What is LANAP gum disease treatment?
LANAP is a minimally invasive option that utilizes a laser instead of a scalpel. Since there is no cutting, no stitches are needed. It is the only laser treatment approved by the FDA for treating gum disease.
LANAP requires the use of a special dental laser that selectively kills and removes diseased tissue without causing damage to healthy gum tissue. The laser utilizes a tiny fiber (approximately the thickness of three hairs) that is inserted between the gum and tooth. Once the tooth roots are completely cleaned of plaque, bacteria, and disease, the area is disinfected and sterilized. Finally, a different laser setting creates a firm, stable fibrin blood clot that seals the pocket.
What are the benefits of LANAP gum disease treatment?
The most obvious benefit is that LANAP can restore gum health and reduce the risk of oral and systemic diseases. Other advantages include:
- Minimal to no pain
- No bleeding or swelling
- No incisions or sutures
- Much quicker and less painful recovery (24 hours compared to 2-4 weeks)
- No tooth sensitivity
- No gum recession (cutting the gums can cause them to shrink and recess)
- Improved aesthetic results
- Reduction of pockets between teeth and gums
- Safe for patients with bleeding disorders, diabetes, or on medications—even blood thinners
- Since only local anesthesia is needed, patients can drive after the procedure
- Fewer infections and potential complications
As an added benefit, the laser also stimulates the growth of new, healthy soft tissue and bone. Therefore, you achieve regeneration without needing to add foreign materials, which is sometimes necessary during traditional gum surgery.
Why treat gum disease?
It is estimated that gum disease affects 1 in 5 Americans. If you suffer from this common condition, it is vital that you understand the potential consequences of not receiving treatment. It can not only be a detriment to your oral health, but numerous studies have shown a connection between oral and systemic health. In other words, oral disease can be a contributing factor to other diseases in your body, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.
Three Stages of Gum Disease
The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This occurs when plaque builds up around the gums causing inflammation. The most common gingivitis symptoms include bad breath and red, swollen gums that can bleed easily with flossing and brushing. While gingivitis is reversible, it can progress to periodontitis if ignored.
With periodontitis, the inflammation spreads and causes pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets attract food particles, plaque, and bacteria. As the pockets deepen, so does the infection, which causes gum recession and affects the fibers and bone that support your teeth. At this stage, gum disease is not reversible, but it is treatable. The recommended treatment usually involves scaling and root planing – a deep cleaning that removes these irritants and smooths the root surfaces to reduce the risk of reinfection.
If left untreated, the infection begins to destroy the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place, causing your teeth to loosen and shift. Since advanced periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, a patient needs aggressive treatment to save their teeth.
Until recently, the only aggressive solution was gum surgery. Today, LANAP offers the same benefits with less invasive treatment.
Cost of LANAP Gum Disease Treatment in Midlothian
The cost of LANAP gum disease treatment varies depending on the number of areas on which you require the treatment. Considering this fact, on average, you can expect to spend between $2000-$8000. However, many US insurance providers do provide coverage for LANAP. If you’re concerned about cost or coverage, be sure to speak with your provider before scheduling your LANAP laser treatment.
When considering the cost of LANAP gum disease treatment, it’s also important to keep in mind that LANAP is a minimally invasive procedure. This means that the results are often better than more traditional dental procedures, and the recovery time is much quicker. We believe that your gums, and your time, are worth it.
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 surgery is typically completed in two, two-hour visits. One side of the mouth is completed during the first visit, and the other side is completed during the second visit a week later. After each procedure, it is common for patients to quickly resume normal activities or return to work.
LANAP is a surgical procedure, so your body will adjust depending upon your pain tolerance. The first few days following the surgery you may experience mild soreness of the treated areas- generally alleviated with Ibuprofen. The gum tissues around the teeth may appear slightly discolored. Splints may be fabricated to stabilize and immobilize the teeth. You must wear these splints as instructed to promote healing. Expect to have your bite adjusted during visits several times over the coming months; this is very important for healing.
- Do not brush or floss for the first 7-10 days after treatment.
- Follow a soft diet as recommended by your treating dentist.
- Do not smoke. Smoking interferes with the healing process by impairing the body’s defense mechanisms.
