Dentists use different approaches when dealing with gum disease. Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure or LANAP laser treatment in Nashville is the newest, quickest, and easiest remedy for gum disease. It’s a modern technology that dentists use to restore gum tissues safely and effectively without surgery.
Is LANAP Laser Treatment Effective in Treating Gum Disease?
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease or periodontitis, is a condition where bacteria in your mouth can cause gum inflammation and infection. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. However, gingivitis doesn’t always progress to periodontitis. It must be treated right away to stop its progression.
Gingivitis can be prevented and reversed if you establish an oral care routine and have regular dental cleanings with your dentist. If you have periodontitis, your gums will start to pull away from your teeth and create gum pockets. These pockets collect plaque, bacteria, and food debris that can lead to infection.
What Is LANAP Treatment Used For?
LANAP is an FDA-approved treatment that offers a more comfortable experience for patients with gum disease than conventional periodontal surgery.
Did you know that it’s the only scientifically proven method that successfully results in periodontal regeneration, gum tissue reattachment, and new bone growth development? It’s a successful treatment because it targets the primary source of inflammation without affecting healthy gum tissues. The treatment also reduces gum pocket depth and slows or stops the attachment loss, allowing your mouth to recover from the infection without surgery.
What Is the Protocol for LANAP?
LANAP differs from flap surgery because it doesn’t require cutting deep into your gum tissues and sewing them together. Instead, your dentist will use a PerioLase MVP-7 laser to target the localized infection, destroy the bacteria causing the inflammation, and clean out your gum pockets.
Since it’s less invasive, patients who opted for LANAP feel more comfortable compared to surgical operations. There is also less pain and swelling involved.
Furthermore, since LANAP stimulates gum regeneration, patients may not need to undergo bone graft surgery.
At the start of the procedure, you will receive local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. You’ll also get a list of instructions after LANAP, such as following a soft-food diet for a week and no brushing for two weeks; instead, you’ll be advised to use a mouthwash. Everything will be discussed further with your dentist during the consultation.
Who Are Candidates for LANAP?
This modern and unique approach is designed to treat moderate to severe gum disease patients. LANAP is not necessary if you only have minor gum disease, and your dentist may suggest scaling and root planing instead.
To qualify for LANAP, you must have gum pockets at least five millimeters deep. To know if LANAP is the best option, your dentist will order an X-ray to get a clearer picture of what’s happening in your mouth.
The Pros and Cons of LANAP: What Patients Should Know
Because LANAP laser treatment in Nashville is a specialized procedure, it’s natural to want a clearer picture of what it entails before committing. Beyond the comfort benefits, a few practical considerations are worth understanding:
- Not every office offers it: LANAP requires specific training and dedicated laser equipment, so it isn’t available at every dental practice.
- It may cost more than a standard deep cleaning: Because of the technology and training involved, LANAP often costs more than scaling and root planing. Still, the final cost depends on the severity of your gum disease and how much of your mouth needs treatment. Many dental plans cover part of periodontal treatment, but coverage for laser-specific procedures varies, so it’s worth asking for an insurance estimate before your appointment.
- It’s not a one-time fix: Gum disease is a chronic condition. Even after successful treatment, bacteria can return without good home care and regular periodontal maintenance visits.
- Results vary: Factors like smoking, diabetes, and how closely you follow your aftercare instructions all influence how well your gums heal.
Is LANAP Worth It? What Success Looks Like
After LANAP, success is measured by changes your periodontist can track: shallower gum pockets, less bleeding, firmer gums, and teeth that feel more stable. Follow-up visits and X-rays in the months after treatment confirm that healing is on track, and most patients are then placed on periodontal maintenance cleanings, often every three to four months at first.
For patients with moderate to severe gum disease who want to keep their natural teeth and avoid traditional surgery, many find LANAP a worthwhile investment, especially when paired with consistent maintenance.
Do You Have Questions About LANAP Laser Treatment in Nashville?
LANAP treatments offer numerous benefits besides providing more comfort; patients experience minimal pain and less swelling and bleeding. At Nashville Dental Implants, we offer various dental treatments depending on your goals and needs. We will comprehensively assess your gums to determine the best procedure for you. Contact us today for a consultation.
Want to read more from Nashville Dental Implants?
Save us as a Preferred Source!
