LANAP® Gum Surgery Laser Treatment

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Untreated gum disease is one of the foremost causes of missing teeth and is even associated with disease and other health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and low birth rates.

Many people avoid traditional treatment and want a gum surgery alternative. And who can blame them? Traditional gum disease treatment hurts and causes other concerns:

  • Patients often have teeth pulled and require dentures and implants.
  • Deep cuts are made, followed by scraping to remove offending bacteria.
  • Healthy gum tissue is destroyed.
  • The gums bleed slowly and require stitches and bandages to heal.
  • The recovery period is lengthy, and it hurts. Pain medication is commonly prescribed.
  • Only soft foods are allowed.

For a kinder, less severe gum disease treatment, trust LANAP for your gum surgery alternative.

For gum disease treatment LANAP offers a radical gum surgery alternative called the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®). LANAP® is comfortable, safe, efficient, and the only FDA-cleared laser treatment protocol to offer a gum surgery alternative that replaces traditional gum disease treatment.

Periodontists are fully trained to perform LANAP®, which is backed by medical research and human histological studies, and uses the state-of-the-art, FDA-cleared PerioLase® MVP-7™ for a gum surgery alternative that works.

In fact, it’s the most precise gum surgery alternative available for gum disease treatment.

The laser energy generated by the PerioLase® is extremely accurate and reaches deep into the gum pockets to ferret out hidden bacteria without affecting sound, neighboring tissue. The healthy tissue then attaches to the surface of your tooth roots. Never has a gum surgery alternative brought such a remarkable achievement. It even encourages bone growth around your teeth so you can hold on to them for life.

Why do patients prefer the LANAP® gum surgery alternative

  • •Patients can keep their existing teeth – typically no extractions are required.
  • •Minimal bleeding. The PerioLase® quickly and neatly sweeps away the bacteria, which accounts for 90 percent of the inflammation that makes gums bleed.
  • •Recovery is a breeze – healing is quick, and patients often resume normal activity the same day.
  • •Bone development – LANAP® is the only laser gum surgery alternative to generating new bone around existing teeth.
  • •No receding gums caused by cutting away healthy tissue.
  • •Less sensitivity to temperature.
  • •Results are predictable and have lasting effects if patients take care of their teeth and gums.

LANAP® truly is the most advanced gum surgery alternative available for gum disease treatment. Make an appointment with a periodontist and learn why other patients, like John, are choosing laser gum disease treatment.

“After having Laser Periodontal Therapy, I experienced no pain after only 5 hours. Recovery was completely pain-free and fast. I am very satisfied.” — John C., Laser Procedure Patient

Basic Steps of the LANAP® Protocol

  1. Measurement of pockets  Your periodontist inserts a probe to measure the depth of the periodontal pockets. This analysis provides essential information about how much the gum has detached from the root.
  2. Laser removal of bacteria  The PerioLase® MVP-7™ uses pulsed light to eradicate diseased tissue within the pocket and removes the living bacteria that cause gum disease. Water does not absorb the laser’s light, so the surrounding tissue, root, and bone remain unaffected by the laser. Surgery is far less invasive and more pleasant than other methods.
  3. Removal of calculus  Calculus is a fixed plaque that has connected to your teeth and bone. Ultrasonic scalers scour away the calculus that has formed in pockets beneath the gum line.  Even though the laser cannot eliminate the calculus in the earlier steps, it assists by denaturing the calculus, breaking down its biochemical makeup, and making it easier to remove.
  4. Clot Formation  The laser is used another time at the base of the pockets to stimulate the soft tissue, root, and bone to incite regeneration and attachment. At the same time, the tissue becomes sticky and begins forming a sealed clot around the tooth root. This clot creates a clean, stable environment to foster fast and complete healing.
  5. Tissue compression  Gum tissue is compressed against the tooth’s root surface to promote reattachment and eliminate the need for painful sutures.
  6. Bite adjustment  Your doctor adjusts your bit to minimize trauma to the teeth, particularly in areas where bone loss has occurred.

