Gum disease is a common concern for many adults, affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth and potentially leading to serious health issues if left untreated. Traditional treatments for gum disease often involve invasive procedures that can be uncomfortable and require a lengthy recovery time.
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) offers a modern, minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. This advanced laser technology treats gum disease effectively while promoting natural healing and reducing discomfort. LANAP is designed to help maintain gum health with less pain, faster recovery, and improved overall results.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have been advised that gum surgery is necessary, LANAP may be the right option for you. Our experienced team provides personalized care using state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best outcomes for your oral health.
What Is Gum Disease?
More than half of adults in the United States suffer from gum disease, an infection that affects the tissues below the gum line. This condition is associated with various serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and premature birth. Despite these risks, only a minority of affected adults receive the necessary treatment. Common symptoms include bleeding gums, shifting or loose teeth, gum recession, and bad breath. Some people have just a few or no symptoms at all!
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support and surround the teeth. It begins with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth.
If not managed properly, gum disease can progress and cause significant damage. Here’s a closer look at the stages and symptoms of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the initial, mild form of gum disease. It is characterized by gum redness, swelling, and bleeding, especially when brushing or flossing. With proper oral hygiene and professional treatment, gingivitis can often be reversed before it advances.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This more severe form of gum disease involves deeper pockets forming between the gums and teeth, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and tooth mobility.
Gum Disease Risk Factors
Gum disease can be caused by several factors, including:
- Plaque Accumulation: Inadequate brushing and flossing lead to plaque buildup.
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of gum disease.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes can affect gum health.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and autoimmune diseases can exacerbate gum disease.
- Genetics: Family history can influence susceptibility.
Without intervention, periodontitis can result in tooth loss and other serious health complications. Treatments and surgeries such as Osseous and LANAP might be recommended by your dentist.
Traditional Gum Surgery: Osseous Surgery
When gum disease progresses, dentists often recommend osseous surgery. This procedure involves incisions around the teeth, cleaning the infected area, reshaping the supporting bone around the teeth, and painful stitches. Traditional methods for treating gum disease also often involve surgical procedures such as cutting the gum tissue or even removing bone and tissue.
A Better Alternative to Osseous Surgery: LANAP
At Lake Forest Smiles, we offer an FDA-approved, cutting-edge treatment called LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). The LANAP protocol is a minimally invasive, regenerative gum disease treatment that can actually reverse the harmful effects of gum disease and preserve your gums and the bone supporting your teeth. The treatment uses a dental laser, the PerioLase, specifically designed to target and kill bacteria and remove inflamed tissue, without at all affecting surrounding tissues. The laser is just light energy, and it’s hardly noticeable when used under the gum line.
LANAP: A Revolutionary Treatment for Gum Disease
When patients are experiencing the negative side effects of gum disease, LANAP is a great solution to help combat those side effects and help treat gum disease. Here is what patients can expect during this revolutionary treatment:
Initial Assessment
A thorough examination of your gum health, including X-rays, is conducted to determine the severity of gum disease. Based on the assessment, a personalized LANAP treatment plan is developed.
What to Expect
- During the Procedure: You’ll be awake but comfortable due to local anesthesia. The procedure is generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort.
- After the Procedure: Mild discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You’ll receive detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing.
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the success of the treatment.
The LANAP Procedure
Local anesthesia is administered to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The LANAP laser targets and removes diseased gum tissue with precision. The laser’s gentle energy cleans the gum pockets and eliminates bacteria, promoting healthier tissue. The laser stimulates the natural healing process, encouraging the reattachment of gum tissue to the teeth and stimulating bone regeneration.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We utilize the latest LANAP lasers and equipment to ensure precise and effective treatment. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to perform the procedure with minimal discomfort and optimal results.
Our dental office is equipped with cutting-edge technology and a comfortable environment to make your experience as smooth and pleasant as possible.
Why Choose LANAP?
LANAP offers a modern solution to managing and treating gum disease, focusing on comfort, precision, and effective results. If you’re dealing with gum disease or are concerned about your gum health, LANAP could be an ideal treatment option. Unlike osseous surgery, LANAP is nearly painless and is a regenerative procedure. Here’s why:
Preserves Healthy Tissue
Unlike traditional gum surgery, which involves cutting and sewing, LANAP is minimally invasive. It targets infected areas without harming healthy gum tissue.
