When Would a Periodontist Recommend LANAP Surgery?

A periodontist has extensive training and experience in treating periodontal disease. They specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the gums and other supporting structures of your teeth. A periodontist may recommend a laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) for certain cases of periodontal disease. LANAP surgery has numerous benefits and can restore your gum health, prevent gum recession, and regrow healthy gum tissue.

Understanding LANAP surgery

LANAP surgery is a minimally invasive, laser-based treatment for periodontal disease. It utilizes the precision and power of a specialized dental laser to remove targeted diseased gum tissue. In addition, LANAP surgery promotes the regeneration of healthy gum attachment to the patient's teeth. The accuracy of the laser also avoids damaging surrounding healthy tissue.

LANAP versus osseous surgery

Osseous (gum) surgery is the traditional procedure a periodontist performs to combat gum disease. While this operation is just as effective and efficient, it has more potential drawbacks than LANAP. Osseous surgery sometimes requires that a patient undergoes a bone graft, which extends the patient's recovery time. It also increases the risk of postoperative infections.

Benefits of LANAP surgery

LANAP offers numerous advantages over traditional periodontal surgical techniques. These benefits include:

• Improved gum health: LANAP surgery effectively removes diseased gum tissue, allowing healthy gum tissue to regenerate and reattach to the teeth, improving overall gum health and reducing pocket depths.
• Preservation of teeth and bone: By targeting and removing the source of infection, LANAP surgery can help preserve natural teeth and supporting bone, preventing tooth loss and maintaining the integrity of the jawbone.
• Minimally invasive: Using laser technology in LANAP surgery minimizes discomfort, bleeding, and swelling during and after the procedure, promoting faster healing and reducing the need for postoperative pain medication.
• Faster recovery time: LANAP surgery promotes faster healing than traditional periodontal surgery, allowing patients to return to their daily routines more quickly and with minimal disruption.
• Long-term success: LANAP surgery has shown long-term success in treating periodontal disease, with studies demonstrating favorable results in reducing pocket depths, improving gum health, and preserving teeth over time.

LANAP surgery is an FDA-approved periodontal laser treatment. It is the first and only laser treatment for gum disease, with clinical and laboratory research supporting its results. According to a survey by the Journal of Multidisciplinary Care, 87.9% of periodontists who have performed LANAP surgery for at least seven years indicated that the results of LANAP were on par or more successful than traditional osseous surgery.

When a periodontist would recommend LANAP surgery

Moderate to severe periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, ranges in severity from mild gingivitis to more advanced stages of periodontitis. Periodontists may recommend LANAP surgery if the periodontal disease progresses to medium or severe. This level of gum disease is characterized by:

• Bad breath or taste
• Loose or sensitive teeth
• Teeth misalignment
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Red or swollen gums
• Gum recession
• Bone loss

By targeting and eliminating diseased gum tissue, LANAP can improve gum health and prevent periodontal disease from progressing further. Untreated periodontal disease will only get worse over time, impacting one's oral health, general health, and well-being. People can suffer heart attacks, hypertension, and diabetes-related symptoms and complications.

Unresponsive to non-surgical treatments

In many cases, periodontal disease can be successfully managed through non-surgical treatments such as scaling, root planing (deep cleaning), and antibiotic therapy. However, there are some situations where the disease may not effectively respond to these traditional approaches. A periodontist may consider LANAP surgery a more advanced treatment option if a patient's periodontal condition continues deteriorating despite non-surgical methods.

Patient preference for non-surgical options

LANAP surgery provides an alternative to traditional surgical techniques, making it an option for patients who prefer non-surgical treatments whenever possible. The laser technology used in LANAP surgery offers a less invasive and more comfortable experience than traditional periodontal surgery. It also reduces the need for sutures, resulting in a more efficient and convenient treatment process.

Important note

While LANAP surgery benefits many patients, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind. Not all dental professionals are certified to perform LANAP, which makes finding a periodontist to perform the procedure more difficult. In addition, the treatment can be more expensive since not all insurance policies cover dental laser treatment.

Ready to learn more?

Untreated periodontal disease can also harm your overall health. If you are experiencing symptoms of moderate to severe gum disease, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Call our office to learn more about LANAP and schedule a consultation to see if this innovative surgical method is right for your needs.

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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