Around 80 percent of American adults suffer from some level of gum illness, making it one of the most common diseases in the USA. However, only 60 percent know that they have it. And worse still, only 3 percent of adults with mild to severe levels of gum illness can receive treatment – largely because of dental anxiety. If left untreated, gum illness may lead to receding gums, loss of enamel, and lastly, tooth failure.
The best way to treat gum disease is by using a laser to provide laser gum surgery. Laser treatments are available for both oral and maxillofacial purposes, but there are many other options available. Laser therapy is used to remove plaque buildup and debris from the teeth, which then helps to prevent gum disease. It also helps to reduce the risk of gum disease in people who have had a history of gum disease or gingivitis. This type of gum surgery has been proven to be effective in treating gum disease. However, it is not always easy to use laser treatment because of its high cost and time-consuming nature. There are several types of laser treatment available in the market today. One of the newer laser gum treatments is called the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or LANAP, laser gum surgery.
The FDA cleared the LANAP procedure which provides a less unpleasant, more successful treatment option to traditional operation. The LANAP procedure is a minimally invasive gum disease management that uses the particular laser, the PerioLase® MVP-7™. This LANAP procedure has been in general use by the dental community. It is used for treating periodontal diseases such as gingivitis, and periodontitis.
How useful is the LANAP procedure?
Some of these answers are really in the name of this process, LANAP. It stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, and that “new attachment ” is related to the way that laser treatment promotes the connection of good gum tissue to the bone in your jaw and mouth. This is very valuable in the treatment of periodontal, or gum disease, because the advancement of gum disease means parts of the gums become infected, damaging the normal attachments and loosening your teeth.
During the LANAP procedure, your dentist will place the laser fiber between your teeth and your gums, or in the periodontal pocket. The diseased tissues within that pocket connected to the gums is removed. As the bacteria are killed off, they will be replaced with healthy tissue. Next, the tooth roots are cleaned to remove any remaining plaque. Then, the LANAP laser is used to seal the pocket around your tooth, which allows your body to heal the area naturally. In this way, the LANAP procedure promotes the regeneration of the gum tissue within the area, whereas other gum laser surgeries kill off the surrounding tissue.
But, what makes this procedure different from other methods?
The main difference between the LANAP procedure and other gum surgery is that the procedure is non-invasive. Instead, the LANAP procedure uses no scalpel nor any sutures. Some other differences between the LANAP procedure and other gum surgeries include:
- No destruction of the healthy gum tissue
- Regenerates bone, soft tissue, and tooth roots
- Safe for patients taking other medications
- Faster healing times and recovery periods
With gum disease being such a prevalent disease yet far too many Americans not having access to the proper dental care, it is important that the patient has an alternative treatment option. This is where the LANAP laser gum surgery comes into play. Rather than being a scary, invasive dental procedure, the LANAP lasers are designed to be as effective and non-invasive as possible. The procedure usually takes two visits which last about two hours each. Most patients are allowed and capable to return to work that same day!
If you are looking for a different option for gum disease treatment, then look no further than the LANAP procedure done at Guillot Family Dentistry. Their team of dental professionals is dedicated to providing the best oral health care for their patients, and they will gladly discuss your options with you.
Recent Comments