Q: Does LANAP require a course of antibiotics? A: We use antibiotics for 7-14 days depending on the patient and sequence of treatment per protocol.

Q: I’ve just been told I have gum disease. Should I be concerned? A: If you have been told you have gum disease, then you should seek a LANAP (Laser) trained Periodontist for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. If you need treatment and you qualify, then this would be the least invasive way to [… Read More]

Q: What are the symptoms of gum disease in otherwise healthy nonsmokers? A: The symptoms can include bleeding, recession, sensitivity, loose teeth, drifting of teeth, bite changes, grinding habits, bad taste, and bad breathe. It is also possible to be asymptomatic, that is no symptoms at all. Gum disease can be silent like blood pressure. [… Read More]

Q: Can laser teeth whitening do any damage at all to my teeth or gums? I’d really like to have whiter teeth, and am trying to weigh the pros and cons of different methods. One thing I’d like to know is if there’s any possibility of permanent damage being done. A: If you are considering [… Read More]

Q: Does laser teeth whitening damage teeth or gums? A: This should not be an issue for you to have your teeth whitened with a laser. You might want to know which laser the doctor will be using because not all lasers are the same. The wavelength is critical as is the amount of laser [… Read More]

Q: What mouthwash is best for halitosis? I know it doesn’t cure it, but I’m getting treatment for bad gum disease and need a way to control the halitosis until my mouth is healthy again. I’m looking for a mouthwash that will last more than an hour. A: There are a number of over the [… Read More]

Q: How should I decide which expert to see for gum disease? A: Go right to the expert in treating gum disease – a Periodontist (preferably a periodontist trained in LANAP – an innovative and less invasive treatment utilizing the laser). You will then be referred to a restorative dentist as needed.

Q: What are some treatments for swollen gums? A: Utilizing an FDA-cleared procedure called LANAP is a very innovative and less invasive way to treat swollen gums. (We are assuming you have some form of gum disease that requires professional attention by a Laser trained Periodontist.)

Q: What is the laser procedure for a gingivectomy? A: It is very important to use the correct laser and appropriate settings to prevent damage to the teeth and bone. We teach and use different lasers at Columbia College of Dentistry. Dental lasers are all different and you must know which type and wavelength to [… Read More]

Q: What causes your gums to turn white? A: You could have some viral or bacterial lesions in your mouth. A Laser trained Periodontist should exam you and determine what the white areas are. This could also be caused by medications and tobacco.

Q: What to do when you have an itchy palate (roof of mouth)? A: You could have a food allergy or sensitivity to certain foods such as citrus or certain spices.  You should also check the toothpaste and mouth rinses you might be using. Do you smoke? I would also advise having a Periodontist or [… Read More]

Q: Can laser surgery on my gums get rid of a black dot in my upper gum? My dentist said that is was a “mole”, but I really want an answer from an expert. A: The first thing to get is an accurate diagnosis of what the black dot is. Assuming that it is a [… Read More]

Q: Do only people who don’t brush and floss get the symptoms of gum disease? A: Gum disease can be present in many different clinical situations. There are genetic factors in addition to local factors such as the bite and iatrogenic dentistry that can also contribute to the disease. Seeing a LANAP trained Periodontist is [… Read More]

Q: I am 25 years young and my mouth is showing signs of gum disease. Aren’t I too young? A: You should be examined by a qualified LANAP periodontist. The doctor will determine if a laser approach would be beneficial for your health. However, you might be able to control the disease if it’s early [… Read More]

Q: Is it safe to take periostat for gum disease? A: We generally do not prescribe any long term antibiotics. Generally, we prefer to use laser treatment to kill off the “bad bacteria” that cause gum disease.

Q: How to get rid of gum disease? A: Find a qualified, experienced laser periodontist for an evaluation. If you qualify for LANAP, then it would be an easier and more effective way to get the gum disease under control.

Q: How does one deal with periodontic disease and bone loss? A: We utilize laser treatment to treat periodontal disease whenever possible. It is less invasive and doesn’t require flaps. We have been performing the FDA-cleared LANAP protocol for over 7 years with great success. All of this can be determined after a thorough consultation [… Read More]