Flap surgery involves lifting back the gums, removing the tartar, and then sewing the gums back in place. Although baking soda and most toothpastes can be used to remove dental plaque, there is no evidence that they can stop or reverse tissue and bone loss caused by periodontitis. I've heard a lot about lasers recently. Simply put, a surgical laser works by emitting a concentrated beam of light strong enough to cut through tissue. Lasers can be used on soft tissue for certain surgical procedures related to the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Research is under way to see if lasers can be used on teeth and bone.
A computer attached to the probe regulates the probing pressure so it is always the same. The computer also can compare the results of the current test to the previous one, since it stores measurements from each reading. The hotter the site, the more likely there is gum disease. The computer can compare two x-rays and highlight even the smallest changes in bone surrounding the teeth. Using the computer allows dentists to see details that would not be visible on a regular x-ray.