Additional Therapies
Low-Level Laser treatment to reduce bacteria and improve healing.
The treatment is also called “antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.” This combined treatment approach significantly reduces the number of destructive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus).
Illustration of the HELBO Laser Treatment:
Application of the dye into the pocket and activation with HELBO Laser
Procedure:
The patient will be treated under local anaesthesia. The pockets, bleeding and tooth mobility are measured and recorded in the patient’s file. The pockets are then thoroughly mechanically cleaned using scalers and curettes. The photosensitizer (dye) is applied, and after the contact, it is rinsed out. The pocket probe (Helbo Laser) is inserted into the pocket and activated. The procedure can be repeated in severe cases within seven days to achieve the best results. Since its introduction in our practice, HELBO Photodynamic Therapy has shown excellent results in the Treatment of Periodontal Disease and Peri-implantitis.
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria responsible for infections around dental implants (Peri-implantitis). It is also present in cases of MRSA because of its affinity to titanium surfaces and resistance to many Antibiotics. Dental Implants manufactured from titanium are at a high risk of infections if the neighbouring teeth are infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Within minutes of the placement, a dental implant is colonized with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria from the surrounding teeth!
Therefore, the treatment of gum disease before dental implant therapy is essential. The Treatment of Staphylococcus-infected implants is difficult as local antibiotics don’t reach the areas. The use of systemic antibiotics is very questionable due to the fact of the ever-increasing global resistance to antibiotics. Mechanical cleaning of implant surfaces is difficult as the risk of damage to the implant surface is high. It also does not eradicate the bacteria. The concept of photodynamic therapy has been proven to be very successful in the treatment of peri-implantitis. We offer this treatment to our patients and patients with implants fitted elsewhere.