What is LANAP Gum Disease Treatment?
LANAP offers a less invasive approach to addressing gum disease by employing a laser rather than a scalpel. This method avoids the need for incisions and stitches, ensuring a more comfortable experience. Furthermore, LANAP holds the distinction of being the sole laser treatment endorsed by the FDA for combating gum disease.
The LANAP procedure uses a precise dental laser to target and eliminate unhealthy tissue while preserving healthy gums. This advanced laser employs a thin fiber, about the width of three human hairs, which is carefully inserted between the gum and tooth. Once the tooth roots are free of plaque, bacteria, and infection, the area is thoroughly disinfected and sterilized. The final step involves adjusting the laser to create a stable fibrin blood clot, effectively sealing the treated area.
What are the benefits of LANAP gum disease treatment?
The primary advantage of LANAP is its ability to restore gum health and decrease the likelihood of oral and systemic diseases. Additional benefits include:
- Minimal to no discomfort
- Absence of bleeding or swelling
- No need for incisions or stitches
- Significantly faster and less painful recovery (24 hours compared to 2-4 weeks)
- No tooth sensitivity
- Prevention of gum recession (cutting gums can cause shrinkage and recession)
- Enhanced aesthetic results
- Reduction of pockets between teeth and gums
- Safe for individuals with bleeding disorders, diabetes, or those on medications, including blood thinners
- Only local anesthesia is required, allowing patients to drive after the procedure
- Fewer infections and reduced risk of complications
- Stimulation of new, healthy soft tissue and bone growth, achieving regeneration without the need for foreign materials sometimes used in traditional gum surgery
Why Treat Gum Disease?
Gum disease impacts about 20% of Americans, making it a widespread issue. Addressing this condition is essential because untreated gum disease can negatively affect your oral health and has been linked to broader health concerns. Research indicates that oral health problems can contribute to systemic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Therefore, treating gum disease is not just about maintaining a healthy mouth but also about protecting your overall health.
Three Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, begins with plaque buildup around the gums, causing them to become inflamed. This inflammation results in symptoms like bad breath and gums that are red, swollen, and bleed easily during brushing or flossing. Although gingivitis can be reversed with proper dental care, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis occurs when the inflammation worsens, creating pockets between the teeth and gums that trap food particles, plaque, and bacteria. As these pockets deepen, the infection spreads, leading to gum recession and damage to the bone and fibers supporting the teeth. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but it can be managed with treatments such as scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes irritants and smooths the root surfaces to reduce the risk of further infection.
If periodontitis is not treated, the infection can destroy the bone and connective tissue, causing teeth to become loose or shift. Advanced periodontitis can ultimately result in tooth loss, necessitating aggressive treatment to save the affected teeth.
In the past, gum surgery was the primary aggressive treatment option. Today, LANAP provides a less invasive alternative that offers similar benefits.
Cost of LANAP Gum Disease Treatment in Midlothian
The price for LANAP treatment can vary significantly based on the number of areas needing attention. Typically, patients can expect to pay anywhere from $2000 to $8000. It’s worth noting that many insurance companies in the US cover LANAP procedures. To avoid any surprises, check with your insurance provider about coverage specifics and costs before scheduling your LANAP treatment.
Considering the cost of LANAP gum disease treatment, it’s important to note that this procedure is minimally invasive. This results in faster recovery times and often better outcomes compared to traditional dental methods. We believe that the health of your gums and the value of your time make LANAP a worthwhile investment.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
LANAP treatment usually involves two sessions, each around two hours long. The first session focuses on one side of the mouth, with the second session, scheduled about a week later, addressing the other side. Patients often find they can return to their regular activities or work soon after each appointment.
After undergoing LANAP, which is a surgical procedure, your body will need time to adjust based on your pain tolerance. In the first few days, you may experience mild soreness in the treated areas, which can usually be managed with Ibuprofen. The gums around the treated teeth might appear slightly discolored. To help stabilize and immobilize the teeth, splints may be provided, and it is crucial to wear them as directed to support healing. Your bite will likely need adjustments during follow-up visits over the next few months, which is essential for proper healing.
Refrain from brushing or flossing for the first 7-10 days post-treatment. Stick to a soft diet as advised by your dentist. Additionally, avoid smoking, as it can hinder the healing process by compromising the body’s defense mechanisms.
Yes, LANAP is generally safe for most patients, including those with medical conditions such as diabetes or bleeding disorders, and those taking medications like blood thinners. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional gum surgery.
The longevity of LANAP treatment results depends on maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. With proper care, the benefits of LANAP can last many years, significantly improving gum health and reducing the risk of recurrence of gum disease.
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