Laser Pocket Disinfection in Palatine, IL
Laser Pocket Disinfection (LPD) is a painless, 10–15 minute laser procedure we perform as part of your regular dental cleaning. Using the PerioLase® MVP-7™ — the same laser we use for the LANAP® protocol — LPD eliminates harmful bacteria living in the pockets between your gums and teeth, where a standard cleaning can’t reach.
It is one of the simplest things we can do to keep early gum disease from progressing, and to keep healthy gums healthy.
Painless and quick
10–15 minutes during your cleaning. No shots, no antibiotics, no downtime — you walk out with healthier gums right away.
Reaches where brushes can't
The PerioLase® laser light reaches up to 6 millimeters beyond the visible surface, destroying bacteria deep in the gum pocket.
Helps prevent gum disease
By killing the bacteria that cause inflammation, LPD reduces gingivitis and helps prevent it from progressing into more serious periodontal disease.
Bleeding when you brush? Tender gums after a cleaning? Ask your hygienist whether LPD makes sense at your next visit.
How Laser Pocket Disinfection Works
Your mouth is home to over 700 different kinds of bacteria. Many of them help protect your teeth and even fight tooth decay — but some cause cavities and gum disease. When the balance is disrupted, the harmful bacteria collect in pockets between your gums and teeth. As they multiply, gingivitis (early-stage gum inflammation) sets in. If gingivitis isn’t treated, the infection moves into the bone, and that’s periodontal disease.
During your cleaning visit, a specially trained hygienist passes the laser beam through the healthy gum tissue. The energy targets and destroys millions of bacteria and their toxins inside the pocket without harming the surrounding tissue. The result is immediate — less inflammation, fresher breath, and a much cleaner environment for the body to heal naturally.
Benefits of LPD
- Kills bacteria and disrupts the biofilm causing inflammation
- No shots — the laser is so gentle that anesthesia is rarely needed
- No antibiotics — no concern about antibiotic resistance
- Maintains healthy gums and helps avoid progression of gum disease
- Reaches up to 6 millimeters into the pocket to prevent bacteria from re-establishing
- Safe for medically compromised patients, those on blood thinners, or with diabetes
Good Candidates for LPD
- Patients with gingivitis (early-stage gum disease)
- Patients on periodontal maintenance after gum disease treatment
- Patients about to undergo major surgery, to reduce oral bacteria that can enter the bloodstream
- Patients with crowns, bridges, sealants, or implants — LPD is safe around all dental work
- Anyone who wants to keep healthy gums healthy
LPD does not replace laser periodontal surgery like the LANAP® protocol, but it pairs beautifully with it — LPD is often used during routine hygiene visits after LANAP® to help keep harmful bacteria from coming back.
Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pre-term birth, and certain cancers. Treating it early matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to add LPD to your next cleaning? Just let us know when you book your appointment.