LANAP stands for laser-assisted new attachment procedure, a less invasive alternative to conventional gum surgery for periodontitis. Traditionally, surgery with a scalpel and stitches has been a standard treatment to combat the effects of periodontitis for decades. Though effective, the surgery can come with undesirable side effects and have a long healing process. Also, many patients would like to avoid surgery if possible. Thanks to laser technology, now there is an alternative involving fewer side effects and a shorter healing period.
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that, if not treated, can lead to bone and tooth loss. According to The Cleveland Clinic, gum disease affects nearly half of all adults over 30 and 70% of adults over 65. The primary cause is a lack of proper oral hygiene, such as routine brushing or flossing. Those with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop it than others.
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, where plaque and tarter collect around the gum line causing the gums to become inflamed and red. Gingivitis is reversible with rigorous attention to oral hygiene. However, once periodontitis sets in; the disease can only be managed and not cured. Symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen gums that bleed easily, bad breath, receding gums, pus around the gum line, and loose teeth. Symptoms increase in severity as the disease progresses and can even cause teeth to shift out of place, altering the way they fit together and causing extra spacing between teeth.
As plaque and tartar are allowed to build up along the gum line, the gum line will start to recede from the teeth and underlying support structures. If left unchecked, periodontal pockets form around the teeth. Also known as gum pockets, periodontal pockets become deeper the more periodontitis progresses, and bacteria continue to collect in the pockets threatening the underlying support structures of teeth.
In the past, periodontists have performed gum surgery to remove the plaque, tarter, and bacteria from under the gum line and reverse the effects of the disease. Traditional procedures involve the use of a scalpel and stitches. During the procedure, the practitioner pulls back the gum tissue to clean the tartar and bacteria that have collected under the gumline. After cleaning the area, the dentist stitches the gums back into place, so they fit snugly around the teeth.
How LANAP treatment works
In a LANAP procedure, a laser replaces the scalpel and stitches. First, the periodontist uses very thin laser beams to vaporize damaged and infected tissue and clean out tartar, plaque, and bacteria that have collected inside the pocket. Then, the laser is used on a different setting to seal the healthy gum tissue, so it attaches more firmly to the teeth.
Advantages of LANAP
This procedure has many advantages over traditional gum surgery. It involves a great deal less discomfort and bleeding as there is no stitching or scalpel involved. In addition, the laser is precise and able to target damaged or diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact. Recovery time with this procedure is also shorter, and the risk of infection is reduced.
Some patients who undergo this procedure can return to their regular activities within 24 hours. The patient is made comfortable with local anesthesia, and if there is any discomfort afterward, it can typically be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication. In addition, unlike traditional surgery, the patient does not have to stop taking aspirin or blood thinning medication before the procedure.
Not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Some severe cases of periodontitis may still require traditional surgery. A dentist will need to examine your case and make recommendations based on your needs.
It is important to avoid smoking both before and the week after the procedure. Smoking can seriously interfere with healing. After the procedure, patients need to avoid brushing and flossing in the treatment area for 7 to 10 days. In addition, a soft food diet is recommended. Our team will give the patient special instructions for oral hygiene in the week following the procedure. Your specific instructions will vary based on the extent of your treatment.
Those struggling with periodontal disease have options when it comes to treatment. LANAP offers an alternative to surgery for those that need treatment but want to avoid scalpels and stitches. Let us help you get the treatment you need. Call our team if you have questions or would like to make an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://corderoperiodontics.com or call Rafael E. Cordero, DDS PA at (561) 763-9221 for an appointment in our Palm Beach Gardens office.
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