LANAP Laser DentistryThe LANAP LaserLANAP, which stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, uses a laser to perform periodontal surgery once only reserved for a scalpel. Developed by Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., LANAP surgery is successful in treating gum disease with minimal trauma to the mouth. Traditional gum surgery uses a scalpel to decrease pocket depth and remove the infection - and unfortunately, some healthy tissue is destroyed in the process. Stitches are then placed to reattach the gums to the bone and assist in healing. The LANAP laser removes the infection from beneath the gum line without compromising healthy gum tissue. LANAP is considered a regenerative procedure: Tissue is not reduced and bone is actually regenerated. The LANAP laser recognizes pigmentation, only destroying bacteria and infected gum tissue, which are darker in color than healthy gums. The LANAP procedure also helps connective tissue and bone form between your teeth and gums, which could help minimize the chance of the infection returning. The LANAP Procedure MachineThe Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure consists of several simple steps: LANAP Preparation - First, your dentist may take X-rays or probe the area to determine the depth of your pockets and the extent of the infection. LANAP Procedure - Once you are numb, the LANAP laser is inserted between your teeth and gums to remove infected tissue and bacteria. The LANAP laser is extremely tiny (about the thickness of three hairs), designed to fit easily between your gums and teeth. Post-LANAP Surgery - Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, the heat from the LANAP laser seals the gums to form a blood clot. This helps block bacteria from re-entering and re-infecting the area. The LANAP procedure usually consists of two 2-hour sessions and two follow-up visits. You can compare LANAP to traditional surgery, which usually takes four surgical procedures and several follow-up visits to remove stitches. Why LANAPLANAP was designed to meet the growing need for pain-free dentistry. With LANAP, there are no scalpels or sutures and healing time is greatly reduced. The patient feels little to no discomfort during and after the LANAP procedure, which could reduce the need for post-operative prescription medications. Recovery from LANAP surgery often takes less than a day rather than the two to four weeks required for traditional surgery; many patients are able to return to work soon afterwards. Your dentist may also recommend that you follow a soft food or liquid diet for one to two days, as opposed to several weeks following gum surgery. Other benefits of using the LANAP laser include:
How effective is LANAP laser dentistry?The LANAP procedure provides long-lasting results. Up to 98% of treated patients remain stable after five years. Only 5% of those treated with conventional gum surgery report such results. If gum disease threatens your teeth, call us to learn how LANAP laser dentistry can help. You can set up an appointment at that time or use this website to schedule your appointment. One Final Note on LANAPThe LANAP laser has not entirely eliminated the use of the scalpel. You may still need traditional gum surgery for some procedures. And while LANAP surgery may reduce your progression of gum disease, you still have to practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental visits to help maintain your results. |
Encinitas Periodontics & Dental Implants
Dr. Bembey and Dr. Yokoyama 477 North El Camino Real #C-306 Encinitas, CA 92024 Phone: 760-632-9055 Fax: 760-943-0500 Hours:
Monday: 8am - 5pm Tuesday: 8am - 5pm Wednesday: 8am - 5pm Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday: Call hours 8am - 12pm* *Treatment by appointment only |