Should I Get LANAP Laser Treatment for My Gum Disease?

Overview of LANAP Laser Surgery

The LANAP protocol is a great alternative for most patients with gum disease. LANAP is considered an effective attachment procedure that promotes the regeneration of healthy gum tissue while minimizing patient discomfort and recovery time. This procedure uses a special PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser to treat the gums without needing to make an incision. The laser targets the infection without affecting surrounding healthy gums and cleans pockets of tartar and plaque. Then the laser is used to close the pocket without requiring stitches or glue.

Can all Dentists Perform the LANAP Protocol?

Only dentists and periodontists trained in it can offer this treatment. To be certified to perform the LANAP protocol, dentists have to go through comprehensive training at the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry. The office also needs to have the correct equipment, including the PerioLase MVP-7 laser.

Dr. Chin at Casas Adobes Dentistry is one of the few Board-Certified LANAP protocol providers in the Tucson area. Dr. Chin received his Fellowship from the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry

Who Qualifies for LANAP Surgery?

The technique is designed specifically to help patients with moderate or severe gum disease. However, LANAP may not be suitable for patients with advanced periodontal disease, where more invasive treatments like flap surgery might be necessary. Patients who only have minor gum disease may not need surgery at all and can look into nonsurgical treatments such as root planing and scaling. Candidates for LANAP should have pockets at least 5mm deep. Patients can learn if this treatment is the best option by consulting with the dentist after X-rays have been taken.

Traditional Gum Surgery for Periodontal Disease

Overview of Traditional Treatment

Traditional treatment for gum disease often involves surgical procedures aimed at repairing damaged gums and bone. This typically includes cutting and flapping back the gums to access the affected areas. The dentist or periodontist then removes the infected tissue and bone, replacing it with healthy tissue and bone. After the procedure, the gums are sutured back into place.

While traditional gum surgery can be effective, it is often associated with significant pain and a lengthy recovery period. The procedure can also be costly and may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. In some cases, traditional gum surgery may not fully resolve the gum disease, necessitating further treatment. As a less invasive and more effective alternative, LANAP laser treatment offers a promising option for those seeking to treat gum disease with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Pros and Cons of LANAP

There are several pros and cons of laser surgery that patients should consider before choosing this treatment type for gum disease.

The laser treatment specifically targets infected gum tissue, promoting the healing of the affected areas. This procedure not only removes diseased tissue but also encourages the regrowth of healthy gum tissue. Additionally, it is less invasive than traditional methods, resulting in less discomfort and a quicker recovery time. Maintaining proper oral hygiene post-procedure is crucial for ensuring the success of the treatment and preventing future gum disease.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. While LANAP is effective in treating periodontal disease, it may not be suitable for all patients, and traditional methods might still be necessary in some cases.

Benefits

In general, the LANAP protocol is a much more comfortable option for patients than general surgery. LANAP has been shown to be highly effective in treating gum disease, providing a less invasive alternative to traditional methods. Patients often experience minimal pain with the procedure and typically notice much less bleeding and swelling. While patients still need to be put under anesthesia for laser surgery, the recovery period is often less than 24 hours. Additionally, there is a smaller risk of infection and healthy gums should not be affected. Apart from being minimally invasive, the treatment also has the added benefit of being the only protocol thus far to be FDA cleared for true regeneration, which involves the redevelopment of deteriorated bones affected by gum disease

Disadvantages

There a few disadvantages patients should consider. Since not all dentists are certified to perform LANAP, it may be difficult to find a professional to perform the procedure. This treatment can be more expensive in situations where insurance does not provide coverage. Additionally, some individuals claim that there have not been enough studies on LANAP.

Conclusion

For patients with gum disease, LANAP can be an effective form of treatment. This is especially true for patients with deep gum pockets. While all individuals need to consider their particular circumstance, there are many benefits to laser surgery. A Board Certified LANAP protocol provider is near you in the Tucson area at Casas Adobes Dentistry. 

Are you considering LANAP in the Tucson area? Get more information at https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com.