Are you curious about the lanap procedure and how it tackles gum disease? The LANAP procedure is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment designed to combat periodontal disease using a laser to regenerate lost tissues and bones. Here’s what makes LANAP stand out:
- Minimally Invasive: No cutting or stitching required
- Faster Recovery: Typically, patients resume normal activities after just 24 hours
- Less Pain: Reduced post-operative discomfort compared to traditional surgery
- Promotes Natural Healing: Stimulates the body’s own ability to regenerate tissues without foreign materials
Gum disease is more common than many realize, affecting nearly 64.7% of Americans. Often starting as gingivitis, if untreated, it can progress into more severe conditions. The LANAP procedure offers a breakthrough solution by precisely targeting infected areas with laser technology, offering a safer and quicker recovery process. It’s no surprise that many opt for LANAP over conventional surgeries.
I am Dr. Parisa Sepehri, your guide to understanding this innovative treatment. With over 30 years of dental experience, I bring insights from handling numerous cases involving the lanap procedure. Let’s dig deeper into how this technique can transform dental care.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common dental issue. It begins with gingivitis, the earliest stage, where gums become inflamed due to plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which brushing can’t remove.
Causes of Gum Disease:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: The most common cause. Skipping brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up.
- Hormonal Changes: Such as those during pregnancy, can make gums more sensitive.
- Smoking: A major risk factor that reduces gum tissue’s ability to heal.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to gum disease due to their genetic makeup.
- Medications: Certain drugs can reduce saliva flow, leading to gum issues.
From Gingivitis to Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, it can escalate to periodontitis. This severe form of gum disease affects not just the gums but also the bones that support your teeth. The infection causes pockets to form between the teeth and gums, which can deepen over time.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Bleeding Gums: Especially when brushing or flossing.
- Swollen or Tender Gums: A sign of inflammation.
- Receding Gums: Gums that pull away from the teeth, making them appear longer.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Caused by bacteria buildup.
- Loose Teeth: A serious sign indicating bone loss.
Understanding these symptoms and causes helps in recognizing gum disease early. Early detection is crucial because while gingivitis can be reversed with good oral care, periodontitis requires professional treatment.
At PS Dental, we prioritize early detection and effective treatment strategies to combat gum disease. With innovative procedures like LANAP, we aim to restore your oral health with minimal discomfort and downtime. Let’s explore how LANAP compares to traditional gum surgery in the next section.
LANAP Procedure: A Revolutionary Approach
The LANAP procedure is changing the game in treating gum disease. Unlike traditional methods, this approach uses a laser to target and treat the disease without cutting into the gums. This means less pain and a quicker recovery for patients.
How LANAP Works
At the heart of the LANAP procedure is the PerioLase MVP-7, an advanced dental laser. This tool is FDA-cleared and is designed to achieve “true regeneration” of the tissues and bones affected by gum disease.
Here’s how it works:
- Laser Fiber: A tiny laser fiber, about the width of three human hairs, is inserted between the tooth and gum.
- Bacteria Removal: The laser targets and removes harmful bacteria and diseased tissue.
- Tissue Preservation: The laser’s precision ensures that healthy tissue is left intact, promoting natural healing.
- Blood Clot Formation: The laser helps form a blood clot, sealing the pocket and preventing new bacteria from entering.
This approach not only removes the infection but also encourages the body to regenerate lost bone and tissue.
Benefits of LANAP
The LANAP procedure offers several advantages over traditional gum surgery:
- Faster Recovery: Most patients can return to their normal activities within 24 hours, compared to weeks of recovery with traditional surgery.
- Less Pain: Since there is no cutting or suturing, patients experience significantly less discomfort.
- No Sutures: Without the need for stitches, the healing process is simpler and more comfortable.
- Minimal Gum Recession: Traditional surgery can cause gums to shrink, but LANAP preserves the gum line, preventing this issue.
The combination of these benefits makes LANAP a preferred choice for many patients seeking effective gum disease treatment with minimal disruption to their lives.
LANAP truly represents a approach to treating gum disease, offering hope for those who might otherwise face more invasive procedures. In the next section, we’ll compare LANAP to traditional gum surgery to see how it stacks up against older methods.
