LANAP® (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) is a patented laser gum treatment that involves the use of the Periolase system to treat periodontal disease. LANAP therapy with the Periolase laser system has the FDA’s approval for gum disease treatment.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. It begins as plaque — an opaque, sticky film that forms on the teeth and gums and eventually hardens to form calculus (tartar). As calculus builds up, it harbors harmful bacteria that attack the soft tissue around the gums. This is the first stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. When left untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontitis, a more advanced form of periodontal disease. In this stage, the bacteria will destroy the gums as well as the supporting bone structure of the teeth. Gum pockets will form where the teeth are separated from the surrounding bone and gums. If periodontitis is left untreated, it can result in tooth loss and has been linked to many serious health disorders, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
The following are common signs of periodontal disease:
- Bleeding while flossing or brushing
- Receding gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Gum tissue missing between your teeth
- Swollen, red and/or painful gums
- Shifting or loose teeth
What are the benefits to having the therapy performed?
- LESS DISCOMFORT — There is much less discomfort and pain for you with LANAP therapy than with standard surgery, both during and after the procedure.
- LESS TIME — LANAP is less invasive, with no cutting or sutures; therefore, it takes much less time than traditional surgery. After a couple of two-hour visits to Sonshine Family Dental and a few follow up visits, the LANAP therapy is complete! Traditional periodontal surgery requires four sessions of about one hour each, with additional visits for removal of sutures and additional check-ups.
- FEWER TROUBLES DOWN THE ROAD — LANAP therapy does not involve a major loss of gum tissue, but traditional surgery almost always does. The loss of this gum tissue can lead to more sensitive teeth since the tooth roots are exposed. Also, if the treatment needs to be repeated for any reason in the future, no bone and gums were removed during the first LANAP treatment.
- SHORT RECOVERY — Many LANAP patients find that they feel fully recovered in less than 24 hours, so you will not have to worry about taking additional time off of work. Our dentists will recommend a soft diet for several days following the treatment, but in most cases, patients feel better almost immediately after the procedure. Following traditional periodontal surgery, recovery can take between to two to four weeks, during which considerable pain and swelling is not uncommon.
- SAFE AND EFFECTIVE — LANAP is safe, even for those who have HIV, hemophilia or diabetes, or for individuals taking medications such as cyclosporine or Coumadin. LANAP has achieved the first ever FDA clearance for “true regeneration” periodontal regeneration, which is true regeneration of the attachment apparatus (new cementum, new periodontal ligament and new alveolar bone) on previously diseased root surfaces when used specifically in the LANAP protocol.
What are the steps involved in the LANAP procedure?
- The perio probe will indicate excessive pocket depth.
- The laser light eliminates diseased tissue and bacteria.
- Hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler are used to remove calculus (tartar) from the tooth roots.
- The laser will finish sterilizing and cleaning the pocket. It will also aid in sealing the pocket so that no new germs can enter.
- The connective gum tissue is reattached to the clean root surface with a gingival crest and stable fibrin clot to create a “closed” system.
- The bite trauma is adjusted.
- A new attachment is regenerated and, as healing occurs, new bone and ligament is formed.
For more information about the benefits of LANAP therapy in Avon, Indiana, and to schedule your appointment with our dentists, Dr. Steven Driggers and Dr. Samuel Driggers, please contact Sonshine Family Dental today at 317-271-1330.