Like most aspects of dentistry, treatment for gum disease has made great advances recently. It was not that long ago that dentists and periodontists used scalpels and sutures to treat gum disease. This technique was less effective than modern methods and left tooth roots exposed, making them become sensitive.
Technological innovations now allow patients to be treated using lasers, significantly minimizing treatment time and saving healthy gum and bone tissue. LANAP and LAPIP are available to treat your gum disease so that you achieve better outcomes than ever before.
How LANAP Works
Both LANAP and LAPIP are laser treatments for periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. Most adults in the United States are affected by gum disease. Left untreated, the condition can lead to the destruction of gum and bones, as well as eventual tooth loss.
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a technology involving the use of a laser for the removal of bacteria and damaged tissue near the teeth and gums. After your dentist has removed all damaged tissue and bone, they will be eliminating any tartar remaining on your teeth.
Next, your dentist dentist will once again use the laser for the creation of a new healthy tissue region. Your body will then seal this new layer off naturally, making room for the growth of new, healthy tissue that is free from bacteria and disease.
What is LAPIP?
LAPIP (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Protocol) is basically the same procedure and technology used in LANAP, except that it is used for the treatment of gum disease for those with dental implants. To work next to a dental implant, your dentist will make special considerations, but the entire process is very similar to LANAP.
Advantages of Laser Gum Surgery
There are quite a few advantages of choosing LANAP and LAPIP over traditional gum surgery, including:
Reduced pain and discomfort: The incredible precision afforded by the tiny laser device used with LANAP and LAPIP allows your dentist to more accurately target damaged tissues, sparing healthy tissue in the area.
Quicker recovery time: The precise nature of the procedure means that less healthy tissue is affected, leading to a faster healing and recovery time. Also, laser treatments destroy all bacteria; as a result, you will experience less post-procedure swelling and inflammation.
Little to no gum loss: Conventional gum disease treatment techniques require the removal of some gum tissue, resulting in some gum recession. With lasers, no incisions are necessary, resulting in minimal damage to healthy gum tissue. As a result, the sensitive roots of your teeth are more protected.
Fewer appointments: Generally, LANAP and LAPIP treatments require significantly less time than conventional gum surgery. These laser procedures can normally be completed in only one or two appointments lasting two or three hours each. In contrast, traditional gum surgery often takes twice as long and requires twice as many appointments.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are suffering from gum disease, please contact our office today to schedule your LANAP or LAPIP treatment consultation.
