Treating Gum Disease with a Laser with Jacksonville Periodontist Christian Berdy, DDS
Randy Alvarez, host of The Wellness Hour, discusses treating gum disease with a laser with Jacksonville Periodontist Christian Berdy, DDS.
Do you have red, swollen, or tender gums? When you floss or brush, do your gums bleed? Do you have chronic bad breath? Do your teeth move or feel loose? Have you been told you suffer from periodontal disease or that you need to see a periodontist? If you answered yes to any of these questions above, you may be a candidate for an exciting treatment option known as Laser Assisted New Attachement Procedure™ (a.k.a. LANAP™, Laser Periodontal Therapy™). This minimally invasive procedure uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ by Millenium Dental Technologies, the only dental laser specifically designed for Laser Periodontal Therapy™ for the treatment of gum disease.LANAP™ is a new, less traumatic treatment for periodontal disease that selectively removes infected tissue within periodontal pockets. It replaces the traditional use of a scalpel during periodontal surgery and requires no suturing, which improves patient comfort, minimizes recovery time and reduces post-operative bleeding and swelling.The laser based approach for the treatment of gum disease actually helps the bone supporting your teeth to regenerate. By treating and controlling periodontal disease, it is possible to save and restore teeth to health that may otherwise have to be extracted. LANAP™ can help restore your whole mouth to health and reduce your body’s susceptibility to serious health problems associated with gum disease.How does Laser Gum Therapy work?Tartar, associated with inflamed and bleeding gums, is removed form the root surface of the tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments. Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy removes a tiny amount of diseased tissue and aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.Does it hurt?Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we may anesthetize the area for the patient’s comfort. In this way we can precisely direct the laser for treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and of short duration.How long does it take?Initial treatment is focused on scaling and the use of small instruments to remove the tartar. Then, the laser portion of the treatment is performed and normally only takes a few minutes. Depending on the severity of the patient’s periodontal disease, treatment may be accomplished in one office visit or in multiple visits. The estimated treatment time is reviewed with patients when we discuss their treatment plan.Does this treatment cost more than traditional gum surgery?Typically, laser treatment is generally no more expensive than traditional surgery. There are other factors which may affect the cost, such as the severity of the periodontal disease, and how many teeth are involved.About Dr. Christian S. Berdy Dr. Berdy was born in France and moved to the United States with his family at the age of seven. He received his B.A at the University of Colorado and his dental training at the University of Illinois.From there, he served in the United States Navy as an officer from 1968-1973. Afterwards, Dr. Berdy received his specialty training in periodontics at the University of North Carolina.In 1975, Dr. Berdy moved himself and his family to Jacksonville where he became part of the team of Drs. Frank Scott, Walter Watson, and Richard Miller. To present, Dr. Berdy is the only remaining doctor of this historic practice that was started circa 1938.