WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK LANAP?
LANAP can help prevent serious dental problems such as bad breath, gum disease, bone, and tooth loss. It can also increase your long-term dental health. Gum disease is a chronic condition that may cause any one or more of the following signs: Swollen, bleeding gums; severe bad breath (halitosis); pus oozing out from beneath your gum tissue.
If you notice any of these symptoms – please consult your dental services provider and get treated immediately before it gets worse! The longer you wait (even a few months), the more significant the attachment loss will be.
Schedule an appointment with Fisher Periodontics today.
HOW LANAP IS USED?
Your Periodontist will start by gently numbing your gums with a small injection. A special handheld laser device called a penlight is passed under the gums, removing infected tissue with gentle zaps, then antibacterial particles are applied to flush out any remaining bacteria.
The handpiece is then waved around the gums to help heal the gum line, restoring a healthy pink color. Patients’ gums feel softer and painless immediately after treatment. The deep pockets between the teeth and gums shrink after treatment.
Most patients notice that LANAP treatment has limited down-time. With proper care, your gums will heal and recover.
Many different lasers are available, but LANAP is the only one approved by the FDA. The laser has been approved by the U.S and Canadian dental associations. In addition, a Canadian study found LANAP to be the most effective treatment for moderate to severe gum disease.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR CONSULTATION?
After your initial evaluation, your treatment will be customized to your needs. We will determine the best dental treatment plan for you based on the condition of your teeth, gums, and the type of gum disease you may have. After we create your customized treatment plan, we will discuss with you the exact timing of your treatment, how many sessions you will need to get the best results, and what post-care will be most important following your treatment.
Call us if you have more questions regarding LANAP surgery treatments.
FAQ
What is the advantage of using this new laser therapy procedure instead of the traditional method?
Traditional gum disease treatments use manual scalpel surgery to remove teeth plaque or pockets in the gums. With LANAP, they no longer need to perform incisions, which allow for very little bleeding. This can result in a faster recovery time and fewer issues later on. Laser therapy treats the gum disease from its root – rather than just treating symptoms.
LANAP is a state-of-the-art dental procedure for treating periodontal gum disease. It involves targeting the bacterial build-up on the teeth and gum tissues that are causing the infection. It uses a laser (usually called laser therapy) to zap these bacteria, as well as remove the deep gum pockets that have caused the infection. With these two procedures, periodontal disease is quickly and effectively treated.
What types of patients can be treated with LANAP?
LANAP is a great option for those with gingivitis and/or more advanced periodontal disease. It works well in treating the early stages of periodontal infections and can prevent more serious problems down the road if you get treated right away!
Fisher Periodontics may be able to help you if you are dealing with gum disease. Contact us today.
Are the side effects of LANAP any different from other forms of gum disease treatment?
The side effects of LANAP are generally very similar to other types of gum disease treatment. However, bleeding is less likely to occur with this new laser therapy procedure (though you may still experience some). Other side effects may also be experienced, including redness or swollen gums. You may experience soreness around the area where the laser was used for a few days.
Is the LANAP procedure uncomfortable?
No. The laser is non-invasive, meaning that patients usually do not feel anything. While the laser is used in the treatment, many patients say it feels like a rubber band snapping against the gums. Some patients say that they get a “hair feeling” on the gums.
Do patients need to schedule a follow-up appointment?
A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled one week after LANAP treatment has been completed to verify the occlusion and gently clean around the treated areas. The patient will then need to follow a strict 3-month hygiene recall schedule for the first year post-LANAP to ensure the best possible outcome.
Can you eat immediately after LANAP?
Liquid diet for 24 hours, then a diet of “mushy” soft foods for 7 days to allow proper healing. You will be provided with a soft toothbrush to start cleaning the treated segments after 8 days of healing.
If you have dental implants, is it safe to receive LANAP treatments?
Dental implants have been shown to be an excellent treatment for oral health issues. However, periodontal disease can still occur around implants (peri-implantitis). LANAP will greatly help reduce the gingival inflammation around implants as well.
Is treatment with LANAP expensive?
The laser treatment is generally affordable, costing about two or three times that of traditional gum treatments. This cost can be covered by the patient’s dental insurance.
We all know how important it is to take care of our teeth and gums. If you’re feeling concerned and want to find the root cause of your tooth/gum pain, visit Fisher Periodontics. Dr. Fisher will examine your mouth before recommending treatment options that are best suited for YOU!
Contact us to schedule an appointment for LANAP treatments.