When gum disease develops, treatment is needed right away. There are many different types of treatments available. One of these treatments that we provide at Karl Zeren DDS is LANAP. LANAP is an FDA approved treatment that involves the use of a laser. This treatment can be used to remove infected tissue and disinfect periodontal pockets. We can help to determine if this treatment is right for you.
How Does LANAP Work?
LANAP is a laser treatment. A laser uses a concentrated beam of light approximately the thickness of a human hair. The wavelength of the laser light can be adjusted to perform a variety of different tasks. For treating gum disease, the laser can remove infected gum tissue and help to disinfect periodontal pockets. It can also be used to help stimulate the growth of new tissue, which aids in sealing periodontal pockets as well as expediting the healing process.
You Exhibit Signs Of Gum Disease
Patients who exhibit symptoms of gum disease may be considered a candidate for LANAP, no matter if the condition is mild or more advanced. Common symptoms that can point toward gum disease include:
- Red and swollen gum tissue.
- Bleeding when you brush and floss your teeth.
- Gum recession. This not only causes your teeth to look longer, but it also increases your risk for cavities and leaves you vulnerable to tooth sensitivity.
- Loose teeth.
Your Gingival Pockets Are Deep
When your gums pull away from your teeth, periodontal pockets form. These are gaps between your gum tissue and your teeth. Bacteria collect in the periodontal pockets and become trapped. They also continue the irritation of gum tissue from below the gum line, which causes the pockets to become deeper. The deeper the pockets are, the more advanced your gum disease is. We can measure the depth of your periodontal pockets using a special tool. Healthy gums typically measure between 1 and 3 millimeters. Anything deeper than 4 millimeters indicates gum disease. Candidates for LANAP have periodontal pocket depths of 5 millimeters or deeper.
Recommendations From Your General Dentist
If you have been referred by your general dentist, you may be a candidate for LANAP. While your general dentist may be able to diagnose the presence of gum disease, we have the experience required to diagnose the exact extent of the damage. We can also provide you with the most effective treatment possible to restore your oral health, including the use of LANAP.
Benefits Of LANAP
LANAP laser treatment provides many significant benefits. These benefits include
- Less invasive treatment. The use of a laser is much less invasive than traditional surgical treatments for gum disease.
- Reduced bleeding. The laser cauterizes tissue and seals blood vessels as it cuts tissue, reducing the amount of bleeding you experience during your treatment.
- Reduced tissue trauma. The laser causes much less tissue trauma, reducing the amount of pain and swelling you experience following your treatment. It also aids in reducing your recovery time.
- Targeting only the necessary tissue. Pinpoint accuracy helps us to leave more of your healthy tissue intact.
- Disinfecting periodontal pockets.
- Stimulating the growth of new tissue to seal periodontal pockets and speed healing.
- Your risk of complications after treatment is greatly reduced.
LANAP treatment allows us to effectively treat gum disease so that your gums, and your mouth, can heal.
How Does LANAP Affect Healing Time?
Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that requires treatment right away. Treatment stops the progression of gum disease and helps to restore your oral health. Following treatment, there is a recovery period. While recovery times vary based on the extent of your gum disease, and the treatment being performed, recovery times traditionally take several weeks. At Karl Zeren DDS we can reduce your recovery time with LANAP.
History Of LANAP
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common oral health issue that develops as a result of a bacterial infection. Bacteria cause the gums to become irritated and inflamed. Without treatment, gum disease worsens over time, and can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Treatment is essential for stopping the progression of the disease and restoring the health of your mouth.
