. Three out of four adults have some form of the disease.

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss. Bad breath, gums that are red or swollen, tender or drain pus when you press on them. Teeth that are loose or separating. It is also possible to have periodontal disease without any apparent symptoms.

Smoking or tobacco use. Crooked, crowded teeth, broken fillings and leaky crowns. Medications for blood pressure, cancer treatment, epilepsy, steroid and oral contraceptives. Genetics: if family members have the disease - BEWARE!

Yes, bacteria from gum disease gets into your bloodstream and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, complications with diabetes, premature-low birth weight infants, and other conditions.

The traditional way was first to undergo a deep scaling and root planing followed by surgery with a scalpel in the moderate to severe cases. Now we can avoid that with the PerioLase MVP-7 Dental Laser and the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The first and only university researched and FDA approved Laser Periodontal Therapy requiring a specific laser and patented protocol to achieve it.

Conventional surgery cuts away both diseased and healthy gum tissue often removes bone and then the remaining gums are sutured back in place. Laser Periodontal Therapy removes only the diseased tissue, disinfects the remaining pocket by killing all the bacteria, then forms a fibrin clot or biological band-aid sealing the wound so the body in many cases can regenerate bone and tissue. The difference is basically treatment by amputation vs. regeneration.

There is less bleeding, less swelling, less post operative complications, less reduction of tissue height and virtually no pain. The recovery time is less than 24 hours. The best part for my patients is the ease and convenience and they can quickly return to their daily routine at home or work.

It varies based on the severity of the disease and the number of teeth you have remaining.

There are so many people with gum disease that need help, but are afraid to get treatment. They are downright terrified of gum surgery and are looking for alternative treatment. Laser Periodontal Therapy is virtually painless and in most cases regenerates tissue. It's a better way and personally and professionally very satisfying.