Laser Gum Surgery (LANAP®) vs. Traditional Gum Surgery

For sufferers in need of periodontal surgery, the choice between traditional and laser treatments is necessary. To select the best option for you, it is crucial that you understand the significant differences between the ordinary and the LANAP®
methods.
In a typical surgery, the doctor uses a scalpel to peel back gum tissue for better perceptibility and path to the periodontal pocket. The surgeon then cuts down and sutures the gums to reduce pocket depth; this is what creates the aesthetic alteration of your gum line. When the pockets are cut down, bone or tissue grafting may be done to reattach the gum to the tooth’s root facade.
Although some severe cases of periodontitis require traditional surgery, LANAP® is a viable option for many subjects. LANAP® does not utilize a scalpel or sutures, making it minimally invasive with light pain or suffering. Because LANAP® does not need cutting of gums to reduce pocket depth, there is little to no gum line recession nor aesthetic modification of your smile. The laser can differentiate between unhealthy and good tissue, leaving healthy tissue untouched; the procedure is exceptionally selective and safe. The laser eliminates diseased tissue and kills living bacteria without jeopardizing healthy teeth, gum, and bone tissue.

Key Differences between Traditional Gum Surgery and LANAP®

Pain – Traditional surgery can certainly be very uncomfortable as it entails cutting and suturing of the gums. Post-operative pain medicine is usually prescribed, and rest time is required as part of recovery. Many patients opt to have infected teeth extracted to avoid the distress of dental surgery. LANAP® protocol produces considerably less trouble and seldom requires post-operative pain medication. Minimal healing time is needed, enabling patients to return to their daily life routine almost instantly.

Recession – Traditional periodontal surgery entails that the gum line is cut down to decrease pocket depth. Gumline recession is normally between 2-4 mm; though, in severe instances of periodontitis, the gum line could recede as much as 10-15 mm. The recessed gum line reveals tooth roots, which can be especially sensitive to hot and cold, causing distress to the sufferer while eating or drinking. LANAP® is less invasive and more discriminating.  The laser eliminates only damaged tissue and does not affect nearby healthy gum and bone, producing no significant gum line recession. The original appearance of the patient’s smile is preserved.

Healing Time – LANAP® does not require medical cutting and sutures and is selective in the tissue it displaces which allows for rapid healing. The laser kills the bacteria and reduces inflammation, preserving and supporting healthier tissue.

Long-term results – LANAP® protocol effects are much more predictable regarding bone regeneration and tissue attachment. The PerioLase® MVP-7™ stimulates the root surface and promotes recovery and attachment. Teeth judged as hopeless can be saved and returned. Patients show further improvement after LANAP® protocol since regeneration and reattachment remain after the procedure is complete.

Cutting-edge science is continually evolving and refining dental technology. We, as LANAP® certified dentists, have declared the commitment to stay abreast of the latest advances and to equip our patients with the best possible treatment options while meeting the highest standards of care.

Laser treatment is a fabulous option for numerous patients; however, it may not work for all cases. Please contact us to schedule a consultation to find out if LANAP® could be the answer to achieving optimal periodontal health for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do lasers work in dentistry?

Lasers emit energy in the form of light. This energy is harnessed and manipulated in a variety of ways for different procedures. For surgical procedures, the laser acts as a cutting instrument or can vaporize tissue. When repairing a filling, the laser solidifies the bond between tooth and filling. In teeth whitening, the laser acts as a catalyst on bleaching agents.
Why use PerioLase® MVP-7™?
PerioLase® MVP-7™ is the only laser and protocol that is FDA-cleared and supported by scientific and human histological research. PerioLase® MVP-7™ is highly selective in removing only damaged tissue, leaving nearly all healthy tissue completely intact.
Is there any pain in laser treatment?
Laser treatments offer significantly less pain and discomfort than typically associated with traditional cut and suture dental surgery. Patients experience little pain as the laser manipulates gums and removes bacteria and damaged tissue without invasive cutting. The laser targets only bacteria and diseased tissue; healthy tissue is unaffected.
Is laser dentistry more expensive?
In most cases, laser dentistry is similar or slightly more expensive than the cost of traditional surgery. Most doctors prefer laser surgery as it offers the patient a better experience. In some cases, laser dentistry is necessary for successful treatment. Additionally, laser dentistry has a higher long-term success rate, decreasing the likelihood of incurring additional costs from multiple treatments. Overall, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Are dental lasers safe?
When operated within practice guidelines, dental lasers are as safe as other dental treatments, if not more so.  During laser procedures you will be asked to wear protective glasses, much like you wear sunglasses to protect you from the sun’s UV rays.
How can I be sure my periodontist is trained on a laser?
Ask your dentist about the extent of his/her training. Training should include educational and training courses from the laser manufacturer. Additionally, many dental schools, associations, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry offer dental laser education opportunities. ALD is the profession’s leading independent source for laser education and credentialing.
How will I know if laser dentistry is an option?
Ask us whether or not laser dentistry is a potential treatment option for you. Although a very useful and efficient tool, laser dentistry may not be the appropriate method for all cases.