If you have been diagnosed with gum disease and need surgery, you may be a good candidate for laser treatment for gum disease with the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®).
Unlike traditional gum surgery, there are no scalpels and incisions involved and the laser targets only the diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue untouched. With traditional surgery, the gum tissue must be cut away and can result in gum recession. At Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we recommend a minimally-invasive laser treatment for gum disease that provides a more comfortable experience for the patient and has fewer risks than traditional surgery.
LANAP® does not require making any incisions or using sutures, and results in very little or no gum recession. Patients are comfortable throughout this procedure, and enjoy faster healing and recovery times than traditional surgery.
Key Differences between Traditional Gum Surgery and LANAP®
Pain
Traditional gum surgery can be quite painful and typically requires pain medication and some downtime. Laser treatment for gum disease offers less discomfort and patients can return to their regular activities the very same day.
Gum Recession
Traditional gum surgery techniques require using a blade to cut away up to 4mm of gum tissue in order to get below the gum line. LANAP® is much less invasive and since it is a targeted laser treatment, results in little or no recession of the gum line.
Healing Time
The healing and recovery time for LANAP® is faster than traditional gum surgery because it is a less invasive procedure. The laser works by killing the bacteria in the pockets, which in turn reduces inflammation of the gums and keeps healthy tissue intact.
Long-Term Results
While both types of procedures deliver fantastic results, LANAP® offers the advantage of more predictable outcomes with the benefit of bone regeneration and connective tissue reattachment. Laser treatment for gum disease stimulates the bone surrounding the tooth and in turn promotes bone regeneration. This can save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Over time, the effects of periodontal disease can be completely reversed as the tissues heal completely and bone is regenerated.
Looking for a laser gum surgery alternative in Orlando, FL? Call Dr. Horvat, and Dr. Cohen and the team at Periodontics & Implant Dentistry for more information about laser treatment for gum disease and other periodontal procedures.