Using Lasers To Effectively Treat Gum Disease

While gum disease is a preventable phenomenon, it is very common. At least half of adults in the USA have some form of periodontitis, which is what periodontal disease that has advanced to more dangerous levels is called. However, a modern medical technique called Laser-assisted new attachment procedure, or LANAP, can provide safe and non-invasive treatment of gingivitis as well as periodontitis and other problems of the mouth.

What is LANAP?

The LANAP Procedure utilizes a special laser called PerioLase MVP-7, invented by scientists Robert H. Gregg II, DDS and Delwin McCarthy, DDS in Cerritos, California, who spent many years working to develop a better way to treat tooth disease. In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration accepted LANAP as a safe and effective way for dentists to treat gum disease in patients. During the procedure, a very small laser fiber is inserted between your gum tissue and your tooth which painlessly removes the causes of gum disease in your mouth.

Treating Gingivitis with LANAP

Gingivitis begins as plaque, which is the opaque film that forms on your teeth. This film can harden to form tartar, which will accumulate and harbor bacteria that are harmful to your gums and teeth. This stage of gum disease is known as Gingivitis, which causes redness, bleeding, irritation, bad breath, unpleasant tastes in your mouth and inflammation of your gums. You may not realize that you have Gingivitis, because the effects can at first be mild.

Treating Periodontal Diseases with LANAP

If you do not treat your Gingivitis, the disease can worsen and become Periodontitis. This is a much more severe stage of the disease. Bacteria destroy not only your gums but the supporting structural bones around your teeth. If you do not treat the disease, it will certainly lead to tooth loss, among other numerous problems.

The treatment of Periodontal Diseases with LANAP works on a specific laser wavelength which enables unhealthy tissue to be removed while your healthy gum tissue remains in place. Undergoing a procedure this way greatly reduces the amount of stress on your mouth and your nervous system. The LANAP procedure is also regenerative, which means you do not lose any volume of tissue and your bone mass is regenerated. Another thing to consider is undergoing the LANAP procedure introduces minimal post-operative pain, swelling, bleeding, root sensitivity or gum recession, as well as reducing the risk of dental decay of the tooth root in the future.

Other Things LANAP Is Used For

LANAP is used to treat all manner of tooth defects and other oral problems related to Gingivitis and Periodontitis. If your dentist informs you that you have anything ranging from a vertical (or otherwise) osseous defect, significant bleeding on probing, mild diastema, presence of pathologic tissue, persistent soreness, advanced attachment loss, suppuration, or trifurcation involvement, you may want to consider the LANAP Procedure.

Benefits of Using Lasers to Treat Oral Problems

There are many benefits to using lasers over traditional periodontal surgery methods in the process of treating various oral problems. One of the most important factors for most patients is the fact that LANAP is less invasive and far less traumatic to your body. After the procedure, compared to traditional methods, LANAP offers minimal discomfort, so you can be back to your regular life sooner than you may think. The procedure allows quicker healing overall, as well as minimal recession of your gums and minimal thermal sensitivity. Another thing to consider is the proven success of LANAP treating not only natural teeth but dental implants as well.

Many patients have decided to take control of their gums and their life by opting for safe LANAP treatment. LANAP treatments can be done be performed by dentists who just practice general dentistry, or by those dentists who specialize in periodontal disorders.  Whether you have Gingivitis or Periodontitis, you should click here or talk to your dentist about LANAP as an option for treatment.