What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants.

Why would a dentist refer you to a periodontist?

A dentist may recommend a visit to a periodontist if they suspect that the patient has gum disease or if there are signs of inflammation, bleeding, or infections in the gums. A periodontist specializes in the treatment of gum diseases and can provide more specialized care and treatment options. It is important to follow through with the recommendation to prevent further complications and maintain good oral health.

What does a periodontist do?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease , also known as gum disease . They also perform procedures such as dental implant placement , gum grafts , and scaling and root planing to help restore and maintain the health of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

What is a periodontist vs. dentist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and other conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth. While dentists focus on the general health and maintenance of teeth, periodontists have additional education and training to handle more complex cases.

Who is better for dental implants, oral surgeon or periodontist?

The choice between an oral surgeon and a periodontist for dental implants involves several factors, including case complexity, patient health, and practitioner expertise for surgery and aesthetics (implants). To make an informed decision, consult with both specialists and consider their recommendations along with personal preferences. I also recommend you review their online case studies and reviews. Crucially, ensure the chosen practitioner is licensed and experienced in dental implant procedures .

Laser Periodontal Therapy - Portland Perio Implant Center

Laser Dentistry with Fotona LightWalker II: Advanced Care for Your Periodontal and Soft Tissue Health

At Portland Perio Implant Center, Dr. Kamran Haghighat is committed to providing the most advanced periodontal care. By incorporating the state-of-the-art Fotona LightWalker II laser system into our practice, we offer treatment options that weren’t possible just a few years ago. This revolutionary technology allows us to treat periodontal disease with unprecedented precision while significantly improving patient comfort and recovery.

Why Laser Dentistry?

While effective, traditional treatments for gum disease often involve invasive procedures, leading to discomfort and extended healing times.

Laser dentistry revolutionizes this approach by offering a gentler, highly targeted solution. The Fotona laser system significantly advances periodontal therapy care, offering numerous advantages. With the Fotona LightWalker II, we can:

Remove Diseased Tissue and Bacteria: The laser effectively eliminates harmful bacteria and infected tissue while preserving healthy areas.
Stimulate Healing: It promotes the regeneration of gum and bone tissue, supporting long-term oral health.
Minimize Discomfort: Laser procedures reduce the need for anesthesia, bleeding, and post-treatment pain.
Shorten Recovery Times: Healing is faster, allowing you to resume normal activities sooner.

Fotona - Ultra Performance Lasers - Portland Perio Implant Center

Fontana - Laser Dentistry - Laser Periodontal Therapy - Portland Perio Implant Center - Dr. Kamran Haghighat

Applications of the Fontona LightWalker II Laser

The versatility of this laser makes it ideal for both therapeutic and cosmetic treatments, tailored to your unique needs.

1. Periodontal Therapy

Bacterial Reduction: Targets and removes harmful bacteria deep in gum pockets, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy gum attachment.
Tissue Regeneration: Stimulates collagen production to promote healing and reattachment of gums to teeth.
Scaling and Root Planing: Assists in deep cleaning and smoothing of root surfaces with minimal discomfort.

2. Cosmetic Enhancements

Gum Reshaping: Precisely sculpts gumlines for a balanced, beautiful smile.
Gum Depigmentation: Lightens dark or uneven gums to achieve a healthy, pink appearance.

LIGHTWALKER - Portland Perio Implant Center - Dr. Kamran Haghighat

Lightwalker - Portland Perio Implant Center

3. Non-Surgical Lip Enhancement (LipLase)

Lip Plumping: A non-invasive procedure that uses laser energy to stimulate collagen production, naturally enhancing lip fullness and shape without fillers.

4. Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment (NightLase)

NightLase - Portland Perio Implant Center - Portland, OR

Airway Tightening: Gently tightens throat tissues and hence opening the airway to reduce snoring and improve airflow for better sleep.

5. Additional Soft Tissue Procedures

Frenectomy: Corrects lip or tongue ties for improved oral function.
Soft Tissue Lesion Removal: Gently removes benign lesions with minimal discomfort and faster healing.

