If you’re suffering from gum disease, you’re not alone. Over half of adults have some form of periodontal disease, and the problem becomes increasingly common as we get older. Because traditional treatment is highly invasive, many patients procrastinate when it comes to treatment. Unfortunately, this often makes things worse. The longer you live with gum disease, the worse it is for your overall health.

The good news is that there are several ways to treat gum disease, and not all are highly invasive. Laser periodontal treatment, also known as LANAP, is a simple, effective treatment for gum disease that is much less painful.

Wondering if LANAP is right for you? We’ll thoroughly review the benefits of this innovative dental procedure to help you make the best decision for your oral health.

How Does Laser Periodontal Treatment Work?

LANAP is a minimally-invasive procedure for treating moderate to severe gum disease. One of the main differences between LANAP and flap surgery is that LANAP focuses on sterilizing and regenerating gum tissue rather than cutting it away.

During LANAP, a thin, high-powered laser is used to target and eliminate infected gum tissue. The laser is able to get rid of bacteria that have accumulated in periodontal pockets, and it’s able to effectively target diseased tissue because of its darker color.

After the first pass of the laser, your periodontist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove tartar under the gums. Then, the laser is applied again to promote blood clotting around the pockets. This part is important because it essentially seals the pockets, which prevents reinfection.

The use of a laser also stimulates the gums, which promotes the regrowth of healthy tissue.

Is Laser Periodontal Treatment Right For Me?

Most patients qualify for LANAP, but it’s essential that you review your medical history with your periodontist to make a determination. However, deciding if laser periodontal treatment is the best approach for treating your gum disease is something you will need to discuss with your periodontist. Here are some high-level guidelines to help you decide if LANAP is right for you:

• You have moderate to severe gum disease – This means severe swelling, bleeding, tooth loss, or periodontal pockets that exceed 5mm. If your gum disease is mild, there might be easier ways to treat it, such as a thorough cleaning.
• You’re nervous about traditional surgery – If the idea of invasive oral surgery (scalpels and stitches) makes you nervous, LANAP is a great option. Because it’s less painful and has a faster recovery, many patients choose this option over flap surgery when possible.
• Invasive surgery is risky for you – Some patients have health conditions that make surgery more of a risk than others. Elderly patients or those who suffer from diabetes or heart disease may find that LANAP is a better route.
• You need to minimize downtime – Whether it’s due to work, the need to care for family, or another personal reason, some patients can’t afford to take a lengthy recovery period. Patients recover from LANAP in a few days to a week, whereas flap surgery can take 2 or 3 weeks. Because LANAP sterilizes the gum tissue, there is little risk of reinfection or complications during recovery.

The Importance Of Oral Hygiene Following Laser Periodontal Treatment

Because LANAP relies on the regeneration of healthy gum tissue, your post-treatment oral hygiene significantly influences the results. For LANAP to be successful, regular brushing and flossing are absolutely critical. Patients who are unable to commit to good oral hygiene habits may end up needing invasive surgery to resolve their gum disease.

Dr. Beachamp Will Develop The Right Treatment Approach For You

LANAP is a popular method for treating gum disease, but there are many options available. When visiting Dr. Beauchamp at Ormond Beach Periodontics, you can be confident that he is creating a treatment plan that prioritizes both results and comfort.

Even if you don’t qualify for LANAP, Dr. Beauchamp will create a custom treatment plan that will help you overcome your gum disease as quickly as possible. Plus, we offer sedation dentistry options so you can feel comfortable during any procedure. Not only is Dr. Beauchamp one of Central Florida’s top periodontists, but we also offer one of the most comfortable office environments around.

Your oral health has a significant impact on your overall health, which is why Dr. Beauchamp recommends fast treatment for gum disease. Don’t delay treatment; schedule your appointment today.