LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Protocol and is a form of laser therapy involving a soft tissue laser known as the PerioLase MVP-7 to treat gum disease, specifically periodontitis. A soft tissue laser is used to remove the bacteria in the infected gum tissue while simultaneously regenerating new bone and soft tissue.
The laser is a minimally invasive alternative to scalpel surgery and the laser’s coagulating effect results in faster healing time, less bleeding and inflammation, and less pain. Laser treatment eliminates the need for incisions, sutures, and stitches.
LANAP can also be used to save falling dental implants and for crown lengthening. The soft tissue laser targets the specific gum tissue that contains harmful bacteria causing the gum infection while leaving the healthy tissue intact.
The protocol refers to the removal of infected tissue, removal of plaque and tartar, regeneration of bone and soft tissue, the sealing of gum pockets, and the adjustment of the patient’s bite. Dr. Landy is a specialist in laser dentistry in Spring, TX. If you’re interested in LANAP for the treatment of periodontal disease, contact us at your Spring dentist today to schedule a consultation. We are also located closely to Kohrville, TX.
As previously mentioned, the minimally invasive nature of the procedure has revolutionized the treatment of gum disease. Patients can now experience less discomfort and pain and a reduction in bleeding, inflammation, swelling, and healing time. Other benefits of LANAP include:
Dr. Landry will administer local anesthesia to the area to numb your mouth. The procedure can be performed in one long appointment spanning about 4-5 hours or can be broken up into two separate appointments. We will work on one side of your mouth at a time.
A soft tissue precision laser which is about as thick as 3 strands of hair will be inserted into the pockets of your gums to remove the diseased tissue while leaving the healthy tissue alone. The laser instantly coagulates the blood and forms a seal around the teeth and gums for faster healing and reduced bleeding and inflammation.
It is not unusual for there to be changes in your bite during the healing process and this can be corrected with the use of occlusal splints. The stimulation of the laser promotes the regeneration of new bone and soft tissue over time.
You will need to stick to eating soft foods for the first week after receiving LANAP treatment. However, your real-time recovery will only take 24 hours! This is because the laser technology forms a blood clot around the gum pocket for an instant seal that is conducive to a faster healing time.
Some slight throbbing or tenderness in the first few days is normal but recovery can be expected to be much more comfortable than traditional gum surgery. Anti-inflammatory pain relief medication can be used to reduce discomfort.
You will not be able to brush or floss your teeth as normal for the first 7-10 days. Instead, you will use a prescribed mouthwash to keep your mouth clean while your mouth heals. In the first 3 days following treatment, you will stick to an all-liquid diet and then introduce soft or mushy foods for about 2 weeks.
You should refrain from smoking which will inhibit the healing process. Regular dental cleanings as often as every 3 months will need to be performed for the first year and occlusal splints may be needed within a few months of the procedure to adjust your bite.
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