Laser Periodontal Therapy (LANAP)

What is LANAP or Laser Periodontal Therapy?

The LANAP protocol, a laser periodontitis treatment, is the first and only specific periodontal protocol to receive FDA clearance for “true regeneration” and is the highest technology available for minimally invasive periodontal surgery. During surgery, the area is numbed just like a typical filling or crown procedure. A tiny laser fiber (about size of a thin mechanical pencil lead) is inserted between the tooth and the gum, and the infection and disease are cleared away without cutting the gums. The tooth roots are then thoroughly cleaned of tartar and plaque, and the laser is used again with a different setting to seal the gums back to the tooth using the patient’s own blood (like a paper cut). The surgeon and hygienist are able to treat the entire mouth in one session and patients are able to drive themselves back home following the procedure.

What makes Laser Periodontal Therapy different?

 

• Laser periodontal therapy can often treat even the worst periodontal infections, some of which may not be able to be treated by other therapies. Dr. Setter has successfully treated even the deepest pockets (12-14mm) using laser therapy. In addition, laser periodontal therapy can be used to treat a single tooth (or implant) or the entire mouth in one visit.

• There is significantly less post-operative discomfort after surgery. Most patients just taken over-the-counter medications (like Tylenol and Ibuprofen) for 1-3 days after surgery. There is also much less sensitivity after treatment and little to no gum recession. We encourage a soft diet after surgery to protect the area and maximize the healing.

• LANAP treatment uses natural healing. The true benefit of laser treatment is using stimulating the patient’s own body to start the healing process. No foreign materials or sutures are used in most cases, only the patient’s blood cells (similar to a paper cut).

• The end goal of laser treatment is to regrow the patient’s own tissue. Healing will result in new bone growth and healthy gum repair of the previously infected areas. We can truly “turn back the clock” on the disease and keep the teeth for many years.

Preventing Gum Disease

Once we have helped to clear the periodontal infection from your mouth, we will work diligently with you to help keep your mouth clean and healthy from that point on. The most important part of periodontal therapy is working hard to prevent the infection from setting back in. You can prevent gum disease by following the basic rules of a healthy mouth: avoid smoking, perform diligent hygiene at home, and visit the dentist as prescribed. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush at least twice each day, clean between the teeth each day, and visit your dentist every three months for bacteria control.

The best way to determine the ideal gum disease treatment for you is to contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive, no-obligation examination. Simply call us at 503-222-9961 or contact us using our convenient online form. We look forward to helping you have a happier, healthier smile!