/sc-assets/prd/practices/e139288e-9f3a-457f-a85f-a3527eaed581/AdobeStock_193307850.jpg)
Laser Gum Surgery LANAP vs Traditional Gum SurgerY
For patients in need of periodontal surgery, the choice between traditional and laser treatments is important. To select the best option for you, it is critical that you understand the key differences between traditional and LANAP® procedures.
In traditional surgery, your doctor uses a scalpel to peels back gum tissue for better visibility and access to the periodontal pocket. Your doctor will then cut down and suture the gums to decrease pocket depth; this is what causes the aesthetic alteration of your gum line. Once the pockets have been cut down, bone or tissue grafting may be used to reattach the gum to the tooth’s root surface.
While some severe cases of periodontitis necessitate traditional surgery, LANAP® is generally a viable alternative for most patients. LANAP® does not require scalpel or sutures, making it minimally invasive with little pain or discomfort. Because LANAP® does not require the cutting of gums to decrease pocket depth, there is little to no gum line recession, nor aesthetic alteration of your smile. The laser is able to distinguish between diseased and healthy tissue, leaving healthy tissue unaffected; this makes the procedure exceptionally selective and safe. The laser removes diseased tissue and kills living bacteria without compromising healthy gum, tooth, and bone tissue.
Key Differences between Traditional Gum Surgery and LANAP®
Pain– Traditional surgery can be painful as it requires cutting and suturing of the gums. Post-operative pain medication is usually prescribed and rest time is needed as part of recovery. Many patients opt to have damaged teeth extracted to avoid the discomfort of dental surgery. LANAP® protocol causes considerably less discomfort and rarely requires post-operative pain medication. There is also minimal recovery time needed, allowing patients to return to their daily routine almost immediately. Most people typically go back to work on the same day or the next day!
Recession– Traditional periodontal surgery requires that the gum line be cut down to decrease pocket depth. The recessed gum line exposes tooth roots, which can be particularly sensitive to hot and cold, causing the patient discomfort while eating or drinking. LANAP® is less invasive and more selective. The laser removes only damaged tissue and does not impact nearby healthy gum and bone, resulting in no significant gum line recession. This preserves the natural appearance of the patient’s smile.
Healing Time– LANAP® does not require surgical cutting and sutures and is selective in the tissue it removes, allowing for rapid healing. The laser kills the bacteria and reduces inflammation, preserving and supporting healthier tissue.
Long-term results– LANAP® protocol results are much more predictable in terms of bone regeneration and tissue attachment. The Perio-Lase® MVP-7™ stimulates the root surface, promoting regeneration and attachment. Teeth otherwise considered hopeless can be saved, restoring and functionality. Patients show further improvement after the LANAP® protocol as regeneration and reattachment continue after the procedure is complete for up to 1-2 years!
Cutting-edge science is constantly evolving and refining dental technology. We, as LANAP® Certified dentists, have made the commitment to stay abreast of the latest advances and provide our patients the best possible treatment options, meeting the highest standards of care.
Laser treatment is a fantastic option for many patients; however it may not be suited to all cases. Please call us to schedule a consultation and find out if LANAP® could be the solution to achieving optimal periodontal health!
/sc-assets/prd/practices/e139288e-9f3a-457f-a85f-a3527eaed581/Screenshot 2023-07-07 at 40753 PM-1688771400923.png)
What is LANAP®?
Right now there are millions of Americans living with gum disease; however, only a small percentage of this number will seek professional treatment. Research has linked gum disease to a variety of health complications including diabetes, heart disease, pancreatic cancer, and pre-term/low birth weight babies. While gum disease may seem like an inconvenience or irritation in its early stages, it is a significant health risk that should be taken seriously.
Until recently, treatments for gum disease have been invasive and painful. Proper treatment meant either dental surgery to cut and remove affected gums, or extracting teeth and replacing them with dentures or dental implants. Recent advances in dental technology have provided a more precise alternative with the PerioLase® MVP-7™ and the LANAP® protocol (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure).
The LANAP® procedure utilizes the highly specialized PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser to provide a less invasive, more acute treatment to gum disease. The protocol targets and kills the bacteria that cause gum disease, removes damaged gum tissue, and reattaches healthy tissue back to a tooth’s root surface. LANAP® treats gum disease without the pain, gum line recession, and increased sensitivity traditionally associated with periodontal treatments. Additionally, LANAP® offers more predictable long-term results.
LANAP® is the first and only FDA cleared laser protocol on the market. Its effectiveness is backed by both domestic and international studies. LANAP® can save teeth that otherwise require extraction by promoting bone regeneration around the tooth. LANAP® saves teeth, reduces pocket depth, and regenerates bone growth to achieve optimum periodontal health.