How Fotona LightWalker II Stands Out

This advanced laser system incorporates dual-wavelength technology—Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers—designed for both soft and hard tissue treatments. Think of it as having two specialized tools in one advanced system, each designed to tackle specific aspects of your periodontal treatment.

Er:YAG Laser – This precise laser wavelength is particularly effective for treating both soft tissue and bone with minimal heat production. It’s like having a microscopic sculptor that can delicately remove damaged tissue while leaving healthy tissue untouched.
Nd:YAG Laser – This deeper-penetrating wavelength acts as a sterilizing heat source, reaching into the periodontal pockets to eliminate harmful bacteria and stimulate your body’s natural healing response. It’s particularly effective at reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.

The combination of these two wavelengths allows Dr. Haghighat to customize your treatment with unprecedented precision, ensuring optimal results while maintaining maximum comfort throughout the procedure.

The Treatment Process

At Portland Perio Implant Center, we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to laser periodontal therapy that ensures the best possible results for each patient. Laser treatments with Fotona LightWalker II are customized to your needs and involve minimal downtime. Here’s what to expect:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Our treatment begins with thoroughly examining your periodontal health. Dr. Haghighat will carefully evaluate your gums, measure pocket depths, and use advanced imaging to create a complete picture of your periodontal condition. This detailed assessment allows us to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

2. Laser Treatment

The laser therapy process is a carefully orchestrated sequence that maximizes the benefits of our dual-wavelength technology. We begin by using the Nd:YAG laser to target and eliminate the harmful bacteria that cause periodontal disease. This initial step is crucial as it helps reduce infection at its source deep within the periodontal pockets.

Once the bacterial load is reduced, we utilize the precision of the Er:YAG laser to delicately remove infected tissue while carefully preserving the healthy surrounding areas. This selective removal process is one of the key advantages of laser therapy, as it allows us to maintain as much healthy tissue as possible.

Following tissue removal, we focus on preparing the tooth root surfaces. The laser assists in thorough cleaning and smoothing of the root surfaces, creating an optimal environment for healing and reattachment of healthy gum tissue. This step is essential for long-term stability and health of your periodontal tissues.

Finally, we harness the biostimulative properties of both laser wavelengths to activate your body’s natural healing processes. This stimulation encourages the production of new collagen and promotes tissue regeneration, leading to stronger, healthier gum attachment and improved periodontal health.

3. Ongoing Care

Post-treatment instructions and follow-ups ensure long-term success. Regular follow-up appointments are an essential part of your treatment journey. During these visits, Dr. Haghighat carefully monitors your healing progress and the stability of your periodontal health. These check-ups allow us to address any concerns promptly and adjust your care plan as needed.

We also develop a customized maintenance schedule to help prevent disease recurrence and maintain your improved periodontal health. Our dedicated periodontal team remains available to answer questions and provide support throughout your journey, ensuring you have the resources and guidance needed for successful long-term outcomes.

What to Expect During Recovery

One of the most significant advantages of laser treatment is the comfortable recovery process. Unlike traditional surgery, laser therapy allows for a gentler healing experience:

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the healing period
Swelling is typically mild and subsides quickly
Many patients return to their normal activities within a day or two
Gum health continues to improve over the following weeks as new tissue regenerates

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Minimally Invasive: Gentler procedures with less trauma to tissues.
Comfortable Experience: Reduced need for anesthesia and faster recovery.
Improved Outcomes: Enhanced healing and long-lasting results.

The Portland Perio Implant Center Difference

Under Dr. Haghighat’s leadership, we combine advanced technology with exceptional expertise to deliver superior care. Our approach is distinguished by:

Customized Treatment Plans: We recognize that every patient’s needs are unique and tailor our treatments accordingly
Patient-Centered Care: Your comfort and understanding of the treatment process are our priorities
State-of-the-Art Facility: Our office is equipped with the latest technology to ensure the best possible outcomes
Evidence-Based Approach: We combine proven therapeutic techniques with cutting-edge technology

Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums

Explore how Fontona LightWalker II can transform your periodontal care and enhance your smile. We believe in educating our patients about their treatment options and working together to achieve optimal oral health.

Contact Portland Perio Implant Center at (503) 224-3853 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Haghighat. Your journey to better periodontal health starts here.

Laser Periodontal Therapy