Drs. Golovan & Golovan
Norman Golovan D.D.S. 
Bruce Golovan D.M.D.
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
28790 Chagrin Blvd. #300
Woodmere Village, OH 44122
(216) 591-0022
Designing Healthy and Beautiful Smiles!

Call for an appointment today!
(216) 591-0022
What Are Perio Treatments?
Perio treatments are for patients who have gum diseases, or the beginning stages of gum diseases.  Gingivitis is one stage of gum diseases.  Gingivitis is when the gum tissue tends to swell and bleed easily while brushing, flossing or even eating in some more serious cases.  Gingivitis is a less serious gum disease that can be reversible with more in-office cleanings, excellent home care and by some of the processes that will be discussed below.  

Periodontal disease, also called Periodontitis, is a more serious case of gum disease. In periodontal disease gum and bone loss becomes present around teeth.  Deeper pockets then begin to form during these processes and can spread to the root of the teeth, which can ultimately result in tooth loss.

In our office, we can help reduce the risk of these diseases becoming worse or spreading, and can even help get rid of gingivitis as long as you stick to your part with excellent home care.  We can perform deep cleanings, which is also known as scaling and root planning.  For this scaling and root planning we can use a tool in our office known as a cavitron, which is a vibrating tip that sprays water that is able to reach deep into the pockets.  We are also able to use our laser for Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT).
What is Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)?
LAPT involves the use of a soft tissue laser to treat infectious areas around teeth. The laser emits short pulses of energy of specific wave lengths to remove infected tissue and to kill the bacteria that is causing the infection.  The laser is extremely safe and the recovery is short and often painless.  
How Does LAPT Work?
- The laser selectively removes infected pocket lining.
- Ultrasonic and hand instruments clean root surfaces.
- The laser disinfects pockets and reseals the wound.
- The tissue is compressed against the tooth.
- Healing results in new attachment.
Who Could Benefit From LAPT?
Anybody with a history of:
-Unresolved deep pockets.
- Previous deep cleanings.
- Multiple localized antibiotic treatments.
- Previous periodontal surgery treatment.
- A compromised medical history.
- Cold sensitivity due to gum recession.

Treatment Benefits:
-Remove infected tissues and bacteria.
- Creates a seal around the teeth to allow for shrinkage of the pockets.
- Predictable reduction in pocket depths.
- No sutures necessary.
- Post-operative discomfort is very minimal.
Continuing Follow-Up Care
Follw-up protocol is necessary to ensure optimal results.  Professional in-office cleanings would be the best way to do this.  People with a history of gum disease remain at risk for the rest of their lives, and would benefit from having their teeth cleaned every 3-4 months, or otherwise directed by your doctor.

Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy is a safe modality of therapy to address periodontal disease.  After eliminating the bacteria causing the bone and gum tissue loss, it helps create an environment for the surrounding tissues to attach back to the tooth surface.  Patient responses to treatment and the clinical results have been very positive.  

Through a comprehensive examination of your periodontal presentation, your doctor can help you decide if this therapy is right for you.  In some cases a referral to a periodontist will be recommended. The periodontist will provide a comprehensive examination of your gums and bone.  They may advise that periodontal surgery is the best course of treatment.