LANAP Benefits: Is Laser Gum Treatment Right for You?

Gum disease can sneak up on you. Maybe your gums bleed a little when you brush, or your breath isn’t as fresh as it used to be. These symptoms might not seem like a big deal, but ignoring them could cost you your smile. 

Traditional gum surgery has been the go-to treatment for advanced gum disease, but it’s not your only option anymore. Thankfully, modern options like LANAP make it easier and more comfortable than ever to treat gum disease. In this blog, you’ll learn more about LANAP benefits, the pros and cons of the laser-based alternative, and why it might be the right treatment option for your symptoms.

Want to see if LANAP is right for you? 

Schedule a consultation with Full Heart Dentistry, your Rochester dental team today. 

What Is LANAP—and How Does It Work?

LANAP is a versatile treatment for moderate to severe gum disease. It stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. The treatment uses a specially designed dental laser that targets and removes diseased gum tissue without cutting or requiring stitches. 

The procedure works by threading a fine laser fiber between the tooth and the gum. The laser can then precisely remove infected tissue without interfering with the healthy tissue and target the bacteria responsible for gum disease. After the area is cleaned of plaque and tartar, the laser is used again to seal the site and encourage healing. 

LANAP is a highly effective procedure not only because it removes the infected tissue, but because it encourages the body’s natural ability to heal and produce more healthy gum tissue to periodontal disease. 

How Does LANAP Compare to Traditional Gum Surgery?

Traditional gum surgery often involves cutting the gums to access the infected areas, then suturing them back into place after treatment. It can be effective, but it can also be uncomfortable and require a lengthy recovery time. 

LANAP, on the other hand, is far less invasive. Because it doesn’t involve scalpels or stitches, patients tend to experience less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort during and after the procedure. Healing tends to be faster, too. 

Traditional surgery focuses on removing diseased tissue, which is important. LANAP accomplishes this with more precision and effectiveness, but it also encourages new tissue to grow—something traditional methods just can’t offer.

If you are one of the many people who feel anxious about dental procedures, LANAP can be an exciting alternative to traditional gum surgery.

What to Expect from the LANAP Process

The LANAP process starts with a consultation. Your dentist will need to assess the severity of your gum disease by taking measurements and x-rays. Based on those results, they may recommend LANAP as a treatment. 

During the LANAP procedure, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, then use the laser fiber to remove diseased gum tissue and encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth. 

After the procedure, you may be advised to eat soft foods for a few days and avoid brushing or flossing the treated area for a little while. Follow-up visits will help your dentist monitor your recovery and make sure everything is healing well, but most patients notice improvements in their gum health in just a few weeks. 

LANAP Benefits: What are the Pros?

LANAP offers benefits that go beyond just treating gum disease. If you’re feeling nervous about surgery or worried about the healing process, it may be a more comfortable option for you. 

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Minimally invasive: LANAP doesn’t require cutting or stitches. 
• Reduced discomfort: Most patients experience little to no pain during or after the procedure. 
• Faster healing: Patients can typically return to normal activities in around 24 hours. 
• Less bleeding and swelling: Laser precision does minimal damage while encouraging natural healing. 
• Tissue regeneration: LANAP promotes the regrowth of bone and gum tissue in the mouth. 
• Lower risk of infection: The laser sterilizes the treated areas as it works, reducing the chance of developing an infection. 
• Ideal for dental anxiety: Patients who are nervous about dental surgery often find LANAP less stressful and easier to tolerate. 

Are There Downsides to LANAP?

While there is a lot to like about LANAP, that doesn’t mean it’s ideal for everyone. Understanding its limitations can help you make the right choice for you. If LANAP isn’t suitable for your needs, the team at Full Heart Dentistry can walk you through other options that may work better. 

Here are some limiting factors to keep in mind:  

• Not suited for early gum disease: While the LANAP procedure is not suitable for early gum disease, the laser can be used for other procedures including disinfecting the gums in some cases when in the presence of gingivitis.
• Requires strong at-home care: The success of LANAP depends on consistent oral hygiene routines at home and regular dental visits. 
• Insurance limitations: While many plans cover LANAP, some may offer limited benefits when compared to traditional methods. Always check your coverage when exploring new procedure options!

Despite these drawbacks, most people find the LANAP benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, especially when it comes to comfort and convenience. 

Is LANAP Right For You?

In general, LANAP is best suited for patients with moderate to severe gum disease who want a less invasive treatment option or who have concerns about traditional gum surgery. It’s also a great option for people with medical conditions that could make surgery riskier, such as diabetes, heart disease, or a compromised immune system. 

The best way to determine if LANAP is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a LANAP dentist like Rochester’s own Full Heart Dentistry. Our team can evaluate your oral health and help you understand all of your treatment options. We will create a plan that keeps you comfortable and helps you reach your long-term dental health goals. 

Ready to Treat Gum Disease the Modern Way?

LANAP is a modern, gentle approach to treating gum disease. It has less recovery time and discomfort compared to traditional surgical methods, which can make a big difference if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed about your treatment options. 

Choosing a less invasive path can help you feel more at ease while still getting the care you need. With all these LANAP benefits, it’s no wonder more patients are opting for this treatment method.

If you are dealing with bleeding gums, gum recession, or persistent bad breath, it’s time to make an appointment. Call Full Heart Dentistry today to schedule a consultation with our Rochester dental team and find out if LANAP is the next step towards restoring your gum health.