Did you know that gum disease can impact your health in ways you might not expect? The good news is that treatment options have come a long way, and patients no longer have to rely on traditional surgery alone. Dr. Todd, Dr. Adam and Dr. Alicia at Caring Family Dentistry use LANAP laser therapy to target unhealthy gum tissue while keeping the rest of your smile intact. Let’s explore how this advanced approach compares to traditional methods and why so many patients are choosing LANAP.
What Is LANAP and How Does It Work?
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a modern approach to treating gum disease without the need for cutting or sutures. Instead of using traditional surgical tools, Dr. Todd, Dr. Adam and Dr. Alicia use a specialized laser to remove infected tissue while leaving healthy gums untouched. Here’s how LANAP works:
A high-precision laser pinpoints and removes harmful bacteria and diseased tissue while leaving healthy gums untouched.
Regeneration
The laser jumpstarts the body’s ability to rebuild, encouraging new bone and gum tissue growth.
Minimal Downtime
With no scalpels or stitches, swelling is minimal, and most patients bounce back much quicker than with traditional gum surgery.
With LANAP, patients at Caring Family Dentistry get an effective, less invasive option for restoring gum health. Next, let’s look at why this laser treatment stands out compared to conventional methods.
How Does LANAP Compare to Traditional Gum Surgery?
LANAP and traditional gum surgery both aim to treat gum disease, but they take very different approaches. While traditional surgery involves cutting the gums to remove infected tissue and bacteria, LANAP uses laser technology to target only the diseased areas, leaving healthy tissue intact. Here’s a closer look at how they compare:
Minimally Invasive vs. Surgical Cutting
- LANAP uses a laser to eliminate bacteria and diseased tissue without scalpels or sutures.
- Traditional surgery requires incisions and stitching, which can lead to longer recovery times.
Healing and Recovery
- LANAP promotes natural regeneration, allowing gums to heal with minimal swelling.
- Traditional surgery may involve discomfort and a longer healing process.
Preserving Healthy Tissue
- The laser in LANAP targets only infected areas, helping maintain gum structure.
- Traditional surgery removes both diseased and some healthy tissue to access infected areas.
LANAP offers a modern, patient-friendly option for treating gum disease. Up next, let’s explore who is a good candidate for this procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LANAP?
LANAP offers a breakthrough approach to treating advanced gum disease, providing a gentler, more precise alternative for patients seeking effective care without the need for traditional surgery. If you’ve been told you need gum surgery but are hesitant about traditional procedures, LANAP might be the right fit. Here’s who can benefit:
- Patients with Moderate to Severe Gum Disease
- If deep pockets have formed between your teeth and gums, LANAP can remove bacteria and encourage tissue regeneration.
- Those Looking for a Minimally Invasive Alternative
- Traditional gum surgery involves cutting and stitches, while LANAP offers a gentler approach with a laser.
- Individuals Concerned About Recovery Time
- Busy schedule? LANAP allows most patients to return to normal activities faster than traditional surgery.
- Dental Implant Patients with Gum Health Concerns
- LANAP can help improve gum stability and protect existing dental implants.
Wondering what recovery is like if you choose LANAP? Let’s take a closer look!
What to Expect During Recovery
Healing after LANAP is often much smoother compared to traditional gum surgery. Since the laser targets only infected tissue, patients typically experience minimal bleeding or swelling. Most can return to daily activities quickly, though a soft food diet may be recommended for a few days to allow the gums to heal properly.
Traditional gum surgery, on the other hand, involves more downtime. Some soreness and swelling are expected, and sutures may need to be removed after a week or two. A soft diet may also be required for a longer period to avoid irritating the healing tissue.
Regardless of the treatment type, proper aftercare plays a big role in maintaining long-term gum health. Up next, let’s go over the best ways to keep your gums in great shape after treatment.
Keeping Gums Healthy After Treatment
Taking care of your gums after LANAP or traditional gum surgery is the best way to maintain results. Dr. Todd, Dr. Adam and Dr. Alicia at Caring Family Dentistry provide personalized aftercare recommendations to help patients heal properly and keep their gums in top shape. Here’s what to focus on:
Gentle Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing remain important, but patients should follow their dentist’s instructions on how to clean their teeth without irritating healing gums. A soft-bristled toothbrush and antimicrobial mouth rinse can help keep the area clean.
Healthy Food Choices
Avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for a while allows the gums to recover. Soft, nutrient-rich foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs are great options.
Follow-Up Appointments
Regular check-ins with the team at Caring Family Dentistry help track healing progress and ensure gums are responding well to treatment.
With the right care, patients can enjoy healthier gums and lasting results. The team at Caring Family Dentistry is always here to help every step of the way, making gum health easier to maintain long after treatment.
Healthy Gums Means A Happy Smile!
Gum health plays a bigger role in overall wellness than most people realize, and LANAP makes it easier than ever to treat gum disease without the hassle of traditional surgery. Our doctors at Caring Family Dentistry are here to help patients take the next step toward healthier gums with personalized care and advanced treatment options. Schedule a consultation at our Concord office today!