Key Differences between Traditional Gum Surgery and LANAP®
Pain– Traditional surgery can be painful as it requires cutting and suturing of the gums. Post-operative pain medication is usually prescribed and rest time is needed as part of recovery. Many patients opt to have damaged teeth extracted to avoid the discomfort of dental surgery. LANAP® protocol causes considerably less discomfort and rarely requires post-operative pain medication. There is also minimal recovery time needed, allowing patients to return to their daily routine almost immediately. Most people typically go back to work on the same day or the next day!
Recession– Traditional periodontal surgery requires that the gum line be cut down to decrease pocket depth. The recessed gum line exposes tooth roots, which can be particularly sensitive to hot and cold, causing the patient discomfort while eating or drinking. LANAP® is less invasive and more selective. The laser removes only damaged tissue and does not impact nearby healthy gum and bone, resulting in no significant gum line recession. This preserves the natural appearance of the patient’s smile.
Healing Time– LANAP® does not require surgical cutting and sutures and is selective in the tissue it removes, allowing for rapid healing. The laser kills the bacteria and reduces inflammation, preserving and supporting healthier tissue.
Long-term results– LANAP® protocol results are much more predictable in terms of bone regeneration and tissue attachment. The Perio-Lase® MVP-7™ stimulates the root surface, promoting regeneration and attachment. Teeth otherwise considered hopeless can be saved, restoring and functionality. Patients show further improvement after the LANAP® protocol as regeneration and reattachment continue after the procedure is complete for up to 1-2 years!
Cutting-edge science is constantly evolving and refining dental technology. We, as LANAP® Certified dentists, have made the commitment to stay abreast of the latest advances and provide our patients the best possible treatment options, meeting the highest standards of care.
Laser treatment is a fantastic option for many patients; however it may not be suited to all cases. Please call us to schedule a consultation and find out if LANAP® could be the solution to achieving optimal periodontal health!
/sc-assets/prd/practices/e139288e-9f3a-457f-a85f-a3527eaed581/Screenshot 2023-07-07 at 4.14.14 PM.png)
BEWARE of Phony Laser Treatments
Remember, LANAP® is the only FDA cleared protocol for periodontitis and is the only laser treatment supported by scientific research and patient histological studies. Protect yourself from false treatments and ensure your clinician is LANAP® Certified and using the PerioLase® MVP-7™.
Benefits of LANAP®
Faster Healing: LANAP® is minimally invasive, allowing the body to recover and heal more quickly.
Less Discomfort: The PerioLase® MVP-7™ incites biostimulation in the treated areas, expediting healing and making the need for post-operative pain medication rare.
Minimal Recovery Time: Most patients can immediately return to their daily routine.
Little to No Gum Recession: Because the procedure only removes damaged tissue, gum line recession is minimal. This maintains the aesthetic appearance of smile.
Reduces Gum Inflammation and Bleeding: LANAP® can remove up to 90% of oral inflammation after 1 visit. The PerioLase® MVP-7™ targets inflammatory bacteria without injuring health tissue.
Minimal Operative Bleeding: PerioLase® MVP-7™ controls bleeding during surgery through the formation of clots, minimizing risk of bleeding and complications.
Saves Teeth: Patients can keep natural teeth, sometimes even when deemed unsalvageable with traditional treatments.
Regenerates Bone: LANAP® is the only protocol that is scientifically proven to regenerate bone tissue around teeth.
Safety: LANAP® has zero contraindications, meaning it does not interfere with any other diseases or medications.
How do lasers work in dentistry?
Lasers emit energy in the form of light. This energy is harnessed and manipulated in a variety of ways for different procedures. For surgical procedures, the laser acts as a cutting instrument or can vaporize tissue. When repairing a filling, the laser solidifies the bond between tooth and filling. In teeth whitening the laser acts as a catalyst on bleaching agents.
Is there any pain in laser treatment?
Laser treatments offer significantly less pain and discomfort than typically associated with traditional cut and suture dental surgery. Patients’ experiences little pain as the laser manipulates gums and removes bacteria and damaged tissue without invasive cutting. The laser targets only bacteria and disease tissue, so healthy tissue is unaffected and largely pain-free.
Is laser dentistry more expensive?
In most cases, laser dentistry is similar to the cost traditional surgery. Most doctors prefer laser surgery as it offers the patient a better experience. In some cases, laser dentistry is necessary for successful treatment. Additionally, laser dentistry has a higher long-term success rate, decreasing the likelihood of incurring additional costs from multiple treatments. Overall, the benefits far outweigh the costs.