Air Date: Monday, July 28, 2008
Disease Destroyer
It's some of the worst news you can get at the dentist, you have gum disease, and you could lose some or all of your teeth, but now dentists have a new laser that'll kill the disease and save your smile. Seven's Richard Lemus shows us this Disease Destroyer.
WSVN -- Gregory Moore is a busy record label executive, always looking for the next big gospel singer and a hit that'll soar to the top of the charts.
Gregory Moore, Sr. Record Label Executive: "Presentation and appearance is very important when you're in this type of business."
When it came to his teeth, he thought brushing twice a day was enough to keep a healthy smile. He didn't realize skipping flossing and regular trips to the dentist would put him at risk for gum disease.
Gregory Moore: "At the time, I knew there was a problem with my gums because they were swollen on both sides, especially when I started spitting up blood when I brushed my teeth."
Gum disease can strike anyone and is caused by a bacteria that infects your gums, tissue and bone. If it progresses too far, you could lose your teeth.
Gregory Moore: "I basically found out that I had gum disease, and one dentist told me they were going to have to remove all my teeth."
Luckily, Gregory heard about a dentist using a new laser called Periolase.
Dr. Jason Luchtefeld, dentist: "It's really a revolutionary approach to treat aggressive gum disease to help people keep their teeth when they wouldn't normally be able to."
The laser light is passed between the gums and the teeth. It only seeks out bacteria and infected tissue, so it leaves the healthy tissue in place.
Dr. Jason Luchtefeld: "This specific laser is oriented so that it is attracted to dark pigments, and the bacteria that cause our biggest problems are dark pigmented."
Once the laser spots the dark bacteria and disease, it uses heat to vaporize them. Just watch how it zaps away the dark ink on this clear bottle.
Dr. Jason Luchtefeld: "So the light color, there is no interaction. When we get to the dark pigment, we see interaction just like the we see with the bugs that are causing the gum disease."
Treatments are done on one side of the mouth at a time, and the body usually heals itself naturally.
Dr. Jason Luchtefeld: "We find that one pass through the mouth usually does the trick for us."
The laser was the biggest hit of Gregory's career. It cured his gum disease, and he was able to keep most of his teeth.
Gregory Moore: "The most exciting thing for me is that I still have my teeth."
And he plans to keep it that way.
Gregory Moore: "I floss after every meal, along with brushing and rinsing, and I definitely learned my lesson to take care of my teeth."
Richard Lemus: "For severe gum disease, it may take two separate treatments. Some insurances will pay for the treatment."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Dr. Jason Luchtefeld
572 E. McNab, Suite 102
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
(954) 785-1100
www.pompanobeachsmiles.com
