LANAP™
Advanced Gum Disease Treatment
Utilizing the body’s own natural ability to “heal itself”, our office utilizes the PerioLase™ for the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™). Performed without a scalpel and sutures, LANAP™ creates an environment for regeneration of the tissues around your teeth (gum, bone, cementum, ligament) that are lost due to periodontal disease. The laser therapy works by targeting only diseased gum, which it discerns by the color. Diseased gums are darker than healthy gums. The laser is then used to agitate the healthy tissue, encouraging it to reattach to the bone. Because of the regrowth of this connective tissue, there is also a much lower chance of gum disease returning than with traditional surgery. Due to the ability of the laser to target and remove only diseased tissue, we are able to help restore you to health with no post-operative pain and fewer side effects and risks than traditional surgery. This is in conjunction with a detailed home care program that is described below.
Key Benefits of Periodontal Laser Therapy
- Minimally Invasive: Laser therapy targets only diseased tissue, preserving healthy gum structure and minimizing trauma to surrounding areas.
- Reduced Discomfort: Patients typically experience less pain and swelling compared to traditional gum surgery, often requiring minimal or no anesthesia.
- Faster Healing: The precision of laser treatment promotes quicker recovery and reduces the risk of infection post-procedure.
- Gum Regeneration: Laser therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, encouraging the regeneration of healthy gum tissue and bone.
- Improved Aesthetic Results: By preserving more of the natural gum tissue, laser therapy can lead to better cosmetic outcomes and less gum recession.
The Evaluation Stage
What to Expect During Consultation
When you visit our office for a laser periodontal therapy consultation, our skilled periodontist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your gums and teeth. We’ll assess the extent of your gum disease, measure pocket depths, and may take digital x-rays to evaluate bone levels. This thorough evaluation allows us to determine if laser periodontal therapy is the most appropriate treatment for your specific case.
During this appointment, we’ll explain the laser periodontal therapy procedure in detail, discussing its benefits and how it compares to traditional gum disease treatments. We encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns you may have about your oral health or the proposed treatment. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized care plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve optimal gum health.
The Treatment Process
What to Expect During the Procedure
Laser periodontal therapy is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort, although many patients find they require less anesthesia than with traditional gum surgery. Our periodontist will use a specialized dental laser to target and remove infected gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue. The laser’s precision allows us to effectively clean deep periodontal pockets, eliminating bacteria and toxins that contribute to gum disease.
As the laser works, it also seals blood vessels and nerve endings, which significantly reduces bleeding and post-operative discomfort. The entire procedure usually takes less time than traditional gum surgery, with most treatments completed in one or two visits depending on the extent of your gum disease. Throughout the procedure, our team will ensure you’re comfortable and informed about each step we’re taking to improve your gum health.
Recovery and Aftercare
Rinse
Anti-microbial rinses and antibiotic medications may be prescribed for you.
It is OK to spit, rinse, and wash your mouth. Rinse as directed with Peridex or Periogard morning and night. In between, it is OK to rinse gently every three (3) hours with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8oz. glass of warm water).
Hygiene
Do not brush or floss your teeth until instructed to do so (see Treatment and Home Care sequence sheet). Try to keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help the healing process. Brush, floss, and follow other home care measures in all the areas of your mouth except for the surgery area. Do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the surgery area.
Medication
Periodontal laser procedures usually result in little or no discomfort following surgery. For the first 24 hour period immediately following surgery, take two (2) Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen) every 4-6 hours even if you do not have any pain.
Take any prescribed medications according to directions and continue taking until all meds are gone.
Activity
Reduce physical activity for several hours following surgery.
Diet
For the first 24 hour period immediately following surgery, stay on a liquid diet only. For the following 3-7 days after surgery, a soft diet is recommended. Try to eat soft but nutritious foods such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc. Stay away from spicy and “chippy” foods.
Carefully avoid chewing food in the areas of the mouth where the laser has been used for at least one week following surgery. One of the most important results of laser surgery is the blood clots that form following surgery. It is extremely important not to dislodge the tiny clots that form in and around the gums.
It is also important to maintain good fluid intake during this period.
Do not be alarmed if one of the following occurs:
- Light bleeding
- Slight swelling
- Some soreness, tenderness, or tooth sensitivity
- Medicinal taste, from Peridex or Periogard
- Prolonged or severe pain
- Prolonged or excessive bleeding
- Considerably elevated or persistent temperature
When to Call Us
Please call the office at (202) 659-3500 if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Prolonged or severe pain
- Prolonged or excessive bleeding
- Considerably elevated or persistent temperature
Do not be alarmed that beginning within two weeks after therapy and extending as long as one year or more, the teeth may become sore, tender, or sensitive as the bone and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and become more firm. This is a sign of healing, but may also indicate the presence of a bite imbalance that may need to be adjusted.
Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of tissues following laser therapy. Tissues can be gray, yellow, red, blue, purple, “stringy” and reflect normal response to laser treatments.