Have you recently been told you have gum disease? It can be scary news to hear. Many patients worry that treatment for gum disease will be painful or require surgery. However, Rochester dental patients can now choose to have Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or LANAP, a modern and minimally invasive alternative treatment for gum disease.
LANAP is a specialized laser treatment that targets infected gum tissue without cutting or stitching—making it an ideal treatment option for those who are nervous about oral care. Full Heart Dentistry offers LANAP to help patients treat moderate to severe gum disease more comfortably, with less downtime and no stitches required.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to have LANAP, we’re here to help. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after LANAP in our Rochester dental office.
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Why Patients Choose LANAP
LANAP offers several advantages over traditional gum surgery. Here’s why it’s quickly becoming the go-to treatment for gum disease in Rochester:
- Minimally invasive: No scalpels or stitches required.
- Reduced swelling: The laser precisely targets diseased tissue and leaves healthy tissue intact.
- Faster healing: Most patients can return to daily activities quickly after treatment.
- Tissue regeneration: LANAP encourages the body’s natural healing process rather than disrupting it.
For patients who experience anxiety about dental procedures, LANAP can offer peace of mind and a more comfortable experience at the dentist’s office.
What to Expect Before Your LANAP Appointment
You’ll start with a consultation with our dental team. We will evaluate your gum health and determine whether LANAP could be an appropriate option for you. During your visit, we’ll also assess the severity of your gum disease, measure pocket depths, and check for any signs of bone loss. If more information is needed, we might also take digital X-rays to get a closer look at what’s happening below the gumline.
If we think LANAP is right for you, we’ll create a treatment plan and personally talk you through each step. Most patients don’t need to do anything special to prepare for the treatment, but we might ask you to avoid certain medications or to be sure to eat before the treatment.
Feel free to ask our team any questions you might have!
What Happens During LANAP
LANAP is typically a fairly straightforward process that happens over one or two visits, depending on the extent of the treatment you need. During your procedure, we will:
- Numb the area: We’ll use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.
- Target the problem: A small laser fiber is inserted between the tooth and the gum to target and remove diseased tissue. The laser also helps kill bacteria hiding there.
- Clean the teeth: Once the infected tissue is gone, we will clean the area to remove plaque and tartar.
- Seal the wound: We use the laser once again to seal the gums to support healing and prevent bacteria from entering the area.
Because the laser is non-invasive and doesn’t require stitches, patients typically find it more comfortable and less anxiety-inducing than traditional surgical methods.
What to Expect After LANAP
You might be pleasantly surprised at how mild the recovery process is after LANAP treatment. While you might have some swelling or tenderness, it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Those symptoms should resolve in a few days.
In the meantime, we recommend sticking to soft foods to give your gums time to heal. We’ll send you home with detailed instructions, and you may need to avoid brushing around the treated area for a short time.
Healing continues for a few weeks, and you’ll return to our office for progress checks to ensure everything looks good. Most patients notice healthier gums very soon after the treatment.
Why Rochester Patients Trust Us for Their LANAP Procedure
We know gum disease treatment can feel intimidating, and you might even be tempted to delay treatment. But let us put your mind at ease—LANAP is a gentle, non-invasive option, and it’s offered right here in Rochester by our supportive, compassionate dental team at Full Heart Dentistry. Our welcoming team will put your comfort first and gently guide you through every step of treatment.
If you are nervous about dental visits or just want less invasive treatment options, we can help. Call us today to schedule your consultation. It’s a great way to learn more about LANAP and see if it could be the right treatment to help restore your smile.