LANAP

LANAP

LANAP is minimally invasive, laser-assisted therapy used to treat gum disease (periodontitis).

Periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease than gingivitis, is a common condition in which periodontal tissue, as well as deeper structures known as periodontal pockets, become inflamed. Bacteria accumulate around the teeth, and the body responds the same way it does elsewhere: the tissue becomes red and swollen. Eventually, this response can damage the periodontal ligaments connecting the roots of teeth to the bone, causing teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

Traditional treatment for gum disease may include a surgical procedure in which a dentist or periodontist uses a scalpel to peel back gum tissue to better access the periodontal pocket, and begin cleaning the affected area. They then may stitch the gums to increase attachment and decrease the pocket depth. Because this method doesn’t regenerate gum tissue, a gum graft is often used to try to restore a healthy amount of gum tissue.

While traditional gum disease treatment has been standard for years because of its effectiveness, recovery can be difficult. LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) offers patients a viable alternative treatment that doesn’t require a scalpel or sutures. To learn more about gum disease treatments, including options like LANAP, please call (02) 4655-3705 or email reception@camdendental.com.au today for an appointment.

How Does LANAP Work?

When gum disease has worsened past the point where a deep cleaning is effective, patients must seek either surgical intervention or a treatment like LANAP.

During a LANAP procedure, a dentist or periodontist uses a PerioLase MVP-7 running at a specific wavelength to selectively remove disease bacteria and infected tissue from the periodontal pocket. This also prepares the gum surface to adhere to the tooth so healthy tissue can begin regenerating.

The success of the LANAP procedure relies on the interaction between the periodontal tissue and the 1064 wavelength. The 1064 wavelength has been shown to pass through water and hydroxyapatite, while also become absorbed in melanin and hemoglobin. Meaning, it works to target diseased tissue and bacteria while doing minimal damage to healthy tissue.

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The Difference Between LANAP and Traditional Procedures

Many of the key differences between traditional gum surgery and LANAP can be catalogued into two categories: invasiveness and gum shape.

Invasiveness

Minimally invasive gum treatment with LANAP

A traditional gum surgery requires the use of a scalpel to expose periodontal pockets so that they may be cleaned efficiently. The dentist will then have to stitch periodontal pockets to make them shallower, which may require a graft procedure to properly close up the gums.

While patient’s mouths are numbed with anesthetic, as is standard for most oral surgical procedures, many report the procedure to be painful. Recovery may require an altered diet, and can take weeks, during which discomfort gradually reduces.

The LANAP procedure causes considerably less discomfort, as it involves no incisions. The selectivity and precision of the laser minimize collateral damage, which reduces discomfort and bleeding. This also helps to promote rapid recovery.

Preserving Gum Shape

Because traditional gum surgery involves suturing the periodontal pockets, this can cause gum recession of about 2-4mm. In more severe cases, however, the gum line may recede an extra 5mm or more, exposing tooth roots and changing the shape of the gums. Patients may also feel discomfort to hot and cold since tooth roots have less enamel to protect them. Even if you don’t require a gum graft before surgery, you might need it after as a secondary procedure, which means another round of discomfort and recovery.

The laser preserves the shape of your gums, and because LANAP promotes regeneration, you are more likely to see your gums regrow than recede.

Are You Looking for LANAP in Sydney?

If your gum disease has progressed past the point of traditional deep cleaning, laser treatment is a fantastic treatment option. To learn more about gum disease treatments, including options like LANAP, please call

(02) 4655-3705 or email reception@camdendental.com.au today for an appointment.