January 30, 2023
Over 50% of adults have gum disease, which is linked to several health problems, but only a small percentage get the treatment they need. Traditional treatment options involve cutting the gum tissue or extracting the teeth, but LANAP is a minimally invasive, laser-based treatment that results in less pain and discomfort during and after the procedure. This patient-friendly approach ensures you can get back to a healthy, confident smile without fear.
It’s not just about your teeth anymore—gum disease has been linked to numerous health problems, with new studies emerging all the time linking oral and overall health. Don't let gum disease hold you back any longer; choose the LANAP protocol for a comfortable and beautiful smile.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gums caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth. It can range from mild gingivitis, which causes redness and swelling of the gums, to more severe periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, but other factors such as smoking, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk. Regular dental care and proper oral hygiene are essential for preventing and managing gum disease.
Well known risk factors for periodontitis include genetics, stress, avoiding the dentist, no brushing or flossing, and some medical conditions. Smokers are significantly more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.
Minimally invasive and allows the body to recover and heal faster
Patients report less discomfort during and after surgery
Laser light energy eliminates the bacteria that cause gum disease
No gum cutting equals less risk of recession
PerioLase® MVP-7™ targets inflammatory bacteria without injuring healthy tissue
Patients can sometimes keep their natural teeth, which is linked to a longer lifespan, even when the teeth have been deemed ‘hopeless’ with traditional treatments
Safe for patients with diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Plavix or aspirin
Most patients need just one appointment
Patients report more comfortable healing than other surgical options
Kills bacteria without harming healthy tissue
For a confident smile
No foreign materials or growth factors used
Safe for those on blood thinners or with diabetes
Leads to less recession
LANAP periodontal surgery is a full-mouth procedure usually completed in two 2-hour visits. We complete one side of the mouth during the first visit, and complete the other side on the second visit. Surgeries are usually scheduled within one week of one another. It is common to quickly return to work or other activities.
You may experience mild aching, throbbing, and soreness of the treated areas for the first couple days—this can be helped with mild pain medications. The tissue around the teeth may appear discolored. Your bite may feel slightly different, but the teeth will adapt. You cannot brush or floss for the first 7-10 days after treatment, and you will need to follow a liquid or mushy diet. Smoking decreases results for all gum treatments, including LANAP.
As the gums heal, the teeth will shift, and your bite will need to be adjusted several times over the coming months. Splints may be fabricated to stabilize and immobilize the teeth. It is important that you wear these splints as instructed to promote healing. Expect to have your teeth professionally cleaned every three months for at least the first year, and then as recommended by your dentist.
Patients with moderate-to-severe gum disease can especially benefit from the LANAP protocol. The LANAP protocol is also an excellent treatment option for patients who are fearful of conventional scalpel surgery and patients taking certain medications, such as blood thinners. With the LANAP protocol, patients do not have to stop taking any medications.
The health risks of gum disease go far beyond the loss of teeth. There is a connection between gum disease and a number of serious medical conditions. People with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease, and have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack. Gum disease has also been linked to other health problems, including respiratory disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, HPV, and pregnancy complications.
Yes! Using the PerioLaseMVP-7, we can often save ailing or failing implants in a similar manner using the LAPIP™ protocol. We use the same laser, but different laser settings and light exposure that will help your implant stabilize while destroying periodontal pathogens and endotoxins.
Peri-implantitis is an infection occurring around a dental implant. Gums may be red, inflamed, or receding. This infection causes bone loss and eventual loss of the implant itself.
Both are an infection around the implant; peri-mucositis is the early stages of the infection and does not involve bone loss. Peri-implantitis is the progression of the infection that includes bone loss.
If you choose not to treat the infection around your implant, it will continue to progress and destroy the bone. The implant will become loose and may actually fall out; the infection can spread to the teeth around the implant.
Justas there are many causes of gum disease, there are many causes of peri-implant infections, including poor oral care and grinding your teeth. Risk factors include medical issues such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and a poor immune system. Smokers and patients with an initial diagnosis of gum disease are at higher risk of implant loss.