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Laser Periodontal Treatment (LANAP)
Diseased gum tissue is effectively removed using a new attachment on a PerioLase laser, a procedure known as Laser Periodontal Treatment, which stimulates healing and prevents recurring gum disease.
Our office was the first Memphis periodontal practice to offer Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) for periodontal patients. This unique procedure allows Dr. Craddock and Dr. Godat to provide effective treatment for advanced gum disease without the need for traditional gum surgery.
What is Laser Periodontal Treatment?
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) utilizes a PerioLase Laser to gently and effectively remove diseased gum tissue, stimulate underlying bone to regrow itself, and help reduce the depth of gum pockets around each tooth. This tool is the only laser FDA approved to treat gum disease.
Benefits of Laser Periodontal Treatment
Laser Periodontal Treatment has fewer side effects than conventional periodontal surgery. It lowers the amount of gum tissue loss, minimizes root exposure, and significantly reduces gum sensitivity after the procedure. The laser effectively removes infected tissue, with minimal bleeding and without the need for bone grafting or gum grafting.
Bone in the jaw will be stimulated to start regrowing itself, providing a more stable foundation for teeth in danger of becoming loose or falling out. Healthy bone can also be utilized as an anchor point for dental implants.
The gum tissue that remains will adhere more closely to the tooth, reducing the depth of gum pockets that provide a hiding place for bacteria. Reducing these pockets makes it easier to keep your mouth healthy with daily brushing and flossing, and helps prevent bacteria from regaining a foothold.
Am I a Candidate for Laser Periodontal Treatment?
If your gum disease has progressed to the stage where gum tissue is infected, gum pockets are extremely deep, or the underlying bone in your jaw is being destroyed, Laser Periodontal Treatment can help restore health and aid in the prevention of recurring gum disease.
Is Laser Periodontal Treatment Uncomfortable?
We offer a variety of options for our patients to choose form while undergoing the Laser Periodontal Treatment process. Some patient report having only a little discomfort, while others experience more discomfort. For many patients, anxiety is the main challenge for periodontal work. For others, having to keep their mouth open for a long period of time is the main objection.
If needed, sedation dentistry can be used to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your Laser Periodontal Treatment procedure. If there is extensive work to be done, your Memphis periodontist may split the procedure into two shorter visits.
After Laser Periodontal Treatment
Two to three weeks after your Laser Periodontal Treatment procedure, you will have a follow-up appointment to check your healing and review oral hygiene. At both the three-month and six-month points after treatment, you will have a periodontal cleaning appointment. Nine months after treatment, you will have another periodontal cleaning, and a Periodic Oral Evaluation (POE) to evaluate the results of your treatment.
Depending on your specific treatment results and your individual risk factors for recurrence of periodontal disease, we will set up a cleaning schedule for you that will include periodontal maintenance three to four times a year. You may be able to alternate visits with our office and your general dentist.
We may also recommend bite therapy to help support healthy occlusion and reduce stress on the bone of your jaw and your gums.
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) Examples
(1) Laser Periodontal Treatment with Orthodontic Treatment to Save Front Teeth & Improve Smile
(2) Laser Periodontal Treatment to Save Lower Front Teeth
LAPIP To Save Dental Implants
In the very rare event that a dental implant starts to fail, a modification of the Laser Periodontal Treatment procedure can be used to treat infections around implants (Peri-Implantitis). This procedure is called LAPIP (Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure). Just like Laser Periodontal Treatment, LAPIP targets removing the infection and helps to regrow bone.
Contact us today for a consultation and find out if Laser Periodontal Treatment is right for you.
Laser Periodontal Treatment PRESENTATION
To provide you with a better understanding of Laser Periodontal Treatment, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to Laser Periodontal Treatment are discussed.