LANAP
FDA approved laser periodontal therapy with Periolase
Advanced Gum Disease Treatment
LANAP is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive laser surgery for moderate to severe periodontal disease (gum disease), offering a more comfortable regenerative treatment experience for patients with faster recovery than traditional periodontal surgery. There is no bone grafting with the LANAP protocol, so it is typically much less expensive than traditional bone grafting procedures. No scalpels or sutures are required with LANAP surgery.
Check out this 2017 interview where Dr. Marvil talks about the benefits of laser surgery (LANAP)!
Key Benefits of Periodontal Laser Therapy
Choosing the right therapy can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. Here are the key benefits of treatment with LANAP:
- Faster Healing: LANAP® treatment is minimally invasive and allows the body to recover and heal more quickly.
- Less Discomfort: Patients report less discomfort during and after surgery.
- No Cut, No Sew, No Fear: The LANAP protocol uses laser light energy to eliminate the bacteria that cause gum disease, and allows your mouth recover faster.
- Safe for patients with Health Concerns: The LANAP® protocol is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Plavix or aspirin.
- Little to No Gum Recession: Because the procedure doesn’t require cutting the gums, there is less risk of recession and your smile is maintained.
- Reduction in Gum Inflammation and Bleeding: The Periolase targets inflammatory bacteria without injuring healthy tissue.
- Saves Teeth: Patients can keep their natural teeth, sometimes even when the teeth have been deemed ‘hopeless’ with traditional treatments. Keeping your natural teeth has been linked to a longer lifespan!
- Minimal Recovery Time: Most patients immediately return to their daily routine.
The Evaluation Stage
What to Expect During Consultation
When you visit our office for a laser periodontal therapy consultation, our skilled periodontist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your gums and teeth. We’ll assess the extent of your gum disease, measure pocket depths, and may take digital x-rays with our 3D Cone Beam CT Scanner to evaluate bone levels. This thorough evaluation allows us to determine if laser periodontal therapy is the most appropriate treatment for your specific case.
During this appointment, we’ll explain the laser periodontal therapy procedure in detail, discussing its benefits and how it compares to traditional gum disease treatments. We encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns you may have about your oral health or the proposed treatment. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized care plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve optimal gum health.
Who is a candidate for Laser Treatment?
There are many lasers used in dentistry today, so, no matter what your needs are, there is often a laser to address them. We have several lasers in our office, all for different purposes. We use them for gum recontouring, biopsies, gum grafting procedures, and, of course, to treat periodontal disease.
Patients with moderate-to-severe gum disease can especially benefit from the LANAP protocol. The LANAP protocol is also an excellent treatment option for patients who are fearful of conventional scalpel surgery and patients taking certain medications, such as blood thinners. With the LANAP protocol, patients do not have to stop taking any medications.
The Treatment Process
What to Expect During the Procedure
Laser periodontal therapy is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort, although many patients find they require less anesthesia than with traditional gum surgery. Our periodontist will use a specialized dental laser to target and remove infected gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue. The laser’s precision allows us to effectively clean deep periodontal pockets, eliminating bacteria and toxins that contribute to gum disease.
As the laser works, it also seals blood vessels and nerve endings, which significantly reduces bleeding and post-operative discomfort. The entire procedure usually takes less time than traditional gum surgery, with most treatments completed in one or two visits depending on the extent of your gum disease. Throughout the procedure, our team will ensure you’re comfortable and informed about each step we’re taking to improve your gum health.
Can the LANAP Protocol help if I have problems with my Dental Implants?
Yes! Using the Periolase, we can often save ailing or failing implants in a similar manner to the protocol used for teeth. We use the same laser, but different settings and light exposure that will help stabilize your implant by destroying periodontal pathogens and endotoxins.
Before and After Example
Recovery and Aftercare
What to Expect for Recovery from the Procedure
Recovery from laser periodontal therapy is typically much faster and more comfortable than traditional gum surgery. Most patients experience minimal swelling and discomfort following the procedure, which can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.
In the days following your treatment, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene while being gentle around the treated areas. We may recommend using an antimicrobial mouth rinse to support healing and prevent infection. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two after the procedure, although we advise avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period to promote healing.
You’ll likely notice improvements in your gum health within a few weeks of the procedure, with continued healing and regeneration occurring over the following months. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure your gums are healing properly. Many patients experience significant reduction in pocket depths and improvement in gum attachment within 3-6 months after laser periodontal therapy.
It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene practices and attend regular periodontal maintenance appointments to sustain the results of your laser therapy. With proper care, the benefits of this advanced treatment can last for years, helping you maintain healthier gums and a more confident smile.
Treatment Videos
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