FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
About Periodontal Disease and the RPE alternative

Is periodontal disease dangerous to my health?

We now know that periodontal disease is a very serious medical condition which can put the sufferer at great risk for heart attack and stroke (as many as 50% of strokes and heart attacks may be triggered by periodontal and other oral infections). We also now know that if left untreated, periodontal disease can contribute to many other serious chronic inflammatory diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (high blood pressure and atherosclerosis), cancer, MS, RA, and Alzheimer's. Unfortunately, because it is a chronic, painless condition, you may not even know that you have it until it is in an advanced stage.

Many studies also demonstrate that oral bacterial pathogens circulate throughout the body and may contribute to other health problems such as lung disease, gut permeability (leaky gut), cancer, high cholesterol, and even premature births.

Is Regenerative Periodontal Endoscopy (RPE) a better alternative over traditional surgery, Lanap, and/or root planing?

There are several reasons why RPE - Regenerative Periodontal Endoscopy - may be a better alternative for you:

  • Effectiveness - skilled use of a dental endoscope, facilitates clear micro-vision below the gum line to find and treat all areas of plaque/biofilm and calculus (and even residual orthodontic cement) - all of which would go undetected with traditional treatment methods such as laser surgery (Lanap) and root planing. Regenerative Periodontal Endoscopy - is a unique and very specific protocol aimed at arresting disease and promoting bone regeneration around the teeth.
  • Freedom from pain - because the instruments are so tiny and precise, RPE does not cause trauma to the periodontal tissues, roots and bone, as with traditional treatments.
  • Long Term Results - because RPE addresses all causes of periodontal disease (and not just the symptom), we observe more long term homeostasis and periodontal health.
  • Cost - RPE costs less than periodontal surgery - the additional savings is also in the prevention of tooth loss and the enormous costs associated with tooth replacement (implants).
  • Cosmetics - RPE treatments do not cause the gum disfigurement and recession that often results from osseous periodontal surgery, flap surgery, Lanap and root planing.
  • Prevention - undiagnosed dental problems such as decay or failing restorations can be detected early with the dental endoscope, preventing larger problems.

How many appointments will RPE take and what is the recovery time?

RPE - Regenerative Periodontal Endoscopy - can be completed in just one appointment (up to 4 hours for full mouth treatment with breaks), or two shorter appointments (2 hours each on back to back days) depending on the severity and number of teeth treated. There is no change to your diet, no stitches, no down time, and no random use of antibiotics as with Lanap, surgery and/or root planing.

There is no down time following this procedure, as with periodontal surgery, and no need for direct follow up appointments by PerioPeak Innovations (traveling patients do not need to return). A comprehensive consultation is completed before RPE treatment via phone or virtual - and communication with your dentist and/or periodontist is established. We provide a comprehensive report with all findings, further recommendations, and all digital records following RPE treatment. There is no need for continued follow-up with PerioPeak unless it is preferred by the patient.