Gum disease is a common oral health problem and the leading cause of tooth loss. Nearly half of all adults in the United States have some form of this condition, whether it’s the early stages of gingivitis or full-blown periodontitis. Diagnosis and treatment of gum disease is critical to preventing this affliction from progressing and destroying a person’s smile. For many patients at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, LANAP gum disease treatment is the best form of dental care.
What Is LANAP?
LANAP is the acronym for laser-assisted new attachment procedure, also known as laser gum surgery. This sophisticated, minimally invasive, surgical therapy is intended for the treatment of moderate to severe gum disease. LANAP is a cutting-edge procedure using a high-powered, super-fine dental laser that has been approved by the FDA as a method of not only treating gum disease but promoting periodontal regeneration – the reattachment of gum tissue and new bone growth.
How LANAP Gum Disease Treatment Works
There are many gum disease symptoms. In the early stages of this condition, you may not notice that anything is wrong, but eventually redness, tenderness, sensitivity, irritation, and gum recession will make it clear that your soft tissues are suffering from a serious problem. Bacteria and pus collect around the teeth, eventually leading to the gums pulling away from the teeth and causing tooth loss.
This problem can be stopped before it gets too far. LANAP is a laser therapy that targets the diseased areas of the gum to clear away infection and reduce inflammation.
- Local anesthetic is applied to the gums.
- The dental laser is inserted between the infected tooth and gum.
- The laser recognizes healthy tissue and avoids it.
- Only the areas that are infected and need to be healed are treated.
- Several sessions may be needed to complete treatment.
LANAP is a gentle way to address the discomfort of gum disease – no scalpels or sutures are needed to carry out this procedure. Compared to conventional gum disease treatment, with LANAP there is less pain and sensitivity, minimal bleeding, reduced gum loss, less swelling, and fast, comfortable healing.
After LANAP Treatment
If your gum disease is so severe that it leads to tooth loss, after the LANAP gum disease treatment is complete it will be necessary to replace those missing teeth. Your mouth will need to heal thoroughly first, but dental implants are the most effective permanent tooth replacement option. With a new tooth root implanted in the jawbone, the area where the natural tooth root once was is now stimulated, which eliminates the chance of an altered face shape or compromised smile. Your oral health is repaired in both form and function.
Every patient who undergoes LANAP is different though, and some may qualify for other types of tooth replacement options like dentures or dental bridges. It depends on the severity of the gum disease, bone loss and bone density, age, and overall oral health.
Get LANAP Gum Disease Treatment in Manhattan Beach
If you have gums that are red, swollen, bleeding, and causing you discomfort, contact your Manhattan Beach dentist. Many people choose to avoid the dentist because they’re embarrassed about the state of their oral health – but your dentist wants to help save your smile and release you from pain.
All gum disease is treatable. Your Manhattan Beach dental team is experienced and knowledgeable – they are prepared to correct the problem you’re experiencing, even if you feel like there’s nothing that can be done to help.
Don’t suffer with the symptoms you’re experiencing. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Don Mungcal or a member of his team for an accurate diagnosis and quick treatment.
