Am I a Candidate for LANAP® Laser Treatment?

Periodontal disease and gingivitis occur when bacteria in the mouth cause inflammation in the gum tissue. Subsequently, gingival pockets form as the gums pull away from the teeth. In severe circumstances, the infection can seep into your bloodstream.

 

This can cause system-wide inflammation. Fortunately, there is a solution for this condition. LANAP® is a non-invasive treatment that promotes healing by targeting gingival pockets.

 

What Is LANAP?

Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) is a treatment that uses a light laser. The laser targets the infected tissue, leaving healthy tissue untouched. During the procedure, your surgical doctor will clean the affected area by inserting a small laser probe into the gingival pocket. This promotes healing and clears gingivitis. It is effective, fast, and has a simple recovery.

 

Are You a Good Candidate for LANAP?

Since the procedure is non-invasive, more people qualify as candidates for LANAP than other conventional procedures. This includes candidates who might be pregnant or diabetic. You are a candidate for LANAP if you experience the following symptoms of severe gum disease:

 

• Loose gums and teeth
   

• Excessive bleeding of gums
   

• Pain when brushing
   

• Swollen or red gums
   

• If you have gingival pockets at least five millimeters deep between the teeth and gum

You may also be a candidate for LANAP if you are considering periodontal surgery. In any case, the best way to tell if you are a candidate for LANAP is by going for a dental checkup.

 

Gum Disease

Here is a look at the different stages of gum disease to know if you are a candidate for LANAP.

 

Healthy Gums and Teeth

Healthy teeth are often secure in the socket. They do not hurt and are well-held in place with healthy gums. You can have gingival pockets of up to three millimeters in depth. If they do not bleed, your dental health is okay, meaning you do not need LANAP.

 

Gingivitis

Reddened gums, bad breath, and bleeding when flossing are signs of gingivitis. Gingival pockets that are one to four millimeters deep can bleed when brushing. However, this can be easily reversed by using oral antibacterial mouthwash and observing oral hygiene.

 

Early Periodontal Disease

Untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease. At this point, the gingival pockets have depths of at least five millimeters. If this is the case, LANAP is an effective treatment. It can reverse the effects and promote healing of your gum tissue.

 

Moderate Periodontal Disease

At this stage, the gingival pockets measure between six to seven millimeters. You will experience gum recession, loosening teeth, and bad breath. Additionally, your gums may ooze and experience dental shifting. Fortunately, LANAP can stop moderate periodontal disease. This prevents your teeth from falling out or spreading the infection to other body parts.

 

Advanced Periodontal Disease

Amazingly, LANAP can also help people with advanced periodontal disease. At this stage, patients experience pain while chewing, bone loss, and extremely bad breath. Most of them have missing teeth and bacteria that freely enter the bloodstream. To treat advanced periodontal disease, specialists combine bone grafting, dental implants, LANAP, and other restorative treatments.


 

For more about LANAP laser treatment, contact Implant Dentistry Periodontics & Facial Rejuvenation at our office in Tampa or Wesley Chapel, Florida. You can call 813.517.0100 or 813.973.7770​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.