Laser Treatment
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)
We are proud to be the first periodontal office in the MidSouth to offer this 
unique procedure. Rather than using conventional periodontal surgery, which results in more loss of gum tissue, more root exposure, and more root sensitivity, we can use the PerioLase Laser (Nd:YAG Laser). This laser has fewer side effects than conventional periodontal surgery (Osseous Surgery) and is the only FDA approved laser to treat gum disease (link to FDA approval).
We use the laser to remove the infection and help regrow the destroyed bone tissue. Regrowing the bone will help strengthen the teeth as well as reduce the pockets. Reducing the pockets will help keep your mouth healthy on a daily basis with proper daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing).
With conventional periodontal surgery, bone grafting and membranes are usually used and increase the cost of conventional periodontal surgery. With LANAP, these additional procedures are not typically necessary, thus the cost for LANAP is usually less than conventional periodontal surgery.
If needed sedation can be used to keep you comfortable and relaxed.
Advantages of Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP):
- Only FDA Approved Laser to Treat Gum Disease
- Only Laser Shown to Regrow Bone Around Teeth
- Like Lasiks (Laser Eye Surgery) just for the Mouth
- Less Gum Recession
- Less Root Sensitivity
- Less Discomfort
- Quicker Healing and Recovery
- Usually Less Expensive than Conventional Periodontal Surgery
Two to three weeks after LANAP, you will have a follow up to check your 
healing and review oral hygiene (link download for post-treatment instructions for LANAP). Two to three weeks later you will have a polish (prophy) visit and review oral hygiene. Three months after treatment you will have a periodontal cleaning. After three more months, you will have another periodontal cleaning and a Periodic Oral Evaluation (POE) to evaluate the results of your treatment. Depending on risk factors and treatment results, we will start a 3 to 4 month cleaning schedule. At this time, we may start an alternating recall schedule with your general dentist (link importance see your general dentist NOT SURE WHERE THIS IS)
An important adjunct to the above treatment is adjusting the bite. Adjusting the bite removes harmful biting stresses on the bone supporting the teeth and helps to distribute the biting stress over all the teeth in the mouth. If you clinch or grind your teeth, a night guard is also helpful. If this is necessary, a night guard should be fabricated after treatment.