DTUS1210

DENTAL TRIBUNE | May 2010 Practice Matters 5A cess rate of traditional periodontal surgery. This is primarily because we have to depend upon the patients to keep up their regimen for the long-term success of their natural dentition. New procedures — such as the wavelength optimized periodon- tal therapy (WPT) procedure with the Powerlase AT Laser by Lares Research, and LANAP procedures done with the Periolase laser by Millenium Dental — have brought periodontics today. Patients like the concept of implants, which are still vastly underused in North America. Many patients would rather not have to take care of their teeth and have these unsightly, mobile teeth extracted and replaced with implants, which would restore their function and their esthetics. With a 94 percent implant suc- cess rate, it is hard to argue when that success rate is so high com- pared to the poor long-term suc- periodontal services into the mini- mally invasive realm as a solution for patients who do want to keep their teeth without heavily inva- sive periodontal surgery. Laser periodontal treatment will continue to develop and become even more effective in the future. Procedures such as implants and minimally invasive laser peri- odontal therapy will continue to improve and change the way we practice in this new decade. Is this good or bad? You are the dental clinician, so this is for you, the periodontist and the patient to decide. DT AD #103 Dr. Louis Malcmacher is a practicing general dentist in Bay Village, Ohio, and an internation- ally recognized lecturer and author known for his comprehensive and entertaining style. An evaluator for Clinicians Reports, Malcmacher has served as a spokesman for the AGD and is president of the American Acad- emy of Facial Esthetics. You may contact him at (440) 892-1810 or e-mail dryowza@mail. com. You can also see his lecture schedule at www.commonsense dentistry.com where you will find information about his Botox and dermal filler live patient hands-on training, practice-building audio CDs and free monthly e-newsletter. About the author (Photo/Webking, Dreamstime.com)