WHAT IS LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™?
Laser Periodontal Therapy™, also Known as LANAP, is a laser-based technique for the treatment of periodontal disease. Laser Periodontal Therapy is an amazing breakthrough in the treatment of periodontal disease. If you have been told that you need gum surgery or you have periodontal disease, this new technology replaces cutting the gum tissue with a scalpel and does not require stitches. This means an easier recovery with minimal bleeding, which preserves gum tissue and reduces root exposure and sensitivity.
HOW DOES A LASER TREAT GUM DISEASE?
The way to repair the damage from gum disease is to get rid of the infection and close up the infected pockets between the gum and teeth. LANAP is a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. It uses a digital dental laser to remove harmful bacteria and diseased tissue from the gum pocket by passing a laser light between the gum and tooth.
First, we use a local anesthetic to eliminate any possible discomfort. A tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three human hairs) is inserted between the tooth and gum and the infection is cleared away by removing only the diseased tissue.
Next, we use an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments to remove the tartar from the root surface of the tooth. Then, laser light energy is again directed between the gum and tooth. The laser helps reduce the bacteria and stimuates your body’s existing cells to grow new root surface coating and new connective tissue attachment to the root surface. All of this is done without making any type of incision.
After removing the diseased tissue, the laser immediately cauterizes the wound. The result is that you experience little to no bleeding. An added benefit of the laser is its ability to seal the nerve endings. The entire process results in only minor discomfort afterward.
LASER THERAPY BENEFITS
The laser is an effective tool for improving overall dental health with less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, less tissue removal, and less recovery time than traditional gum surgery or periodontal treatment. It provides a viable alternative to traditional gum surgery that is less invasive and more appealing to some patients who may otherwise avoid necessary treatment due to fear or prolonged treatment time. Some of the benefits include:
- Less traumatic yet highly effective alternative to traditional gum surgery.
- Less discomfort than with standard surgery, both during and after the procedure.
- Less time than traditional surgery.
- Lasting results, with 98% of treated patients remaining stable after five years.
- Less recovery
- Safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, hemophilia, HIV, or those taking medications such as Coumadin or Cyclosporin.