Gum disease is a serious and progressive condition that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and additional health problems. If you have gum disease, it is imperative that you begin treatment as soon as possible to prevent disease progression. Fortunately, at River Edge Dental, we offer a quick, comfortable, and minimally invasive gum treatment called LANAP.
To learn more, contact our River Edge, NJ office or read below!
What Is LANAP® Gum Treatment?
LANAP is an FDA-cleared laser procedure that can be used to treat gum disease and improve the overall health of your gums. The procedure involves the use of a laser to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the gum line while stimulating the regeneration of healthy gum tissue. LANAP is often considered the gold standard for treating gum disease because it does not require any scalpels or stitches; instead, the procedure simultaneously targets and obliterates harmful bacteria while cauterizing any bleeding sites. This results in less pain, swelling, and bleeding during and after treatment when compared to traditional gum surgery.
How Does It Work?
The laser works by creating a physical reaction between the light waves and the molecules in your gum tissue. While the laser will harmlessly pass through healthy tissue, it will directly isolate and target any and all diseased tissue and bacteria present up to four millimeters below the tissue surface. The laser energy basically causes the diseased tissue to vaporize on contact, all while protecting any healthy gum tissue.
Because the laser only targets diseased tissue, the procedure maximizes the retention of healthy gum tissue, which is essential for long-term success.
Benefits Of LANAP® Gum Treatment
In addition to being minimally invasive and comfortable, LANAP offers a number of other benefits, including:
- Shorter treatment time: LANAP can be completed in just one quick visit to our office, whereas traditional gum surgery may take hours to complete.
- Improved gum health: LANAP not only treats gum disease, but it also helps to improve the overall health of your gums.
- Minimal discomfort: Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after LANAP treatment.
- Faster recovery time: Since LANAP is minimally invasive, patients tend to recover more quickly and experience less swelling and bleeding than they would after traditional gum surgery.
Reduced risk of complications: LANAP is a safe and effective gum treatment with a very low risk of complications. Because there is no cutting or suturing involved, the risk of infection and other complications is greatly reduced.
What Happens After The Procedure?
After your LANAP procedure, it is normal to experience some mild discomfort. You may also have some slight swelling and bruising. These side effects should subside quite quickly—in fact, most patients are completely back to normal within 24 hours.
Despite this, to avoid any complications, it is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by our team. These may include using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding strenuous activity, and avoiding hard or crunchy foods for a few days. We will also schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that your gum tissue has healed properly.
If you think you may be a candidate for LANAP treatment, contact our River Edge, NJ office to schedule a consultation. We will examine your mouth, take x-rays, and discuss your treatment options with you. Don’t wait to get the treatment you need—call us today!
