Ron and All,
I use a comprehensive non surgical approach where we  apply everything we know to best effect.  We work toward top quality oral hygiene before we begin and every step of the way.

We pretreat with an antimocrobial for one to two weeks prior to sc/rp.   This reduces inflammation, sensitivity, soften calculus and greatly reduces bleeding during sc/rp.  We don’t really root plane as in  the olden days but get the roots as free of calculus as possible. We try to complete sc/rp phase in care in two successive days.  We continue with the antibacterial for four additional weeks of healing and follow up by the hygienist, then the good doctor evaluates, usually I check and rescale any pockets still over 4mm and reassess the total picture.  I then rediagnose and retreatment plan and this is where I am inserting the laser for any pockets of 5 millimeters or more.  I am opening the pockets by beveling so the irrigant can reach deeper into the pocket area.  I reduce the pocket height where possible to four millimenters or less.  In many of these cases we use special periodontal appliances to deliver the irrigant at night and along with a daytime protocol so we get nearly 24 hours of tissue contact each day.  A problem for the appliances is pumping the irrigant into pockets were the gingivitis has reduced and created a purse sting effect at the collar trapping the infection within the pocket so the laser should open this up and help us out.  Since I just started I have nothing to report as to results but should have some early impressions soon as I have done two cases this week.

Three of us Biolase users are following a similar protocol.  One was a speaker at the Dana Point meeting but not on perio.  We have taken training through the Xerostomia Society which is the source of the product and appliances.  http://WWW.drymouthdentistry.com
Pat

Glenn,
I confess I do have a Kodak D290 with a ring flash.  I use to daily for facial  pics  and anterior cosmetic views but haven’t used the flash.  I need to applying myself to learning how to take pictures and all the stuff you do.  I have had a picture of myself for a few weeks for this board but have not done anything with it due to lack of experience in this area.  Just one more mountain to climb.

Bob, thanks for the back up and additions
Pat

Ron,

Call me.  I think we can work something out……..I have a little pull aorund this joint.

Bob

Robert H. Gregg, DDS
Private Practice
President & CEO
Millennium Dental Technologies,  Inc.
10945 South Street, Suite 106-B
Cerritos, CA 90703

Home:  714-960-9910
MDT Office: 562-860-2908
Fax:  562-860-2429
Cell:  562-577-2454
Email:  rgregg@millenniumdental.com
<a href="http://www.millenniumdental.com

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Mark, the dots are preset according to the amount of posts and change automatically. You’ll hit full member at 150.
Guess you’ll just have to start taking your posting duties a little more seriously;)

Ron, I say, give it to him.

Marks post quality makes up for any short-fall in quantity.

Just my vote of confidence in Mark. A good man, good laser teacher, innovator, designer…..washes behind his ears……..

Bob