Skip to main content

Laser Bacterial Reduction

Closeup of a smiling face with white teeth

The founders of The Mayo Clinic have declared: "A healthy mouth can add years to your life!"

They were referring to a growing body of evidence that has linked serious gum disease, also known as periodontitis, to a number of "systemic diseases that afflict the body. We still do not understand the exact nature of the connection, but studies emphasize that the benefits of having a healthy mouth go far beyond personal appearance and no cavities.

The possibility that pathology within the mouth can influence systemic disease has been suggested by the U.S. Surgeon General and in numerous investigations exploring the relationship between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease, stroke, pregnancy complications, diabetes and bacterial pneumonia.

In 2004, Time Magazine ran a cover story entitled "The Secret Killer”. It addressed the "surprising link between inflammation and heart attacks, cancer, Alzheimers, and other diseases, and what we can do to fight it."

The article reported that simply "flossing your teeth combats gum disease, a source of chronic inflammation."

We are pleased that the media had finally awakened to a problem that we have already identified and begun to aggressively treat. In addition to using floss and other personal oral hygiene products we also use lasers to kill the bacteria associated with gum disease, inflammation and infection.

What is clear now, is that we not only prevent periodontal disease with removal of mechanical irritants and diseased tissue (your normal cleaning) but address the underlying cause by eliminating bacteria and its accompanying infection and inflammation with Laser Bacterial Reduction. This painless procedure is highly recommended in combination with your routine cleaning, normally takes about 5- 10 minutes and helps to:

  • Reduce or Eliminate Bacteria in your Bloodstream
    Your gums often bleed during a cleaning, because their tissues may get inflamed because of plaque and tarter buildup. Any bacteria within the mouth can then easily enter the bloodstream and from there, go anywhere in the body, including weakened or immune-compromised areas, such as a damaged heart valve or an artificial joint such as a hip or knee.
    • If you are among the population that has a heart condition, artificial joints or something similar, we will give you appropriate medication prior to treatment to prevent or reduce the risk of bacterial harm to these areas.
  • To Prevent Cross Contamination
    If you have one bacterial infection in your mouth, we don’t want it to spread to another area in the mouth. Decontamination through our Laser Bacterial Reduction is how we prevent or minimize the spread of bacteria.
  • To Kill the Bacteria that causes Periodontal Disease
    By killing bacteria and their infections before they grow or spread, causing physical destruction to your gums, we can prevent the deepening of gum pockets, loss of attachment and bone loss that is so detrimental to your oral health

When compromised by inflammation, the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth is a vast portal of entry for microbes. Even inhaling bacteria that inhabit periodontal pockets has the potential to trigger infection. Gum disease and tooth loss are related to deterioration of bone mass and can disrupt disease management.

Dr. Scianni uses lasers to attack periodontal inflammation at the microscopic level of infection. The power of its focused light destroys otherwise inaccessible bacterial colonies while simultaneously creating an ideal environment for healing. Today, our practice offers our patients oral health care in ways that were science fiction only a few years ago.

The use of a dental laser may make you feel more comfortable and less anxious during your treatments. If you are interested in learning more about procedures that use soft tissue dental laser technology, please contact us.