dentist blog au: 01/18/13

Friday, January 18, 2013

Laser periodontal therapy effective alternative to surgery

By DrBicuspid Staff

January 11, 2008 -- Laser periodontal therapy is an effective alternative to scalpel/suture surgery for treating gum disease, according to a new study in the International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry.

Led by Raymond Yukna, D.M.D., M.S., the histological split mouth design study looked at 12 single-rooted teeth with moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis. Six teeth underwent laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) using the PerioLase MVP-7 laser byMillennium Dental Technologies, while the other six received scaling and root planing only.

After three months, all LANAP-treated teeth showed regeneration of root surface (cementum) and new connective tissue attachment (CTA), whereas none of the control teeth effectively showed new attachment or regeneration.

"These positive results support the concept that LANAP can be associated with cementum-mediated new connective tissue attachment and apparent periodontal regeneration of diseased root surfaces in humans,” said Dr. Yukna in a press release. "Recent years have seen major advancements in periodontal technology, and this study is a successful demonstration of using a free-running pulsed Nd:YAG [neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet] laser applying the specific LANAP protocol."

"The publication of this study addresses many of the concerns held by the dental community," said Michael Minailo, president and CEO of Millennium Dental Technologies. "With growing demand and continued scientific support, we expect to see significant momentum in 2008."

Meeting on the oral-systemic link

By DrBicuspid Staff

January 11, 2008 -- Looking for an informative session on the link between oral and overall (systemic) health? Head to the program at the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) on January 18, where physicians and dentists will delve into the topic in detail.

Sponsored by the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, The National Periodontal Disease Coalition, and NYAS, participants at the event will discuss potential research and treatment options for periodontal disease and the systemic symptoms associated with it. The conference will also dig into policy matters and dental/education needs to improve health delivery systems.

There will be formal presentations as well as audience participation and panel discussions. Among the speakers are Panos N. Papapanou, D.D.S., Ph.D., Columbia University, Michael Glick, D.M.D., Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Jai Radhakrishnan, M.D., M.S., M.R.C.P., Columbia University. For a complete list of speakers click here

"Our understanding of the link has increased rapidly in recent years, especially in regards to cardiac disease, renal disease, and during pregnancy," said Stacie Bloom, Ph.D., life sciences director at NYAS in a press release. "However, care providers rarely have a chance to communicate about collaborative treatment options. We are thrilled to be working with the dental community for the first time on this health integration program."