LANAP Laser Gum Surgery San Antonio, TX
LANAP® laser gum surgery is an effective treatment used to fight gum disease. By using a specialized laser, it is possible to remove bacteria, infection, and decay from beneath the gums and tooth roots, eliminating the disease or stopping its progression. This protocol can treat all stages of gum disease, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.
LANAP laser gum surgery is available at AD Perio & Implants in San Antonio and the surrounding area. Our team can assess your condition and determine a proper diagnosis and treatment, using pain-free laser technology. Call us today at (210) 805-8400 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
What is LANAP® Laser Gum Surgery?
LANAP laser gum surgery is a minimally invasive gum disease treatment that uses a specific dental laser, the PerioLase® MVP-7™. The LANAP protocol is the first of its kind cleared by the FDA for "True Regeneration." As such, this laser treatment allows for the regrowth of new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone, the three components needed for full oral function.
LANAP, which stands for laser-assisted new attachment procedure, was developed by Gregg and McCarthy in 1990. A 2018 study found that the LANAP protocol is a long-term solution that focuses on bactericidal and detoxification effects while also aiming to diminish or eliminate the disease itself. Since its inception, LANAP technologies have been used in dental offices throughout the U.S.
“…this laser treatment allows for the regrowth of new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone, the three components needed for full oral function.”
Why Laser Gum Surgery is Performed
Laser gum surgery primarily intends to help treat gum disease. About 85% of adults in the U.S. suffer from some form of gum disease. Of those adults, only 60% know they have the disease. Also, only 3% of those with moderate to severe levels of gum disease will accept treatment. Gum disease progresses and, when left untreated, can develop into advanced periodontitis and, eventually, tooth and bone loss.
Patients with moderate to severe gum disease can benefit most from LANAP. Those who have dental anxiety or fear undergoing surgery may also benefit from laser treatment because no tools, drills, or scalpels are needed. Laser treatments have been used to treat gummy smiles, for crown lengthening, and for many other procedures in place of dental tools or extraction.
“Gum disease progresses and, when left untreated, can develop into advanced periodontitis and, eventually, tooth and bone loss.”
Benefits of Laser Gum Surgery
Laser gum surgery has been used for treating many oral health conditions, involving both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. The LANAP protocol provides numerous benefits, including:
- Healthy gums with minimal recession. When the gums are cut, the tissue shrinks and can show more of the tooth root. Since the LANAP protocol does not cut the gums, the tissue stays intact.
- Less postoperative pain. Using the PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser, the LANAP protocol helps avoid cutting and stitching of the gums. As a result, patients usually have minimal postoperative discomfort.
- Quicker recovery time. Most patients are able to return to their regular daily activities immediately following the procedure, which generally requires less than a 24-hour recovery period. Following traditional scalpel and suture surgery, recovery can take two to four weeks, during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling.
- Regeneration without foreign materials. As the PerioLase laser stimulates the body’s healing response, a LANAP dentist does not have to add foreign ‘growth factors.’
Aside from physical benefits, the LANAP protocol is advantageous to those with dental anxiety or a general fear of medical surgeries and procedures. Laser technology can help remove decay and cavities, trim excess gum tissue, and remove infection caused by gum disease. Therefore, it can benefit almost all patients at any age.
“Using the PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser, the LANAP protocol helps avoid cutting and stitching of the gums. As a result, patients usually have minimal postoperative discomfort.”
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The Treatment Process
In most cases, LANAP laser treatment is done in a dental or periodontal office while a patient is under local anesthesia. This keeps the treatment area numb and relaxes the patient in order to keep them steady as the laser moves throughout their mouth. Our team will begin by taking X-rays and examining the patient's periodontal chart to ensure we move as intended.
The laser consists of a tiny fiber (about three human hairs thick). After we insert the laser fiber between the teeth and gums, it quickly removes bacteria beneath them without cutting or snipping any tissue. We then clear out the tooth roots, adjust the laser setting to create a blood clot, and seal the pocket. We typically treat one side or area of the mouth during each session to allow the area to heal properly.
“We insert the laser fiber between the teeth and gums and it quickly removes bacteria beneath the gums without cutting or snipping any tissue.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is LANAP laser gum surgery?
Q. Why is laser gum surgery performed?
Q. What are the benefits of laser gum surgery?
Q. What is the process of laser treatment?
Q. What is recovery like with laser gum surgery?
People Also Ask
Q. Why would I need a periodontist?
Q. What are the benefits of laser therapy?
Q. What are some of the symptoms of gingivitis?
Q. What types of gum medications are there? What medications get prescribed for certain gum conditions?
Recovery
Since laser gum surgery is minimally-invasive, it only requires a local anesthetic. Therefore, patients are able to drive home right after their treatment and can resume normal activities. We advise patients to rest and take it easy on the first day. It is important to clean out the mouth frequently and take extra care of their oral hygiene during the recovery period. However, post-treatment protocol advises against brushing or flossing for the first 7-10 days, avoiding smoking, and following a soft-food diet. We will recommend appropriate cleaning and eating habits following the treatment.
Most patients recover within the first 24 hours of each treatment session. We may require or recommend a follow-up visit after the patient has completed their final session in order to assess their condition and ensure treatment went as intended. We will adjust the treatment plan accordingly and discuss the patient's next course of action, if applicable.
“Most patients recover within the first 24 hours of each treatment session.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the LANAP protocol?
A. The LANAP protocol, or laser-assisted new attachment procedure, is a minimally invasive gum treatment involving the removal of decay and infection caused by gum disease. It gently and quickly removes the disease from around, between, and underneath the teeth into the tooth roots and gums. There is only one LANAP laser treatment available to date.
Q. What does the LANAP protocol do?
A. The primary goals of the LANAP protocol are to remove bacteria and infection from the gums and underlying tooth structures and to help regenerate both soft tissue and bone. This laser treatment allows for the regrowth of new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone, the three components needed for full oral function. It also provides a minimally invasive procedure for a tough oral disease, historically treated through invasive surgery.
Q. What are the top benefits of laser treatment?
A. One of the greatest benefits of laser treatment is that it eliminates or reduces fear and dental anxiety associated with oral surgery. Patients are put on a local anesthetic and typically recover within the first 24 hours, reducing time requested off work or school. Another benefit is LANAP laser treatment can be done in patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease, reducing the risk of tooth extraction, tooth loss, and other complications.
Q. How is LANAP laser gum surgery performed?
A. LANAP laser gum surgery is typically performed in 2 sessions that are 2 hours each. We will treat one area of the mouth during each session. We begin by taking X-rays, reviewing the patient's periodontal chart, and examining the mouth. The thin laser fiber goes between the teeth and gums, removing bacteria from all sides and underneath the gums. The gums are then sealed with a blood clot. Any loose teeth will require splinting.
Q. What does the recovery period consist of?
A. Unlike invasive gum surgery (in which the gums are cut and stitched), laser treatments require little to no recovery time. However, there are a few adjustments patients must make during the first week, such as avoiding smoking, hard or hot foods, and brushing and flossing. We will discuss alternative cleaning and eating habits that can ensure patients heal quickly and appropriately.
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By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Call Us Today
LANAP gum surgery is a quick and painless solution to dental decay. Do not ignore the troubling signs of early gum disease. These symptoms will only progress and may result in more complications and invasive treatments in the future. Call us today at (210) 805-8400 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). 2023
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Periodontal Disease Page. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Periodontal Disease Page. 2023
- WebMD, What Is a Periodontist?. WebMD, What Is a Periodontist?. 2023
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