How LANAP® Treats Gum Disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that almost half of American adults have gum disease. It is important to catch signs of this oral disease early to prevent more severe complications, such as loss of gum tissue, bone, or teeth. For those who are already in the advanced stages of periodontitis, Dr. Sanchez recommends LANAP surgery thanks to its multiple benefits.
The Stages and Symptoms of Gum Disease
One of the earliest phases of periodontal disease is gingivitis. The main symptom of gingivitis is inflamed gums, which might cause bleeding when you brush or floss. As gum disease progresses, you might also start to exhibit some of the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen gums
- Tender and painful gums
- Pus between the teeth and gum tissue
- Loose teeth
- Misaligned bite
- Spaces between the teeth and gum tissue
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Missing teeth
There are different treatments that you can undergo once you have entered the early stages of gum disease to prevent its progression. Gingivitis is a temporary condition and can be treated early on with regular flossing. Once you have begun experiencing the formation of pockets, receding gums, and missing teeth, then you might need to have surgery to correct the problem.
How LANAP Works
LANAP, or the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, incorporates the use of lasers to perform the oral surgery. Rather than using a scalpel to remove the diseased tissue, which often also takes some of the healthy tissue away as well, the laser targets only the diseased tissue. It uses different wavelengths that specifically target the tissue. It also kills the harmful bacteria and creates a stable fibrin clot to enhance healing and encourage the rebuilding of the bone and gum tissue.
Benefits of Laser Gum Surgery
This procedure has a faster recovery time and less pain and discomfort during and right after the procedure. Additionally, you experince minimal gum recession and can regenerate your bone and gum tissue without the aid of foreign materials. This helps you to retain your natural teeth and gums longer.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, call PerioWest today to schedule an appointment with periodontist Dr. Sanchez in Minneapolis, MN and to discuss this treatment.