Periodontal Microsurgery and Perioscopy at LSU Perio
Did You Know…….
The advanced training program at LSU Health School of Dentistry in Periodontics is one of only two residency programs offering comprehensive training in microsurgery? Each year, our residents train side by side with periodontists who have multi-decades of experience using microscopes in periodontal procedures. The residents complete several table top procedures and then are able to render this important minimally invasive service in our clinic. Our clinic is equipped with five Global Surgical microscopes. No other training program gives you the number of hours of training like LSU Periodontics does.
Minimally invasive procedures accomplished with periodontal microsurgery cause far less trauma and wounds heal faster. This translates into happier patients and that leads to increased referrals from all of the positive feedback your patients will provide.
Another significant benefit to performing periodontal microsurgery is that it forces the surgeon into a favorable ergonomic position. Over time, this leads to longer careers because of reduced cervical and lumbar strain. This benefit is illustrated in the photos at the bottom of the page.
Check back to this page later as we will be adding a gallery of procedural photos with final healing.
The ergonomic benefits of periodontal microsurgery:
vs. 
Example of table top exercise:
And in the clinic…..
Perioscopy
Traditionally, non-surgical periodontal therapy has relied on tactile sensation and indirect clinical indicators to perform subgingival instrumentation. Deep periodontal pockets and anatomically complex sites magnify the limitations of closed debridement. Despite decades of refinement in nonsurgical instrumentation, residual subgingival calculus remains a primary determinant of persistent inflammation and disease recurrence. Optical enhancement technologies have emerged to address this fundamental limitation, with Perioscope-based periodontal endoscopy representing the most advanced clinically available modality for real-time subgingival visualization.
At LSU Periodontics, we have long integrated and evaluated endoscopic technology in our clinics. Today, our residents gain hands-on clinical experience with periodontal endoscopy as an integral component of their postgraduate training. It is another dimension that set our program apart from others.
By utilizing advanced subgingival illumination and high-definition magnification up to 48x, the Perioscopy system allows clinicians to visualize root morphology, subgingival deposits, and micro-anatomy in real time. Coupled with continuous pressurized irrigation to maintain a clear field, this technology enables targeted ultrasonic debridement with precision that traditional blind scaling cannot match. Experiencing this direct visualization firsthand gives our residents a deeper appreciation for root anatomy, inflammation dynamics, and the precise limits of minimally invasive therapy. The endoscope also allows early detection of undiagnosed dental problems such as caries, cracks, failing restorations & root fractures.
For the patient, Perioscopy is more comfortable than surgical interventions. There is also less gum recession occurring post-operatively which results in less sensitivity and a better esthetic outcome.
The view through the endoscope.
Example of the degree of magnification:
Cases (note increased bone levels):
