LANAP is a cutting-edge laser gum disease treatment technique. It stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. Unlike many other surgical treatments for gum disease, LANAP focuses on true regeneration, eliminating the need for grafts or implants in most patients.

The primary issue many patients with gum disease face is the loss of bone and tissue. Most treatments only focus on stopping the disease and removing decayed bone and tissue. But LANAP does both while also stimulating regeneration.

Premier Dental Care is proud to offer this state-of-the-art procedure at our office.

An alarming number of adults have gum disease at varying stages of severity. Since the disease usually isn’t painful, many people don’t even notice they have it. When they are diagnosed, many are also reluctant to get treatment, especially if it requires surgical intervention.

LANAP is not only a far more effective treatment than most, it is also simpler and less painful than many other procedures. Using a laser makes the surgery extremely precise, meaning less of the tissue surrounding the treatment area is disturbed. This promotes better and faster healing as well as less post-surgical pain. The procedure also is usually completed in only two sessions, far less than would be required for traditional treatment.

So if you’re someone who knows you need help managing gum disease but are nervous about surgery, LANAP is a great option.

The LANAP procedure is actually quite simple. A very small laser fiber is used to remove the decayed tissue surrounding the tooth in the “pocket” between the tooth and gum. The root of the tooth is then cleaned using traditional scaling methods. Once the disease has been cleared away, the laser is then used at the base of the pocket to create controlled bleeding. The laser makes the blood stickier than normal, creating a clot that acts as a natural seal around the tooth.

The procedure takes two sessions as the dentist will do half of the mouth each session, leaving some time for the patient to heal between sessions. LANAP is done in-office and because it only uses local anesthetic, most patients can drive themselves to and from the office for the procedure.

After LANAP, you will probably feel some minor soreness for a few days. This is perfectly normal and can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers. You may also be asked to wear splints to keep your teeth from moving. It is important to wear these splints as directed.

Stick to soft foods and avoid tobacco products. You will not be able to brush or floss for a week or two after surgery. But once your mouth has healed and your bone and tissue have begun to regenerate, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to avoid developing gum disease again.