Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious oral health condition. When left untreated, it can cause significant damage to your gums, bones, and teeth. Unfortunately, we often see patients delay gum disease treatment due to the fear of invasive surgery. Many find the idea of scalpel-based procedures intimidating. Traditional gum disease treatment involves incisions and stitches, which can lead to discomfort and a lengthy recovery period. Some patients try to resolve gum disease on their own by improving oral hygiene; however, once gum disease reaches the advanced stages of periodontitis, professional treatment is necessary to stop the issue from progressing.
The good news is that invasive surgery isn’t the only option for treating gum disease. Today, top periodontists offer a minimally invasive gum therapy that has fantastic results and makes treating gum disease easier and more comfortable.
Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is a FDA-approved popular alternative that uses a high-powered laser to target and eliminate infected diseased tissue and bacteria. It promotes tissue regrowth, quick healing, and great results. Best of all, patients find it much less intimidating.
If you’ve been delaying gum disease treatment due to fear, it’s time to learn about the benefits of laser periodontal treatment and take the first step toward restoring your oral health. Here are three things to know.
Laser Periodontal Treatment Is More Comfortable
If you’re delaying treatment due to fear of pain or discomfort, you should know that most patients agree that LANAP is significantly more comfortable than traditional gum surgery. During the procedure, a local anesthesia is used to numb the gums, so you might feel some pressure or a mild sensation, but it’s nothing compared to scalpel-based treatments.
After the procedure, you might also experience some mild discomfort — similar to what you’d feel after a dental deep cleaning. The pain should be mild and able to be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine.
Still nervous about seeking treatment? You can also ask your periodontist about sedation dentistry options.
Laser Periodontal Treatment Offers A Faster Recovery
One of the most difficult aspects of traditional scalpel surgeries is the lengthy recovery time. Patients experience discomfort during the healing process, which can take up to a month, and they have to stick to soft foods for several weeks.
On the other hand, LANAP offers a quicker and easier recovery period. Patients only need to stick to a soft food diet for a couple of days, and any discomfort should be limited to mild soreness. While lingering sensitivity might persist for several weeks, it’s nothing compared to the intensive healing process associated with surgery. Some top benefits of LANAP recovery include:
- No cutting or sutures, which means an easier healing process
- Less bleeding and swelling
- Minimal downtime — you can return to normal activities within a day or two
- Reduced risk of infection
If you’re delaying gum disease treatment because you don’t want to experience a lengthy recovery, LANAP might be the right choice for you.
Laser Periodontal Treatment Is Highly Effective
Over the years, numerous studies have proven that LANAP is an effective treatment for moderate to severe gum disease. One of the best parts about this procedure is its ability to promote the regeneration of gum tissue and encourage the reattachment of gum to teeth. LANAP also significantly reduces pocket depth, which is important because this is where harmful bacteria are most likely to collect. In some cases, LANAP is even thought to help stimulate bone regrowth, which is highly beneficial for patients suffering from bone loss due to tooth loss. Because it’s highly effective, it also leads to higher rates of long-term tooth retention.
If you’re noticing signs of gum disease, such as sensitivity or inflammation, it’s important to seek professional gum treatment as soon as possible. Invasive scalpel surgery isn’t the only option. Laser periodontal treatment is a comfortable, convenient, and highly effective way to treat gum disease.
Choose Ormond Beach Periodontics For Gum Disease Laser Therapy
For LANAP, Ormond Beach residents trust the most – choose Ormond Beach Periodontics for treatment. Dr. Beauchamp is licensed and trained to perform LANAP and has helped many patients restore their oral health with this groundbreaking procedure. Our comfortable office atmosphere, friendly staff, and investments in dental technology go a long way toward creating a great experience for our patients. Schedule your consultation today.