Minimal Discomfort
LANAP is less painful than traditional gum surgery because it doesn’t involve cutting or sutures. LANAP promotes more comfortable and faster healing compared to conventional gum surgeries.
Reduce Fear or Anxiety
LANAP doesn’t use a scalpel or sutures, resulting in a much more comfortable experience. We also offer oral sedation for patients who experience dental anxiety and want a more relaxing experience.
Treat the Symptoms
The PerioLase laser specifically targets inflammatory bacteria while preserving healthy tissue to reduce gum inflammation and bleeding.
Teeth Preservation
Patients can often retain their natural teeth with LANAP, even in cases where traditional treatments have deemed them irreparable.
The Safer Option
The LANAP protocol is safe for individuals dealing with health conditions such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications like Plavix or aspirin.
Faster Healing
With LANAP, there’s virtually no downtime. Most patients resume their normal daily activities the next day.
Treatment Time
In many cases, the entire mouth can be treated in one visit using LANAP. Generally, the procedure can take between 1 to 3 hours.
Successful Outcomes
Approximately 98% of LANAP treated patients remain stable after 5 years.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LANAP?
LANAP is suitable for many patients with gum disease, especially those who have not responded well to traditional treatments or prefer a minimally invasive option. Our dentist will evaluate your specific condition and determine if LANAP is the right treatment for you.
Why Choose Us for Your LANAP Treatment
At Lake Forest Dentistry, we understand that selecting the right dental office for your LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) treatment is a crucial decision. We are committed to providing exceptional care and ensuring the best outcomes for your gum health.
We provide expertise, experience, state-of-the-art technology, personalized care, patient centered comfort, and much more! Combat your gum disease by getting your LANAP treatment with us!
Frequently Asked Questions about LANAP
If you are considering LANAP or scheduled for the procedure, it is common to have questions about new dental treatments. Here are some frequently asked questions about LANAP dental treatment:
Do I get root scaling and planing with LANAP?
Our office will start with LANAP treatment first, and if necessary, utilize root scaling and planing as an alternative or assistant procedure if more treatment is necessary. LANAP is suitable for moderate to severe cases, with shortened recovery time, which is why it is our first choice.
Is LANAP painful?
Most patients find LANAP to be relatively painless due to the use of local anesthesia. You may experience some discomfort or mild soreness after the procedure, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
What can I expect during recovery?
After the LANAP procedure, many patients will find that they have some mild discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated areas. The discomfort will subside within a few days. After your procedure, our dentist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your gums, including recommendations for diet, oral hygiene and any prescribed medications.
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.
How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most patients can resume their normal activities the day after the LANAP procedure. It’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities for a few days and follow your dentist’s specific recommendations for post-operative care.
Are there any special care instructions after LANAP?
Yes, our dentists will provide specific instructions, which may include:
- Dietary Recommendations: Eating soft foods and avoiding spicy or hard foods for a few days.
- Oral Hygiene: Using a gentle toothbrush and avoiding flossing until your dentist gives the green light.
- Medications: Taking any prescribed medications as directed.
How effective is LANAP in treating gum disease?
LANAP has been shown to be highly effective in treating gum disease. Many patients experience significant improvement in gum health, reduced pocket depths, and enhanced reattachment of gum tissue. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and attending follow-up visits are crucial for the long-term success of the treatment.
Is LANAP covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for LANAP can vary depending on your dental plan. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the procedure, while others may not. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider.
How can I learn more about LANAP?
To learn more about LANAP or to determine if it’s the right treatment for you, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to answer any questions and help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
Are You at Risk? Call Lake Forest Dentistry for Treatment Today!
Gum disease affects half of U.S. adults. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, teeth grinding/clenching, genetics, and poor oral hygiene. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our Lake Forest Smiles dentists right away.
Don’t let gum disease compromise your oral health. Contact us today to learn more about LANAP and how it can give you a healthy mouth without painful surgery. We’re here to help you smile confidently!