Gum disease affects millions of people every day. It begins with slightly swollen and irritated gums, but if left untreated, it can lead to tooth and bone loss. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by the buildup of bacteria-formed plaque on the teeth and gum line. Usually, this buildup is preventable by regular brushing and flossing; however, sometimes, the bacteria can build up and lead to issues with gum health. Over time, gums begin to pull away from your teeth, allowing more bacteria to grow and attack the underlying bone.
If left untreated, tooth and bone loss inevitably follow. Gum disease has also been linked to systemic health issues like cardiovascular disease. At Implants & Periodontics, we offer LANAP laser gum disease treatment to help reverse the effects of periodontal disease. LANAP is a breakthrough periodontal disease treatment targeting disease-causing bacteria. As your periodontist, we are uniquely trained to perform this gingivitis treatment effectively.
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a laser-based treatment for gum disease that targets and removes disease-causing bacteria without cutting the gum tissue, the way traditional gum surgery does.
Traditional periodontal surgery involves cutting and suturing the gums. LANAP uses a small laser inserted between the tooth and gum to remove infected tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact, which generally means faster recovery, less post-treatment pain, and a lower risk of gum recession.
Most candidates have moderate to severe gum disease and are in otherwise good general health. Smokers can still be treated, and you don’t need to stop taking blood thinners or aspirin beforehand. A consultation will confirm whether LANAP is right for your specific case.
Treatment is usually split across two appointments, with each session taking up to about two hours.
Recovery is typically easier than traditional gum surgery, with minimal pain while the tissue and bone heal. Most patients return to normal activities quickly.
Our periodontist will thoroughly clean the affected area to the tooth roots to eliminate the problem-causing bacteria.
We will determine your candidacy for LANAP laser gum disease treatment during your consultation. Candidates for this typically suffer from moderate to severe gum disease and are in overall good health. This procedure is still possible if you smoke, and you will not need to refrain from taking blood thinners or aspirin before your procedure.
On the day of your treatment, our periodontist will use local anesthesia to make sure you are comfortable. We will review your imaging and personalized treatment plan and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
On your surgery day, a tiny laser, about the size of a human hair, will be inserted between the tooth and gum to clear away infection. Unlike traditional gum disease treatment, gum tissue will not be cut. Our periodontist will thoroughly clean the affected area to the tooth roots to eliminate the problem-causing bacteria. Once the treatment is complete, we will create a blood clot and seal off the treated area.
Treatment is typically performed in sections over two appointments and may last up to two hours. Recovery typically involves minimal pain as your tissue heals and your bone and tissues regenerate. Reserve your consultation with our periodontists at Implants & Periodontics today to see if LANAP laser gum disease treatment is proper for you!
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