| What is LANAP, and how is it different from other preriodontal procedures? Longview |
What is LANAP, and How is it Different from Other Periodontal Procedures?
It was only `yesterday’ that dentists had to treat gum disease with oral surgery. The newest breakthrough in periodontal (gum) treatment is LANAP – Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure has done away with cutting and stitching and is a welcome change to periodontal patients. This procedure has received approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Typical periodontal procedures require scalpel and sutures which can be intimidating to many. This is sometimes a reason for people to postpone or not treat periodontal diseases until it becomes absolutely necessary.
Periodontal diseases start with the formation of Soft, sticky, colorless film (plaque) on the teeth and gums. If this film is not removed with daily brushing and flossing, it hardens and forms tartar or calculus. These deposits contain bacteria which infects the gums. This is called gingivitis. It is characterized by red swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Some people experience bad breath, bleeding when you brush the teeth and unpleasant taste in their mouths. If detected at the early stages, the damage can be controlled and reversed since the connective tissues and bone has yet not been affected. If untreated, it can lead to Periodontitis. Over a period of time the plaque will spread and grow below the gum line producing toxins in the bacteria to irritate the gums and form an inflammation causing pockets between the gum and teeth. This will destroy the bone and gum tissues that support the teeth. If timely treatment is not given, the condition will deteriorate and cause permanent damage to the teeth and bone.
To treat the periodontal condition the infection has to be removed and the periodontal pockets should be closed. Deviating from the traditional method of incisions and sutures, the Laser Periodontal Therapy which is also known as LANP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) inserts a tiny laser about the thickness of three hairs between the gum and tooth to eradicate the infection. In this procedure a local anesthesia is administered to eliminate any possible discomfort. The laser treatment kills the bacteria that cause the disease by exposing the bacteria to a particular wavelength of light to which the bacteria is sensitive. Thus, the infection is destroyed by the laser, which also helps regeneration of gum and bone tissues by using a process known as dissimulation. When the tissues heal, the pocket closes and the gums are knitted to the teeth.
The advantages of this procedure over the traditional method are:
1. Does not require a incision
2. There are no sutures
3. Less pain
4. Reduces healing time
5. Is a patient friendly procedure that is painless?
6. No interruption to the daily lives of the patient
7. Safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia
This revolutionary procedure is good news to all who suffer from periodontal deceases. |
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