LANAP Is an Alternative to Conventional Surgery for Gum Disease

LANAP® is a non-invasive, less painful alternative to traditional gum surgery. In the United States, advanced gum disease, often known as periodontitis, is the most common cause of tooth loss, and it often requires gum surgery to treat once it is advanced. This intrusive operation is often uncomfortable and requires a lengthy recovery period. Continue reading to learn more about LANAP laser gum surgery and discover whether you are a candidate for this procedure.

An overview of LANAP

LANAP stands for laser-assisted new attachment procedure, in contrast to the conventional cut-and-stitch process. The FDA accepted its application in 2004, but it was developed by researchers Gregg and McCarthy in the 1990s.

LANAP surgery aims to regenerate the connective tissue surrounding the teeth's roots. Periodontal disease causes the gums to recede from the teeth due to the accumulation of harmful bacteria, tartar buildup, and inflammation. This might make the person more susceptible to dental decay and possible tooth loss.

The LANAP laser eliminates harmful bacteria while allowing helpful bacteria to thrive, supporting new bone formation and aiding the natural equilibrium of the mouth. Therefore, the gums will start to heal and reattach to the tooth, ensuring proper stability and improving the smile's appearance.

How LANAP works

When patients visit the dental office for LANAP, the periodontist will administer local anesthesia beforehand to prevent pain throughout the operation. The laser attachment will then be fed through the gums and the roots of the teeth via a small fiber-optic line. The laser employs UV radiation to eliminate harmful tissue and germs within the tooth pocket, while leaving the rest of the mouth unharmed.

The dental professional will remove tartar accumulation and do a second laser pass in some cases. Sutures or surgical glue will not be required to seal the wound. It normally takes three sessions to complete the procedure, each lasting a couple of hours. The first appointment is for a consultation to see whether a patient is eligible for treatment. The following two sessions will focus on each half of the mouth.

Patients will return for regular examinations to ensure that their gums remain in excellent health while the bone and gum tissues recover from the inside out. For the first two weeks, patients will have to stick to a liquid and soft food diet, but they can resume regular meals afterward. Most people find that over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, relieve any discomfort following the operation.

The benefits of LANAP over traditional gum surgery

Scalpels, incisions, stitches, or physical scraping of diseased tissue are not used in laser gum therapy. It is less intrusive than those methods, and many people who cannot undergo flap and osseous surgery may benefit from it. Patients describe LANAP's many advantages over standard treatments, including less pain, less swelling, faster recovery, less bleeding, better aesthetic appeal, and minimal sensitivity.

In conclusion

You do not have to settle for the standard treatment method if you have advanced gum disease. Consult the periodontist to check whether you are eligible for LANAP.

Request an appointment here: https://corderoperiodontics.com or call Rafael E. Cordero, DDS PA at (561) 437-3707 for an appointment in our Palm Beach Gardens office.

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