PerioLase®

Gum Disease Basics

In the United States alone, it is estimated that 3 out of every 4 adults has some form of periodontal (gum) disease. The earliest and most common stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is signified by red, inflamed gums that bleed easily when brushed or flossed. Because these symptoms can range from mild to moderate and are usually painless, many people with gingivitis don’t even realize their oral health is at risk. However, if left untreated, gingivitis develops into periodontitis, which is a serious, painful, and possibly life-threatening condition that can require surgical treatment and long-term maintenance.

Laser Gum Therapy

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease and think that going under the knife is your only option, you might be surprised to learn that recent advancements in dental technology have revolutionized our treatment of gum disease. With Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure™, or LANAP, Dr. Kim and our team can repair, and in some cases even reverse, the damage caused by gum disease.

The Benefits of Laser Gum Therapy:

  • Faster, more comfortable treatments
  • More precision and less damage to healthy tissue
  • No scalpel, no sutures, and fewer follow-up visits
  • Reasonable cost compared to conventional oral surgery

Dr. Kim utilizes the PerioLase® dental laser, which is ultra-thin (about the thickness of three hairs) and uses quick pulses of energy to gently remove infection. In fact, LANAP is so gentle that the procedure usually doesn’t even require general anesthesia. The average recovery period is less than 24 hours, though most patients return to normal activities soon after the procedure is over.

Is LANAP Right For Me?

Laser gum therapy is an excellent option for almost everyone, especially patients with dental anxieties, busy schedules, or more than one area of their gums in need of treatment. Because LANAP can reduce the amount of bleeding and the risk of infection, it’s also safe for patients who have diabetes, hemophilia, or are taking prescription medications that can thin the blood. If the thought of oral surgery has kept you out of the dentist’s office, call our office today. Gum disease can lead to bone loss, and recent studies have also linked gum disease to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth, and we strive to keep them looking and feeling their best!

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We look forward to treating you and answering any questions you have about laser gum thereapy.

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Testimonials

“Infected gums and loose teeth had me avoiding my favorite foods and made gum surgery or dentures my only options. My dentist recommended traditional gum surgery but after hearing horror stories from people who had gone that route, I began researching alternatives and discovered PerioLase. Online search results for the Atlanta area dental practices with this technology led me to Dr. James Kim. A consultation determined that I was a good candidate for the procedure.

I have found Dr. Kim to be a perfectionist who is dedicated to getting it right the first time. He educates patients prior to the procedure with PerioLase so I knew what to expect. I had LANAP (laser gum therapy) in late October 2009 and my experience showed the claims about this less invasive method to be true. The treatment was virtually painless and it eliminated all of my gum infection. Healing began immediately and has resulted in the tightening of the tissue around my teeth, as well as very healthy gum appearance. Dr. Kim uses state-of-the-art equipment and provides excellent follow-up care. My results to date have been better than I expected, and I look forward to continued improvement.

If your dentist has recommended the old “cut and sew” gum operation, ditch the stitch and your twentieth century dentist and make an appointment with Dr. Kim! He’s the best!”

~ Richard K.

“Dr. Kim,

The laser gum surgery you did in November 2008 has given me healthy gums again. I had conventional gum surgery in the summer of 2005, but my gums continued to be a problem. We both realized their very poor condition when you were able to really examine my gums, declaring some teeth in the upper right quadrant ‘off the charges — probably a 12mm.’ Since having LANAP, my numbers have been below 5mm. The procedure was painless and you allowed time for bathroom breaks, which I appreciated! I’m thankful for your consistently good work.”

~ Barbara K.