LANAP^®: The Noninvasive Alternative to Gum Surgery

With nearly 80 percent of U.S. adults over 35 suffering from some form of gum disease, and the discovery of a link between gum disease and heart disease and diabetes, treatment for gingivitis and periodontal disease has increased significantly. The gums of dental patients with periodontal disease are seriously infected with bacteria and threaten tooth loss without treatment. If you fall into this section of the population then you may want to consider the the latest breakthrough procedure in periodontal treatment.

What is LANAP^®?

LANAP^®, or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is the only FDA approved laser treatment for periondontitis. Most notably, this procedure provides our patients with a less invasive option to traditional gum surgery. In the dental industry, laser treatment involves a very fine (may appear invisible to the naked eye) light energy source to perform a dental procedure that would normally be performed by a dental instrument (namely a scalpel and sutures). LANAP^®, through the use of the PerioLase^® Laser, has been developed specifically to treat moderate to advanced periodontitis and serve as a modern replacement for traditional periodontal treatments.

Treatment Overview

At first glance, laser periodontal treatment in a dentist office appears to be the exchange of common instruments or methods for laser energy. However, the LANAP^® procedure has pre & post-operative benefits that traditional gum surgeries and other laser periodontal treatments cannot offer.

The treatment for periodontal disease involves scaling and root planning, which refers to the removal of plaque and bacteria from the gum line. Laser periodontal treatment increases the effectiveness of this procedure and results in less bleeding and swelling of the gums.

The use of the free-running pulsed Nd:YAG laser (Millenium Dental Technologies Inc.), has been found to remove more bacteria, without deep probing, with little pain and inflammation.

The LANAP^® PerioLase^® Laser is able to tell the difference between diseased gum tissue, which may appear darker, and healthy tisue, allowing it to eliminate only the infected areas. These areas are also stimulated so the remaining tissue can regenerate and re-attach itself to the bone ("Attachment Procedure"), thereby preventing any future risk of infection or the appearance of new gum pockets. Since this procedure is less invasive than drills, there is less chance of blood and tissue loss. The really good news is that this results in less discomfort for our patients.

Important Considerations

The entire procedure can be completed in as little as a single visit, with only a short recovery period. LANAP^® is also safe for patients dealing with diabetes, HIV, hemophelia, and those taking prescribed heart medications.

In addition, LANAP^® is comparable in cost, and can be less expensive, than traditional periodontal surgeries. The lasting results alone make LANAP^® an easy choice in Laser periodontal treatment. Call us Today and Schedule a Free Consultation.

References:

• D. H. Harris, R. H. Gregg, D. K. McCarthy, L. E. Colby, L. V. Tilt. Laser-assisted new attachment procedure in private practice. General Dentistry. September - October 2004, Vol. 52 No. 5
• R.A. Yukna, R. L. Carr, G. Evans. Histologic Evaluation of an Nd:YAG Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure in Humans. International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. November/December 2007, Volume 27 , Issue 6
• R.H. Gregg II, D. McCarthy. Laser Periodontal Therapy for Bone Regeneration. Dentistry Today, Periodontics, May 2002.