It’s understandable to be a little worried or anxious if you have been diagnosed with periodontitis, also known as gum disease. However, rest assured that you are far from alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 47% of men and women over the age of 30 have mild, moderate, or advanced gum disease, and this percentage increases with age.
The good news is that as technology advances, so do the solutions to treat this common oral health issue. Moreover, one revolutionary treatment to talk to your trusted San Jose dentist about is the cutting-edge laser treatment for gum disease.
The laser-assisted new attachment procedure, or LANAP dental procedure, is certainly not brand new. However, only a top dentist in San Jose who relies on cutting-edge technology for more comfortable and effective procedures has access to this advanced laser therapy for gum disease.
If you want to explore your options for a LANAP procedure near me, start your research with a consultation with Pannu Dental Group. We specialize in providing the most advanced dental treatments in the world, which are always coupled with client-focused care.
In the meantime, today, we will discover more about the LANAP Procedure and how this treatment offers a better solution for gum disease in more ways than one.
What is the LANAP Procedure?
The LANAP procedure was first introduced in 1990 and tested for over a decade before it started being used by the top dentists and oral surgeons in the U.S.
Essentially, during a LANAP procedure, a periodontist uses a special laser to target and remove gum tissue affected by gum disease, while leaving all healthy gum tissue intact. LANAP treatment is really unique. It can treat even the most advanced forms of gum disease while remaining a minimally invasive and comfortable procedure from start to finish.
The Science Behind the LANAP Procedure
The science behind the LANAP procedure all boils down to the laser beam itself.
The laser beam uses a specific wavelength of light to effectively target and remove infected gum tissue. The small diameter of the beam ensures ultimate precision during the treatment. The procedure is guided by both an experienced periodontist and oral surgeon, as well as computer-aided technology that ensures absolute accuracy and effectiveness throughout.
The laser beam driving the procedure also ensures that no cutting or suturing is required and that there is minimal bleeding or discomfort. This makes the procedure itself virtually pain- free and minimizes the recovery time.
What to Expect During the LANAP Procedure
Although the exact details of the LANAP procedure will vary based on your unique needs, the procedure generally entails the following.
- Step 1: A thorough exam is conducted – All dental treatments, including the LANAP procedure, should start with a thorough exam to assess the gum disease and provide a detailed blueprint of the LANAP therapy treatment to follow.
- Step 2: Local anesthesia is applied – Your dentist will apply local anesthesia to ensure you experience no discomfort during the LANAP treatment.
- Step 3: The procedure takes place – Once you’re ready for the LANAP treatment, a thin fiber optic cable is inserted between the teeth and gums, and the laser beam is utilized to remove any infected tissue in the identified areas. In the process, the laser also cleans tartar buildup and stimulates healthy gum tissue growth. Though timeframes can vary, the entire procedure takes no more than 1-2 hours and can be completed in a single office visit.
- Step 4: A brief recovery period – The recovery time and post-procedure care required is minimal. Generally speaking, you’ll need to stick to softer foods for about two weeks, and there may be some minor swelling or discomfort, but you’ll look and feel miles better in no time after the LANAP procedure itself.
The Benefits of a LANAP Procedure
As stated, the benefits of a LANAP treatment are far-reaching and varied. Here is just a sample:
- Healthier teeth and gums – LANAP does not just eliminate diseased gum tissue. It also stimulates bone and gum regrowth, which can help improve and maintain a youthful gum line.
- Less discomfort – LANAP treatments are renowned for being minimally invasive, as no cutting tools or stitches are required. As a result, there is less bleeding and less pain during and after the procedure.
- Faster recovery time – Patients can more or less return to normal activities within a day. At the same time, older, traditional gum surgery usually requires at least six weeks of more stringent recovery time.
- Safer across the board – LANAP procedures have a notably lower risk of infection or other issues than older gum disease treatments, and it is safe for patients with various pre-existing conditions or who take medications.
- Extremely effective at treating gum disease – A LANAP procedure is extremely effective at eliminating even advanced gum disease, as the intensity of the laser beam thoroughly removes any damaged tissue while keeping healthy gum tissue intact.
- Cost-effective – LANAP treatments are often covered by dental insurance. Still, they are also extremely affordable in their own right and can even be less expensive than traditional gum disease surgery.
Learn More About the LANAP Procedure with Your Dentist in San Jose
If you have noticed the subtle signs of gum disease, (like swollen or bleeding gums, receding gums, bad breath, bite changes, or loose or separated teeth), it’s time to take action.
Don’t let a fear of painful, lengthy, or expensive dental treatments stop you from taking care of your oral health, especially when a modern solution puts all of these fears to rest.
The experts at Pannu Dental Group have the experience, the technology, and compassion to offer advanced and comfortable treatments like LANAP laser therapy for gum disease. We’ve earned our reputation as the most trusted dentist in San Jose for this distinctive and wholly effective procedure.
Together, we’ll find lifelong solutions that will ensure you have decades of great oral health and brilliant smiles in the future.
Ready to maintain good oral health?
Schedule your consultation today and learn more about the LANAP procedure.
Say goodbye to gum disease once and for all!
Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has been a practicing dentist since 1995. In 1996 he opened his first dental practice in India, where he gained invaluable experience and acumen. In October of 1997 he was invited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to present the table clinic on Endodontics, at their annual session held in Washington, D.C. At this time he fell in love with the United States and became passionate about practicing dentistry in California. He became particularly enamored of the San Francisco Bay area, and soon took up residence and work here.