Gum disease is an extremely common condition among people today. Often caused by poor oral hygiene, genetics, smoking, and other lifestyle factors, gum disease presents a significant risk — not only to your oral health, but to your overall wellbeing.
LANAP, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is an available treatment option for gum disease. As an alternative to traditional gum disease, this laser procedure is more efficient, comfortable, and provides superior results.
Understanding Gum Disease
When a person has gum disease, or periodontal disease, the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets. Bacteria and food debris accumulate in these pockets, creating the risk of infection. Also, in patients with gum disease, plaque can start to grow beneath the gum line.
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding of the gums when you brush or floss
- Swelling in the gums
- Red or purple gums
- Bad breath
- Tooth mobility
- Receding gum lines
To find out if you have periodontal disease, visit our office for an exam. We’ll examine your X-rays for indicators of bone loss, and then complete a screening to measure the depth of pockets under the gums.
LANAP for Gum Disease Treatment
In LANAP treatment, laser technology is used to sterilize the infected gum tissue, remove bacteria, and assist the healthy gum tissue in reattaching to the teeth. The laser operates with precision, addressing only the infected gum tissue and leaving the healthy tissue as is. This treatment has been cleared by the FDA as a less painful, more effective treatment option when compared to traditional gum surgery.
The main benefits of LANAP for gum disease treatment include:
- Less pain
- Shorter recovery period
- No removal of healthy gum tissue
- Less gum recession
- No use of scalpel or sutures
- Stimulates the bone around the tooth root
- Continued improvement to the health of the gums
Ready to learn more about LANAP for gum disease treatment? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