Comparing LANAP to Traditional Gum Surgery
When it comes to treating gum disease, traditional gum surgery and the LANAP procedure offer two very different experiences for patients.
Downsides of Traditional Gum Surgery
Traditional gum surgery often involves cutting into the gums to remove diseased tissue. This can be effective, but it comes with several downsides:
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Extended Recovery Time: Patients often need 2 to 4 weeks to recover fully. This can be inconvenient and disruptive to daily life.
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Pain and Discomfort: The cutting and stitching involved can lead to significant pain and discomfort during recovery.
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Gum Recession: Traditional surgery can cause the gums to shrink, exposing more of the tooth and potentially leading to sensitivity.
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Risk of Infection: With more invasive techniques, there’s a higher risk of infection post-surgery.
Advantages of LANAP
On the other hand, the LANAP procedure offers several advantages that make it an attractive alternative:
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Minimal Recovery Time: Patients can typically resume normal activities within 24 hours. This is a huge win for those with busy schedules.
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Less Pain: No cutting or sutures means much less discomfort during and after the procedure.
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Preservation of Gum Line: LANAP preserves the gum line, avoiding the gum recession that often follows traditional surgery.
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Lower Infection Risk: The laser sterilizes the area as it works, reducing the chance of infection.
Patient Outcomes
Studies and patient reports show that LANAP often leads to better long-term outcomes. Patients experience improved tooth stability and lower retreatment rates. The laser’s precision allows for the regeneration of bone and tissue, achieving what the FDA calls “true regeneration.”
For anyone dealing with gum disease, the choice between traditional surgery and LANAP can significantly impact their recovery experience and long-term oral health. As more patients and dentists accept this innovative technology, LANAP is proving to be a game-changer in periodontal care.
In the following section, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about the LANAP procedure to help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions about LANAP Procedure
How long does LANAP surgery last?
The LANAP procedure is designed to be efficient and convenient. It typically involves two visits, each lasting about two hours. During these sessions, the dentist will treat one half of your mouth at a time. This allows for a thorough cleaning and treatment without overwhelming the patient.
Unlike traditional gum surgery, which can take eight or more hours in total, LANAP’s shorter sessions are not only more manageable but also less disruptive to your daily life.
What are the downsides of LANAP?
While the LANAP procedure offers many benefits, there are a few minor downsides to consider. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or gum sensitivity after the procedure. However, this discomfort is usually minimal compared to the pain and swelling associated with traditional gum surgery.
It’s also important to note that LANAP may not be suitable for patients with extremely advanced periodontal disease. In such cases, alternative treatments might be necessary.
Is LANAP covered by insurance?
The cost of the LANAP procedure can be comparable to traditional gum surgery, but the good news is that many dental insurance plans cover it. Since LANAP is an FDA-cleared treatment for gum disease, insurance providers often recognize its value in maintaining oral health.
Coverage can vary depending on your specific insurance plan and the clinician you choose. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider and discuss your options with your dentist. Many dental offices, like PS Dental, are happy to assist you in verifying your coverage and understanding any out-of-pocket expenses.
In the next section, we’ll wrap up our discussion on LANAP and explore how PS Dental in Tigard, Oregon, can help you achieve better gum health.
Conclusion
At PS Dental in Tigard, Oregon, we are committed to providing comprehensive dental care that meets the needs of your entire family. Our approach emphasizes preventive care, ensuring you and your loved ones maintain healthy smiles for life.
Dr. Sepehri and her experienced team are dedicated to offering the latest in dental treatments, including the LANAP procedure. This minimally invasive option for treating gum disease is part of our mission to deliver state-of-the-art care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Choosing PS Dental means opting for a dental practice that values your health and comfort. We understand that dental procedures can be daunting, which is why we prioritize patient education and open communication. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed and confident about your dental care choices.
If you’re dealing with gum disease and are looking for a modern, effective treatment option, consider the LANAP procedure at PS Dental. We invite you to learn more about our periodontal therapy options by visiting our complete guide to periodontal therapy and treatment options.
Let us help you achieve optimal oral health with the latest advancements in dental care. Schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step towards a healthier smile.
Dr. Parisa Sepehri
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