Benefits of WPT in treating Periodontitis – Wavelength optimised periodontal therapy

Wavelength optimised periodontal therapy or WPT is a minimally invasive method to treat periodontal diseases using Nd: YAG and ER: YAG laser energy. These two wavelengths having unique clinical and therapeutic abilities are used to treat periodontal diseases in the most effective way. Instead of a sharp knife that would peel off the gum or teeth, thin laser quartz is inserted between the tooth and the gum line to remove the diseased tissue.

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and other severe oral and overall health complications. Periodontitis is also known as advanced gum disease. This serious gum disease damages the soft tissue and, if left untreated, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. The causes or risks of periodontal diseases could be many – such as poor oral health, genetic, chronic illnesses like diabetes, smoking or chewing tobacco, and certain medications, plaque on your teeth, hormonal changes, for example, related to pregnancy or menopause and many more such reasons. 

Treatments are categorised into Surgical and Non-surgical. Typical non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease is scaling and root planing (SRP). Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from tooth surfaces and from underneath the gums. It may be performed using instruments, a laser or an ultrasonic device. Root planing levels the root surfaces, and stops the further buildup of tartar and bacteria and kills bacterial byproducts that are known to contribute to inflammation and slow healing. 

In the surgical method, we have the traditional practice of Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery). In this the periodontist makes small incisions in the gum so that a section of gum tissue can be elevated back, exposing the roots for more effective scaling and root planing. Since periodontitis often causes bone loss, the underlying bone may be recontoured before the gum tissue is put back in place after suturing. This method can be more painful and hence people look for alternatives. 

The advent of lasers has been extremely beneficial, especially in periodontology, providing fast, simple, and highly effective treatments. Laser treatment is a tissue-preserving, regenerative, and bone-building procedure. Wavelength Er:YAG and Nd:YAG dental lasers are the ideal tools for performing the widest variety of laser-assisted periodontal procedures in a minimally invasive, cost-effective method.

Wavelength optimised Periodontal Therapy is carried out in 4 simple steps: 

1. The Nd: YAG laser destroys the diseased epithelial lining of the periodontal pocket and improves access to the root surface.
2. The Er: YAG is used to remove microbial biofilm and calculus from the root surface.
3. The Nd: YAG laser energy is used to harden and helps to form a stable fibrin clot. This seals off the pocket and promotes healing and bone regeneration.
4. Lastly, endotoxins from the root surface and epithelial lining are removed.