Laser Treatment For Gum Disease Saves Teeth Says Rancho Mirage Periodontist
Dr. Ellie Kheirkhahi-Love brings the LANAP laser gum treatment to the Coachella Valley. “LANAP cures periodontal disease without scalpels or stitches,” she says.
“Over 100 million adults in the U.S. have moderate to severe periodontal disease, but less than 3% receive conventional surgical treatment in a given year,” says Rancho Mirage periodontist Dr. Ellie Kheirkhahi-Love. “Fortunately, conventional invasive surgery for gum disease is no longer necessary with the availability of the LANAP treatment, a minimally invasive laser procedure. LANAP stands for “Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure”.
“The standard surgical treatment for periodontal disease has meant multiple visits to the dentist for invasive surgery,” says Dr. Kheirkhahi-Love. “Many patients simply avoided having treatment, which is not only detrimental to their teeth but potentially dangerous for their health. With the LANAP laser treatment, periodontal gum disease can be treated in just two office visits with no scalpels or stitches.”
“According to the American Academy of Periodontology, research shows that periodontal disease is associated with several other diseases and other serious health issues, including stroke,” says Dr. Kheirkhahi-Love. “When plaque is not cleaned from the teeth regularly, bacteria in the plaque can cause irritation of the gums. This condition, called gingivitis, can lead to the development of periodontitis, which is a much more serious disease that causes formation of periodontal ‘pockets’ that separate the teeth from the gums and supporting bone. The infection can worsen, causing the infected pockets to deepen and promote tooth and bone loss. Periodontal disease can significantly damage a person’s dental and medical health.”
“To effectively treat gum disease, the dentist must eliminate the infection and close the periodontal pockets,” says Dr. Kheirkhahi-Love. “Traditional surgery requires cutting the gums open and cleaning out the disease and possibly recontouring the bone. Stitches are then used to close the treated areas. With LANAP, we can remove and destroy the bacteria in the gum pockets while preserving healthy tissue, which can reattach to the root surfaces.”
For more information on preventing and treating periodontal disease visit www.drellielove.com or call 760-836-1809. Advanced Periodontics Implant Center is located in Rancho Mirage, CA serving patients from Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley. Dr. Ellie Kheirkhahi-Love is a board certified periodontist.