treatment procedures and relying upon painful surgeries, Dr. Lung was adding invaluable experience and expertise in her less invasive treatments. As acceptance and recognition of this innovative treatment has grown, Dr. Lung’s experience has been recognized as unparalleled in our community. Many patients come to Dr. Lung who have had their gums cut open and their roots cleaned with traditional periodontal surgery, but who have seen the disease return. While periodontal surgery may help prevent further progression for some patients, she says “It doesn’t cure the problem. Five years down the road, they can be back in the same situation; or they may lose their teeth.” With the laser periodontal treatment using the PerioLase, “we help the body heal itself.” Nine to fourteen months after laser therapy, you can actually see the bone growing back to stabilize the teeth. “I like to do what is right for the patient. If I can educate more patients about less painful treatments that help treat the underlying causes and not just treat symptoms, I feel I am giving back a little of what I wish would have been available for my own mother.” Traditional periodontal surgery, on the other hand, is an invasive procedure, and can be somewhat traumatic. Patients can’t help but be sore from all the cutting. They experience pain and swelling after surgery and are often restricted to a liquid or soft diet. With laser therapy using the PerioLase, discomfort is greatly diminished before, during and after treatment. Patients say the mild discomfort from the laser is nothing compared to the cutting of gums required of traditional treatment; the patient need not lose time off from work, and most patients feel good enough to eat right away. Calling herself “a coward when it comes to being a patient,” Dr. Lung makes gentle, pain-free care a priority for her own patients. investigated thoroughly Dr. Lung thoroughly investigated the available providers of laser therapy devices before choosing Millennium Dental Technologies. Unlike other companies, Millennium requires dentists to be properly trained before selling them the technology. Dr. Lung was required to attend the company’s “boot camp” where she underwent comprehensive patient-focused education, before purchasing the PerioLase® MVP-7™. LANAP™ No cutting or suturing Completed in 2 sessions with 2 follow-up visits 98% of patients remain stable 5 years later Recovery in less than 24 hours Reduces risk of post-treatment infection Comparable price Traditional Periodontal Surgery Requires cutting and suturing Requires 8-10 doctor visits Patients may lose teeth within 5 years Recovery takes 2-4 weeks. Risk of post-treatment infection Comparable Price LANAP is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, hemophilia, HIV or those taking medications such as Plavix and aspirin. Dr. Lung follows the company’s LANAP™ (Laser- Assisted New Attachment Procedure) protocol when using the laser. A tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and gum, which clears away the infection. The noxious elements that cause gum disease are painlessly removed. One half of the mouth is treated at each session. Because the gums are not cut, not only are bleeding and stitches eliminated, but the risk of post-treatment infection is eliminated. The laser seals blood vessels, lymphatics and nerve endings. Many dentists have never heard of this relatively new technology. But for Dr. Lung, it’s a nobrainer. “I’m all about finding new ways to help people,” she says. “Technology makes sense to me. It’s easier on the patient, more conservative and gives better results; I like that.” Without a doubt, when her patients keep their teeth, they like that too. 5055 S. Lakeland Dr. Lakeland, FL 33813 863-647-3222 thefamilydentist-lakeland.com WomanToWomanMagazine.com 13
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