LANAP Therapy
Advanced Gum Treatment with LANAP ( Laser Assisted Regeneration)
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an advanced gum treatment that uses a specialized laser called the PerioLase MVP-7. This innovative laser targets and removes diseased gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue, promoting natural healing and regeneration of lost bone and gum tissue.
How LANAP Works
LANAP therapy focuses on triggering the body’s natural healing response. The laser stimulates new collagen and tissue fibers to reattach at areas where gum recession has occurred. Over a few months, this therapy facilitates the potential re-growth of tissue damaged by periodontal disease, offering a reconstructive capacity that sets it apart from conventional surgical procedures.
Differences Between LANAP and Traditional Gum Surgery
LANAP is a minimally invasive laser treatment that removes diseased gum tissue without the need for cutting or stitching. Traditional gum surgery, on the other hand, is more invasive, requiring cutting into the gum tissue to expose roots, leading to more post-operative discomfort and a longer recovery period.
Unlike traditional methods, LANAP stimulates the natural regeneration of gum tissue, leading to less recession, swelling, and typically faster healing. The laser’s ability to trigger the body’s healing response results in regrowth of lost bone and attachments, enhancing overall treatment outcomes.
Is LANAP Painful?
LANAP prioritizes patient comfort, emitting a mild, warm sensation that most patients find soothing. The laser seals nerve endings during treatment, reducing temporary discomfort. Administered under local anesthesia, LANAP maximizes comfort, with patients typically noting only minor pressure or vibration, which subsides quickly after treatment.
The non-invasive nature of LANAP means there’s no trauma to the gum tissue, resulting in little to no pain afterward and allowing patients to resume normal activities faster.
Who is a Candidate for LANAP?
LANAP laser therapy is suitable for patients in the early to middle stages of gum disease, including those with pockets up to 6mm deep, swollen and bleeding gums, and loosening teeth. It can also treat more advanced recession in non-surgical cases.
Patients with ongoing disease despite deep cleanings are ideal candidates, as are those looking to avoid invasive surgery. The laser regenerates gum tissue and bone loss in moderate periodontal cases. However, individuals with extreme damage beyond 6mm may require more aggressive surgical grafting. A comprehensive exam will determine the appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of the gum disease.
Expected Results from LANAP
LANAP significantly improves dental health by reducing bleeding, swelling, and gum pocket depths, eliminating infection, and triggering the body’s natural healing abilities. This treatment is a crucial step toward regrowing tissue and bone lost to periodontal disease. Many patients report improved chewing ability, enhanced comfort around teeth, reduced pocket depths, easier home care, and dental visits, as well as diminished bad breath and decreased tooth sensitivity.
While not an outright cure, LANAP offers the potential for remarkable gum tissue and bone regrowth, leading to lasting enhancements in oral health, especially when paired with diligent continued care. This regenerative capacity dramatically increases tooth lifespan.
Post-Treatment Expectations
After LANAP treatment, patients can expect mild post-op sensitivity and soreness around the treatment sites, typically lasting only a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage any temporary discomfort. Following post-care guidelines, including avoiding hard foods and not flossing the treated areas, is crucial for optimal healing and reducing the risk of complications. Scheduled follow-ups allow for monitoring the healing process and ensuring greatly improved gum health over time.
Treating Advanced Gum Disease with LANAP
LANAP laser therapy effectively treats severe cases of gum disease, penetrating deep below the gum line to regenerate bone loss up to 6mm deep and trigger new attachment growth. For cases with extreme bone loss, alternative treatments such as bone or soft tissue grafts may be necessary to rebuild a solid foundation, with LANAP enhancing these procedures further by stimulating new tissue and blood vessel growth.
Schedule Your LANAP Treatment Today
If you’re dealing with receding, inflamed, or infected gums, LANAP may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Our specialized periodontist, Dr. Choi, provides tailored treatment plans to restore healthy gums, prioritizing patient education, comfort, and results.
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment today to find out if you are a candidate for LANAP treatment and take the first step towards better gum health.
