LANAP Laser Treatment
Periodontal disease affects nearly half of adults over 30 years old and 70% of those over 65. This chronic inflammatory disease destroys gum tissue and bone around the roots of teeth, causing tooth loss. For patients seeking periodontal care, there are three main options: scaling and root planing, surgical removal of diseased tissue, or an advanced regenerative procedure called LANAP® Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure.
Shoreline Dental Care offers LANAP laser gum treatment for our patients who are suffering from periodontal disease. If you need gum surgery, contact us to find out about this new development in periodontal technology.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria that affects the gums and bone around teeth. When the bacteria builds up, it turns into plaque. If not treated, the plaque will harden into tartar that can spread below the gum line.
The earliest stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis, which is when the gums become swollen and red, and you may experience bleeding with brushing and flossing. If gingivitis isn’t treated quickly, it can progress into periodontitis. At this point, the gums begin to pull away from the tooth, eventually leading to gum recession, damage to the tooth root, tooth loss, and bone deterioration.
The most significant risk factor for periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene. Other risk factors of periodontal disease may include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Fillings that have become defective
- Certain medications that cause dry mouth
Symptoms of periodontal disease may include:
- Gums that are red and inflamed
- Bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth
- Gum recession
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus in the gaps between your gum and tooth
- Excessively bad breath that doesn’t go away
What is LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, which is a minimally invasive laser surgery that is used to treat periodontal disease by removing diseased gum tissue. It is the only FDA-approved laser surgery for the treatment of periodontal disease.
Unlike traditional periodontal surgery, the LANAP procedure does not require cutting into the gum tissue. Instead, a special dental laser gently stimulates healing by promoting the growth of new cells. The laser delivers low levels of light energy directly onto the surface of the tooth, which stimulates the cells and connective tissues to heal themselves. LANAP® procedures typically do not require anesthesia, and patients report minimal discomfort during the process.
What are the benefits of LANAP?
Patients who choose LANAP laser therapy for gum surgery can expect all the benefits of reversing periodontitis, including reduced bleeding and inflammation of the gums, reduced gum recession and pockets, and improved tooth stability.
In addition, LANAP has many benefits over traditional surgery for gum disease:
- No incisions are needed
- No sutures are needed
- Less invasive and cleaner procedure
- Less sensitivity
- Minimal discomfort
- Reduced risk of infection
- Quicker recovery time
- Healthy tissue remains unharmed
What is the recovery process like after LANAP?
Recovery time after the LANAP procedure is much quicker than traditional gum surgery since there are no incisions or sutures. There is very little downtime after treatment. You may experience some slight discomfort after your procedure, but you should be able to return to your daily activities within 24-48 hours, which is significantly less time than it would take to recover from traditional gum surgery (2 weeks or more).
If you experience any swelling immediately after your procedure, you can use a cold compress to reduce the swelling and discomfort.
Contact Shoreline Dental Care for LANAP Laser Treatment in Connecticut
Periodontal treatment doesn’t have to be scary and invasive. LANAP laser therapy offers a less invasive surgery alternative to conventional surgery, so you can improve your oral health AND have a pain-free dental experience.
To find out more about laser gum disease treatment, contact Shoreline Dental Care today!
