5 Facts About LANAP for Gum Disease
Worried you might have gum disease or need help treating a current case?
Many patients have had to undergo painful periodontal surgery to solve gum disease, but LANAP has made things easier than ever. Today, we’ll go over the facts so you feel prepared to make the right choice for your health and lifestyle.
Here are a few signs of early gum disease:
- Bleeding gums
- Gum discoloration
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Consistent bad breath
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you’ll want to ask your dentist about LANAP treatment.
But before you do, let’s get into the facts!
Fact 1: LANAP is the only FDA-approved laser treatment designed to treat gum disease.
What is LANAP treatment? Well, this technology can re-grow the tissue that’s been impacted by gum disease. It targets inflammation without hurting any existing healthy gum tissue.
Compared to traditional surgery options, LANAP is less painful and has a much easier recovery process for patients!
Fact 2: LANAP uses a specific laser, the PerioLase MVP-7. … This text opens a new tab to the LANAP website…
This treatment is quick, easy, and minimally invasive!
If you’re someone who fears any type of medical treatment, you’ll definitely want to consider LANAP because this procedure provides less discomfort than traditional options.
Fact 3: LANAP usually costs the same as traditional gum surgery.
The national average … Opens in a new window… cost for treatment is between $1,000 and $4,000.
Most insurances will cover this treatment. You’ll need to call and discuss the option with your provider.
Fact 4: Recovery time is around 24 hours, compared to 2-4 weeks with traditional treatment.
Here’s an overview of what the typical LANAP treatment looks like:
Step 1: Stop in for a consultation and ask your dentist if LANAP treatment is right for you. Your dentist will examine your mouth and decide if you can benefit from this treatment!
Step 2: This treatment is generally completed in two visits that are two hours each. The laser treatment works to eliminate the infected tissue. Your dentist will treat one side of your mouth in the first visit, and then the other side at the next. Most patients can easily resume their normal routines and daily life after treatment.
Step 3: You may experience soreness or tenderness. You’ll be able to use Ibuprofen to treat any pain after treatment. Your dentist might put splints in your mouth to stabilize your teeth. It’s important that you wear them as instructed.
Step 4: Your bite will be adjusted over the course of the next few visits, which is essential for the healing process.
Fact 5: Gum disease is treatable.
Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. But, all hope is not lost if you have it. It is treatable, and turning around your oral hygiene routine will be a huge help.
However, if you choose to ignore gum disease, your oral health could become compromised. Gum disease is actually the leading cause of tooth loss … Opens in a new window… in adults. When you allow gum disease to go untreated, your oral health will slowly deteriorate.
We encourage you to seek an exam if you have questions!
There are four stages of gum disease:
1. Gingivitis – begins with inflammation in the gums. Gingivitis can be treated by making changes in your daily oral health routine, such as using an electric toothbrush or flossing daily.
2. Slight periodontal disease – in this stage, the infection is no longer reversible but is manageable. It will have spread and begun to deteriorate the bone. Slight gum disease can also be managed with changes to your daily routine, but can’t be totally reversed.
3. Moderate periodontal disease – can lead to bleeding and pain around teeth and gums. To treat moderate gum disease, you’ll need professional help to deep clean your gums.
4. Severe periodontal disease – the connective tissue that holds your teeth in place will begin to deteriorate, which results in tooth loss. To treat this advanced stage, your dentist will need to perform surgery or laser treatment.
Protect your health by watching for warning signs, and staying in regular contact with your dentist!
Ready to see if LANAP is right for you?
To receive LANAP treatment, you’ll need to see a periodontist.
Implant and Periodontic Specialists has a team of highly trained specialists ready to wash away your gum disease worries.
Dr. Kohnen has the necessary training to help you improve your oral health with LANAP.
Schedule a consultation with us, and our dental team will help you find the answers you need.
Get in contact with our office here:
- Send us a message online
- Give us a call at 425-453-1010
- Send an email to info@doctorperio.com
Implant and Periodontic Specialists offers LANAP treatment in our Bellevue and Issaquah offices and is currently welcoming patients in the Greater Seattle Area.
