What Is LANAP?
LANAP stands for “laser assisted new attachment procedure.” It’s a fairly new alternative to traditional gum surgery, and was approved by the FDA in 1999. LANAP uses laser technology to remove infected gum tissue without ever making an incision or requiring any sutures.
LANAP, which is sometimes referred to as laser periodontal surgery or LANAP perio, is significantly less invasive than previous treatments for advanced gum disease. LANAP perio is a great alternative for anyone suffering from dental anxiety, or anyone simply looking for a faster, easier, more comfortable gum disease treatment.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is an infection of the gum tissue caused by the buildup of plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria in the mouth. The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene.
Periodontal disease has three distinct stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is curable, but after the condition has advanced to periodontitis, it can only be treated.
Advantages of Laser Periodontal Surgery
There are many reasons why LANAP perio is superior to traditional gum surgery. If you’re the type of person who avoids receiving dental care because you’re worried about the discomfort it may cause, this procedure could be exactly what you need.
Read on for more details about the advantages of LANAP perio.
Minimally Invasive
Traditional gum surgery requires that incisions be made in the gum tissue, which means a more invasive procedure that requires sutures afterwards. Laser technology allows for you to receive the same sort of treatment without a single incision or sutures.
Less Discomfort
Because the lasers used in LANAP perio are so precise, they cause significantly less damage to the surrounding areas of your mouth, which means the procedure requires you to endure far less discomfort overall.
Extremely Effective
LANAP perio doesn’t only feel better, it works better. Traditional gum disease treatment has an estimated success rate of about 87%, which is an impressive number until you compare it to the estimated success rate of laser periodontal surgery, which stands at 100%.
Fast Recovery
Traditional gum disease treatment requires an invasive procedure, and it takes time to recover from. Typically, that recovery period will be 10 to 14 days. LANAP perio recovery is much faster, requiring around 24 hours before the patient feels like themselves again.
Do I Need Laser Periodontal Surgery?
You’ll want to speak with your periodontist in order to determine whether or not you’re in need of treatment for any stage of gum disease, but there are some telltale signs that you can look for prior to your consultation.
Signs of gum disease include:
- Tender or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gum line
- Tooth sensitivity
- Abscesses around teeth
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
Remember: Just because you have any of these symptoms doesn’t mean you necessarily have gum disease, and even if you do have gum disease, that doesn’t always mean you’re in need of laser periodontal therapy.
It’s important to consult your periodontist first and try to avoid self-diagnosis.
Who Should Not Receive Laser Periodontal Surgery?
While there is a wide array of people for whom LANAP perio would be a successful procedure, it’s not perfect for everyone.
You should not consider receiving laser periodontal therapy unless you are committed to maintaining good, consistent oral hygiene after your gums have been treated. If you can’t keep up with your oral care, you’ll be back in the laser periodontist’s office before you know it.
The LANAP Laser Treatment Procedure
If your periodontist determines that you’re a good candidate for LANAP perio, they’ll probably give you a brief rundown of what to expect on the day of your appointment. That rundown will likely look a bit like the following explanation.
First, you’ll receive an oral examination, during which time your periodontist will probe your gum tissue to see the extent of the infection and determine a treatment plan.
Next, your periodontist will apply a local anesthetic and then use the laser to begin removing the bacteria from the pockets in your gums.
Then, they’ll use specialized instruments to remove infection-causing tartar from your teeth.
After that, they’ll use the laser to reattach gum tissue to the tooth root.
Finally, they’ll do what’s called an occlusal adjustment, which involves making the tooth surface rough in order to discourage further tartar formation.
How Long Does Laser Perio Treatment Take?
The answer to this question depends mostly on the severity of the gum disease and the extent of the treatment, but typically you can expect your laser periodontal surgery to be completed in about an hour or two.
In certain instances in which the gum disease is particularly severe, it may take two different sessions to complete.
Laser Perio Treatment Recovery
Perhaps the most amazing thing about LANAP perio is just how quick the recovery period is. While traditional gum surgery takes somewhere between 10 days and two weeks and involves significantly more discomfort, LANAP will take you just about 24 hours to recover from, and even then, it shouldn’t hinder your daily life at all.
Where Can I Find a Laser Periodontist?
If you’re in need of a laser periodontist to treat your gum disease, Glendale Periodontics can help. Contact us today by calling or going online to request an appointment.
