Learn How State-of-the-Art LANAP Laser Technology Can Remedy Gum Recession

Gum disease is one of the most commonly overlooked oral health problems. For example, 47.2% of adults 30 years of age and older have some form of gum disease. And the problem increases as you age. In fact, 70.1% of individuals 65 and older have it.

One of the side effects that gum disease causes is gum recession. This is when your gums pull away from your teeth, allowing the tooth root to become exposed to bacteria. Surgery has often been a necessary treatment for this issue, but it’s no longer the only option. 

At Ueno Center Dental Specialists, we offer the revolutionary option of LANAP®, also known as LAR (or laser assisted regeneration), for gum recession. 

Jeremy K. Ueno, DMD, our founder, and our other providers believe in the benefits of this option over traditional surgery (where applicable) and offer this state-of-the-art technology to patients looking for help with gum recession.

Why gums recede and what to do if you notice it

Your gums might recede for many reasons. For some people, brushing too hard or aggressively can cause your gumline to diminish, pulling it away from your teeth. 

For others, smoking can create an increased risk of gum disease, which can lead to gum recession. Finally, some people have a genetic predisposition for receding gums. 

It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Pain and discomfort around the gumline as well as sensitivity to heat, cold, brushing, and dental treatments are all signs of receding gums. 

You might not necessarily have gingivitis or the more severe, late-stage form of gum disease, periodontitis, just because your gums are receding. But this issue is so closely linked with gum disease that you should get checked for this problem as soon as you can. 

LANAP vs. surgery 

If you do have receding gums, it’s time to seek treatment. For many years, surgery was the option for severe gum recession. 

Traditional surgery entails peeling back the gumline with a scalpel and suturing the gums to minimize the depth of the pocket in the gumline. Then, as necessary, bone or tissue is grafted onto this area. 

LANAP is minimally invasive, as it uses laser technology to remove diseased tissue. In addition, LANAP is less painful, requires less recovery time, and creates better long-term results.

How LANAP laser technology helps with gum recession 

Both versions of treatment benefit individuals with gum disease and recession. But LANAP’s cutting edge technology can actually help remedy gum recession in ways traditional surgery can’t.

When traditional surgery is used to treat gum recession and disease, the tissue must be cut down to minimize the depth of the pocket in the gumline. As such, many people notice an increased recession in their gumline after surgery. 

With the LANAP laser, we can avoid removing healthy tissue, so receding gums are less noticeable. 

In addition, the laser itself helps promote regenerative aspects post-surgery as well as attachment. In other words, we can save teeth that might not have been saved in the past and protect gum tissue that might have been destroyed. 

Do you want to find out if you’re a good candidate for LANAP laser technology? Simply call and make an appointment to visit our Campbell, California, office. We’re always ready to help.