Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health issue that affects millions all across the world. But as common as it may be, if left untreated, it can lead to some pretty serious and undesirable complications—even total tooth loss is a possibility! Fortunately, advancements in dental technology have led to the emergence of innovative treatments such as LANAP surgery, which offers an effective and minimally invasive solution for gum disease. Continue reading below to learn more about LANAP treatment, a few of its unique benefits, and what you can expect during and after the procedure.
What Is LANAP Surgery?
To put it simply, a LANAP procedure is a minimally invasive treatment that utilizes a special dental laser tool to target and eliminate infected gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue. “LANAP” itself stands for “Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure,” and it has become the standard among many dental professionals across the US. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP utilizes laser technology to create “true regeneration” of tissues lost from advanced gum disease.
What Are the Benefits of LANAP Treatment?
There are many significant benefits of LANAP surgery over conventional treatments. Here are just a few:
- Quicker recovery time – Patients can generally resume their normal daily routine within 24 hours; this is significantly faster than conventional treatment options, which can sometimes require weeks of healing.
- Less post-op pain – The procedure doesn’t require any cutting or stitching, which results in minimal bleeding and far less post-op pain or discomfort. In any case, efforts made by your dentist ensure the most comfortable experience possible from start to finish.
- No foreign materials used – This procedure stimulates your body to regenerate gum and bone tissue, meaning you don’t need any foreign growth catalysts.
- Minimal gum recession – Traditional surgery generally relies on cutting into the gums, which can sometimes cause them to shrink; however, LANAP does not cause this unpleasant side effect. The laser tool also speeds up the recovery time.
What Should I Expect During Treatment?
Receiving LANAP treatment is a relatively fast and straightforward process; the treatment is generally preceded by X-rays and a review of the patient’s oral health. A tiny laser fiber, roughly the size of a human hair, is carefully used to clear away infection without the need to cut into the gums. The dentist can then thoroughly clean the tooth roots to ensure all plaque and tartar are removed and unable to cause future problems. Finally, a different setting on the laser is used to create a regenerative blood clot that seals off the pocket. Typically, the treatment is split into two halves, with each session lasting about two hours.
LANAP surgery is a modern and effective treatment for gum disease that offers patients a minimally invasive alternative to traditional options. If you’re experiencing symptoms of disease, rest assured that it’s not something you must needlessly endure—LANAP surgery might be the solution you need to restore your gum health and preserve your beautiful smile.
About the Practice
The team at Brite Smiles has proudly served patients and families in the Des Plaines, IL community for several years, and they look forward to serving you and your loved ones next! They’re excited to offer LANAP surgery as a solution for those dealing with gum disease that threatens their smile’s well-being. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, you can contact them online or by phone for further information. Telephone: (847) 737-4718.
