If you’re considering LANAP laser treatment, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of Americans aged 30 and older have periodontal disease. Furthermore, about 70% of adults 65 and older have mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease.
What’s LANAP laser treatment and why might you want to consider it? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is LANAP Laser Treatment?
Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) is a laser surgery used to treat periodontal disease.
The procedure involves using a laser to remove the infected tissue around the teeth and promote the growth of new, healthy tissue growth. This means you won’t have to worry about scalpels or stitches, and the procedure is generally much less invasive than traditional surgery.
Why Consider LANAP Laser Treatment?
There are several reasons to consider LANAP laser treatment over traditional periodontal surgery. First, the procedure is minimally invasive, meaning it will cause less damage to the surrounding tissue than other types of surgery. This ensures less discomfort and a quick and easy recovery.
Another reason to consider LANAP is its effective treatment of periodontal disease. Studies have shown that the procedure can lead to a significant reduction in pocket depth and an increase in attachment level. Additionally, LANAP has been shown to improve gum health and reduce bleeding and inflammation.
If you’re worried about loose teeth, LANAP can also help where conventional treatment might fail. The procedure can help to stabilize the teeth and prevent further tooth loss.
It’s worth noting that LANAP is safe for most patients with health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The procedure is also recommended for patients diagnosed with inflammatory gum disease.
Discuss the procedure with your dentist or periodontist if you’re considering LANAP laser treatment. They can answer any questions and help you decide if the treatment is proper.
How Long Does LANAP Take?
The length of the LANAP procedure will depend on the severity of your periodontal disease. In general, the process can be completed in one or two visits. Each visit will last for about two hours.
What You Should Expect During Treatment
During the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your teeth. We will review your dental chart and take X-rays to determine the severity of your periodontal disease.
Next, Dr. Brown will use a tiny laser fiber similar to the size of human hair and insert it between the tooth and gums. The laser will then remove the diseased tissue and bacteria around the tooth.
In some cases, Dr. Brown may also need to smooth the root surface to help promote new tissue growth. The entire procedure usually takes between one and two hours.
You may experience soreness and tenderness in the treatment area after the procedure, but this is normal. We will give you pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may feel.
It’s important to note that you must have your teeth cleaned more frequently after the procedure. You may also need to use a special mouthwash. These steps are necessary to help remove any bacteria that may remain after the surgery.
What Is LANAP’s Downside?
The only downside to this procedure is that it may not be suitable for you if your periodontal disease is too advanced. In such situations, Dr. Brown may recommend alternative approaches, such as flap surgery.
Flap surgery is a more invasive procedure that involves cutting away the gum tissue to access the roots of the teeth. This type of surgery is often used in cases where the disease has progressed to the point where bone loss has occurred. While flap surgery is more invasive, it can successfully treat advanced periodontal disease.
It’s important to talk to Dr. Brown about your treatment options before deciding on a course of action. He can help you choose the best option for your individual needs.
What Happens After the Procedure?
After the LANAP procedure, you can expect your gum tissue to heal quickly. In most cases, the gums will be completely healed within two weeks.
Recovery After LANAP
Most people recover quickly from LANAP laser surgery with minimal discomfort. You should be able to resume your normal activities within a few days.
Dr. Brown will give you specific instructions on caring for your teeth and gums after the procedure. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.
What Happens If You Ignore Gum Disease?
While LANAP laser surgery is an effective treatment for gum disease, it’s important to remember that the condition will not disappear overnight. If you ignore gum disease, it will only get worse over time.
Untreated gum disease can lead to several serious health problems, including heart disease, rheumatoid disease, and obesity. Additionally, gum disease can cause the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
Be sure to seek treatment before your gum disease is out of control. See a periodontist as soon as you notice any symptoms of the condition. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of reversing the damage and preventing further complications.
Is This Procedure Costly?
The cost of LANAP surgery will vary depending on several factors, including location, periodontal disease severity, and dental insurance coverage.
In general, the procedure will cost the same as traditional gum surgery. It’s common for dental insurance companies to cover this procedure, but you’ll need to check with your provider to be sure.
Get Professional Help
LANAP surgery is a highly effective treatment for gum disease, but it’s important to remember that the condition will not disappear. If you’re concerned about gum disease, see Dr. Brown as soon as possible.
He will be able to determine if this procedure is right for you and help you get the treatment you need to reverse the damage and prevent further complications. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get your needed help.
Gum disease is a severe condition that can lead to many health problems if left untreated. Seek professional help today to ensure a healthy mouth and a happy life.