Should You Get LANAP® or Traditional Gum Surgery?

Healthy gums are a supportive foundation for your jawbone and teeth. Gum disease can result in bone or tooth loss as it pulls gums away from the teeth. It develops when calculus and plaque comprising of bacteria build up along your gumline. Lack of proper dental and oral hygiene causes the bacteria to damage and eat away your gums, teeth, and jawbone.

Gum disease that remains untreated advances to periodontitis. Periodontitis pulls away gums from the teeth and forms pockets. The spaces get infected and cause severe oral and dental health problems.

LANAP® and traditional gum surgery are two effective methods for treating gum disease. But knowing the better treatment between the two is ideal.

What Is LANAP?

LANAP is among the latest dentistry innovations that regenerate the bone and heal gum tissue. LANAP or laser-assisted new attachment procedure is FDA-approved. The laser works to remove bacteria and tissue in the gum area. After the gum pockets get cleaned, the laser compresses the gum tissue that remains. Your doctor will then use a fibrin clot to seal the space. No glue or sutures are necessary for the sealing.

Traditional Gum Surgery

Most dental offices still use traditional gum surgery as it has been a popular treatment for decades. It involves patients undergoing conventional surgery. They get anesthesia, and their gums get cut open, cleaned, and stitched up.

Pain

Most patients who go through traditional gum surgery say the procedure is painful. It involves cutting and suturing the gums, thus having discomfort levels. However, LANAP has minimal discomfort. Most of its patients do not need pain medication after treatment. They resume their usual routines on the same day.

Gum Recession

Traditional gum surgery can lead to a massive gum recession. In severe periodontitis, the recession can get to 15 mm. Convectional surgical treatment cuts down the gumline and removes all the healthy tissue.

Excessive gum recession exposes the tooth root. It increases tooth sensitivity and further infection problems. LANAP is less invasive than traditional gum surgery. It is more selective with the tissue it removes to heal gum disease. Its results show no significant gum recession.

Healing Time

Traditional gum surgery requires healing time. LANAP patients can resume their usual activities on the same day after their treatment. Laser results are generally faster. It targets particular tissue only and eliminates infection and disease. With traditional gum surgery, healing can take a couple of weeks. You may also experience discomfort for the first days after your procedure.

Results

Both LANAP and traditional gum surgery give long-lasting results. However, this depends on how patients take care of their gums and teeth. You can maintain your results by visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and taking good care of your teeth while at home.

LANAP offers better results compared to traditional gum surgery. It promotes regeneration and stimulates the tooth root surface, and your gums attach to your teeth.

Deciding Between LANAP and Traditional Gum Surgery

LANAP and traditional gum surgery are effective treatment methods for gum disease. Your dentist can advise the appropriate treatment depending on your situation, goals, and comfort level. They will help you understand your options and the difference between the two treatments. After knowing all that, you can decide what is best for your health.

For more about LANAP and traditional gum surgery, call Implant Dentistry Periodontics & Facial Rejuvenation in Florida. Call 813.517.0100 for our office in Tampa or Wesley Chapel at 813.973.7770.