Laser Gum Surgery (LANAP)
Soft tissue lasers are used in periodontal treatments such as LANAP and gum contouring. Lasers provide a less invasive alternative to scalpels and sutures. Moreover, laser therapy is effective at killing pathogens in the gums and removing diseased tissue making it an ideal technology for treating the effects of periodontal disease.
Fairlawn Periodontics utilizes the latest technology to improve the comfort and health of our patients. Soft tissue lasers are FDA-approved for a few different treatment protocols including periodontal therapy and surgery.
How LANAP Works
LANAP is a type of periodontal therapy that uses soft tissue lasers. An acronym for “Laser Assisted New Attachment Protocol”, LANAP is an effective treatment option for moderate to advanced cases of gum disease. Laser assisted periodontal therapy removes and cleans tissue with minimal trauma to the gingiva when compared to other surgical periodontal treatments.
The handheld soft tissue laser has tiny fibers on its end. These fibers are used to access the innermost area of gum tissue. As the fibers are inserted between the gums and tooth, they vaporize necrotized tissue and pathogens. Instruments like ultrasonic scalers and planers are then used to remove tartar accumulation below the gum line, near the roots of teeth. Removing tartar and smoothing the roots of teeth will help prevent the attachment of new root surface debris in the future.
As the laser finishes cleaning the pocket, it aids in sealing it closed. This eliminates the need for invasive cutting and suturing. Most patients enjoy less invasive treatments and faster recovery times with laser therapy.
Benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy
The light emitted by soft tissue lasers can perform a number of essential tasks when it comes to treating gum disease. Soft tissue lasers work on a wavelength that effectively kills harmful bacteria and diseased tissue without negatively affecting healthy tissue. Once the treatment area is clean, the laser’s wavelengths will react with hemoglobin to form a fibrin clot. The tissue’s response to the laser by clotting eliminates the need for stitches.
LANAP also promotes the regeneration of the gingiva and its reattachment to newly-cleaned surfaces. The fibrin clot is useful for this process as it forms right at the gum line where periodontal pockets deepen and widen as a response to tartar accumulation.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, consider asking our team about laser therapy. Fairlawn Periodontics is accepting new patients. Call us today to reserve an appointment.
What are the benefits of LANAP?
Laser-assisted New Attachment Protocol (LANAP) is a type of treatment for periodontal disease. Utilizing soft tissue lasers, LANAP reduces invasiveness and recovery times when compared to procedures like gum flap surgery. It also eliminates the need for sutures and scalpels.
LANAP promotes the attachment and regeneration of gingival tissue to the roots of teeth. Receiving LANAP minimizes the effects of gum recession while also addressing the issues associated with infected gingiva. The concentration of light emitted by the LANAP laser effectively kills bacteria and pathogens. It will also remove dead and diseased tissue without harming healthy gums.
What is laser periodontal therapy?
Laser periodontal therapy is a treatment option for gum disease. Soft tissue lasers such as those used in procedures like LANAP clean away infected tissue, vaporize pathogens, and seal tissue with naturally-forming blood clots instead of sutures.
Treatments like LANAP are considered less invasive than their surgical counterparts. This is because lasers can access tissue without cutting into it. Laser periodontal therapy gives patients an alternative to treatments that require the use of scalpels and stitches. As the laser’s fibers clean infected tissue, other instruments like scalers are used to remove tartar accumulation along the roots of teeth so that the gingiva can reattach to it.
Laser periodontal therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments as part of a comprehensive periodontal maintenance program.
What are the side effects of laser gum treatment?
As with any periodontal procedure, patients might feel some soreness after their treatments. This soreness is normally mild and subsides within a few days. If necessary, over the counter analgesics like Ibuprofen can be used to improve discomfort.
Since the gingiva has been treated, there will be some post-operative inflammation. A soft diet following treatment will be prescribed to help promote a speedy and comfortable recovery.
Beyond mild inflammation, there are not many negative side effects of treatment. Once healed, patients enjoy improved periodontal health.
Is laser gum treatment painful?
While any type of periodontal procedure requires some recovery, laser gum treatment is considered one of the least invasive options a patient has. As with any treatments that affect sensitive tissue, there will be some discomfort after laser periodontal therapy but it subsides within a few days. Fortunately, patients will not have to deal with sutures after treatment since lasers aid in sealing the tissue closed.
Our mission is to treat periodontal disease and other oral health conditions as conservatively as possible. Your comfort is a priority. We strive to reduce discomfort and invasiveness whenever possible.
