Understanding LANAP Laser Treatment for Gum Disease

Gum disease, if left untreated, can cause severe discomfort, tooth loss, and have an overall detrimental effect on both oral and general health. The traditional method for treating gum disease often involves invasive surgical procedures that can cause significant discomfort and lengthy recovery times.

In response to this challenge, dental professionals have turned to advanced laser technology to provide a minimally invasive and highly effective solution for treating gum disease—the LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) protocol.

The LANAP laser treatment represents a breakthrough in periodontal care, using innovative PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental lasers to precisely and effectively remove infected gum tissue without causing undue harm to healthy nearby tissues.

As a result, patients experience less pain, bleeding, and inflammation, as well as quicker healing and recovery times compared to traditional surgical procedures. Additionally, LANAP laser treatment has been shown to stimulate bone regeneration around teeth, contributing to improved oral health and a lasting restoration of your smile.

By understanding the LANAP laser treatment's revolutionary approach to treating gum disease, you'll be better prepared to make informed decisions about your oral health and enjoy the lasting results of a beautiful, healthy smile.

The Benefits of LANAP Laser Treatment for Gum Disease: A Minimally Invasive and Effective Option

The LANAP Laser Treatment Process

The LANAP laser treatment protocol offers a more comfortable and efficient means of addressing gum disease, with the following steps typically involved in the procedure:

1. Assessment and treatment planning: During the initial consultation, your periodontist will assess your oral health and determine if LANAP laser treatment is the most suitable option for your specific case. If you are an ideal candidate, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to address your gum disease.
2. Laser gum pocket reduction: Utilizing the PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser, your periodontist will carefully remove the infected gum tissue within the periodontal pocket, leaving healthy tissue untouched. This minimizes collateral damage and encourages regrowth of healthy gum tissue.
3. Ultrasonic scaling and root planing: Following laser treatment, ultrasonic scaling instruments remove bacterial deposits and smooth the tooth root surface, promoting the reattachment of the gums to the tooth and reducing inflammation.
4. Laser cleaning and clot formation: The dental laser is used once more to sterilize the treated pocket and create a stable blood clot, providing a natural protective barrier for the healing process.
5. Bite adjustment: In some cases, your periodontist may recommend a bite adjustment to optimize your bite and reduce pressure on treated areas, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of further gum recession.
6. Post-treatment care and monitoring: Following your LANAP laser treatment, your periodontist will provide detailed instructions for at-home care and schedule routine follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure optimal long-term results.

Advantages of LANAP Laser Treatment over Traditional Surgery

The LANAP laser treatment offers several benefits in comparison to traditional gum surgery methods, making it an attractive option for patients seeking periodontal care:

1. Minimally invasive approach: The precision of the PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser enables targeted removal of infected gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue, resulting in a less invasive procedure with reduced trauma to the treated area.
2. Reduced pain and discomfort: Patients typically experience less pain, swelling, and discomfort following LANAP laser treatment compared to traditional surgical methods.
3. Faster healing and recovery: The targeted nature of the LANAP laser treatment encourages faster healing, with many patients able to return to their daily activities shortly after the procedure.
4. Stimulated bone regeneration: LANAP laser treatments have been shown to stimulate bone regeneration around teeth, contributing to improved oral health and increased stability for teeth affected by gum disease.
5. Reduced risk of complications: The reduced invasiveness, precision, and sterilizing effects of the dental laser contribute to a lower risk of post-operative complications and infections.

The Importance of Choosing a Skilled Periodontist for LANAP Laser Treatment

The LANAP laser treatment's success largely depends on the skill and experience of the treating periodontist. When selecting a dental professional to perform this advanced procedure, consider the following factors:

1. Training and certification: Ensure the periodontist is a LANAP-trained and certified clinician who has undergone comprehensive education and hands-on training in the LANAP laser treatment protocol.
2. Experience with the procedure: Look for a periodontist who has successfully performed numerous LANAP laser treatments and has a thorough understanding of the process and its nuances.
3. Patient testimonials and reviews: Research reviews and testimonials from patients who have undergone LANAP laser treatment with the periodontist to gauge their satisfaction with their experience and results.

LANAP: The Future of Gum Disease Treatment

The LANAP laser treatment offers a revolutionary and effective alternative for treating gum disease and restoring periodontal health. By understanding the minimally invasive process, the advantages of LANAP laser treatment compared to traditional surgery, and the importance of choosing a skilled periodontist, you can make an informed decision about your oral health.

At Fort Collins Periodontics and Dental Implants, Dr. Livingston is committed to offering the most advanced periodontal care, including LANAP laser treatment. When experiencing symptoms of gum disease, do not hesitate to contact our team to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment options. With our periodontists in Colorado, we can restore your periodontal health and maintain a radiant, healthy smile for life.