Benefits of LANAP Over Traditional Gum Surgery
March 15, 2012
Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LANAP) involves the use of advanced laser technology for the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. When the infection of the gums and the underlying bone have progressed to a certain level, traditional methods of non-surgical therapy are no longer effective. Deep cleanings, scaling and root planning, and even antibiotics are sometimes no match for an acute infection.
Historically, your periodontist may have used traditional surgical techniques to remove diseased gum tissue and restore periodontal (gum) health. Today, lasers can be used to produce greater results in a less invasive manner. With the precision of lasers, your periodontist can target only the diseased gum tissue while preserving the neighboring, healthy tissue.
Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LANAP) involves the use of advanced laser technology for the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease.
By protecting as much healthy gum tissue as possible, your periodontist is also better able to preserve your tooth structure and underlying bone. This is an important consideration since research has shown that it is possible for the gum tissue to regenerate after laser surgery. Studies have shown that the gum tissue can actually begin to reattach to the teeth and bone following the LANAP procedure, a phenomenon that has never been observed with traditional surgical methods.
Typically, patients enjoy a greater degree of comfort during the LANAP procedure. The most notable differences between the laser procedure and traditional surgery is the degree of bleeding. Laser surgery promotes significantly less bleeding due to the ability for greater precision and the conservation of the gum tissue. In fact, the actual length of the procedure is also much shorter as well.
The LANAP procedure is safe for virtually every patient, with no complications due to health conditions or medications. As an added benefit, the recovery period is remarkably faster and more comfortable. This is related to a decrease in inflammation and bacteria, and the presence of healthy gum tissue.
Your periodontist will often recommend surgical procedures when all other options have been explored. It is encouraging to know that, when surgery is the only alternative, the LANAP procedure can make your treatment as pleasurable as possible.
Call the office of Dr. Colin Richman, serving Alpharetta GA, to discuss your options for laser periodontal (gum) surgery.
