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Modern periodontal techniques Periodontics

Modern periodontics rebuilds as well as removes disease. Laser protocols such as LANAP treat pockets without cutting, regenerative materials regrow bone and attachment, minimally invasive methods cover receding roots, and 3D scans and guide templates plan implants before surgery.

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Laser techniques

The LANAP protocol uses a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser and received FDA clearance for regeneration in 2016. A 2007 human histology study by Yukna found new cementum and new attachment on all six LANAP-treated teeth. Diode and erbium lasers serve soft tissue and surface decontamination. Lasers compared.

Regeneration

  • Guided tissue regeneration: a membrane keeps gum tissue out of a bone defect so bone and ligament refill it (Nyman 1982, Gottlow 1986).
  • Enamel matrix derivative: proteins applied to the root that support new attachment; FDA approved 1996.
  • Bone grafts and growth factors for deep, narrow defects.

Minimally invasive gum grafting

Tunnel techniques and the Pinhole Surgical Technique (Chao, 2012) move or add gum through small openings. Connective tissue grafts remain the most studied method for root coverage (Cochrane review, 2010).

Digital planning

Cone beam CT shows bone in three dimensions. Implant positions are planned in software and transferred with printed surgical guides or dynamic navigation. Periodontists and implants.

Questions

Is every new technique better?

No. Periodontists weigh each method by its evidence for the specific defect. Many older methods remain the standard for certain cases.

Sources

  1. FDA 510(k) K151763, PerioLase Nd:YAG, 2016
  2. Yukna RA et al. Histologic evaluation of an Nd:YAG laser-assisted new attachment procedure. IJPRD 2007
  3. Chambrone L et al. Root-coverage procedures, Cochrane review. J Periodontol 2010
  4. Chao JC. Pinhole Surgical Technique. IJPRD 2012

Reviewed by , Director of IT and Medical Compliance: 25 years in dentistry, medicine and HIPAA compliance. Updated . Checked against the sources listed. General information, not medical advice.

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