Does LANAP Really Work?
LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a highly effective method for halting the progression of gum disease and encouraging the attachment of healthy gum tissue. Common questions among patients who have been recommended LANAP treatment include what is LANAP, how effective the procedure is, whether other treatment options should be explored, and what the total cost of the procedure will be. To learn more about the LANAP process, why it is performed, the success rate of LANAP, and anticipated costs, please refer to the following.
How is LANAP Different from Osseous Surgery
The traditional method for treating advanced gum disease is osseous surgery, which involves cutting away diseased tissue using scalpels and surgically removing infected pockets in your gums or bone. Once these have been removed, the gums are sutured shut. While osseous surgery is an effective treatment for gum disease, it is an invasive procedure and will require time to heal.
LANAP, on the other hand, eliminates the need for sutures and scalpels by destroying diseased gum tissue using a highly specific light frequency. Once this tissue has been eliminated, the gums have an opportunity to reattach to your teeth, which reduces your risk of developing symptoms that may develop as a result of advanced gum disease.
Effectiveness of LANAP
LANAP has a high success rate in preventing tooth loss, facilitating the regeneration of gums for patients with gum disease, and increasing tissue attachment between bone and gum following treatment. The recurrence rate of periodontal disease among patients who have LANAP performed is less than that of those who have osseous surgery performed. One of the reasons LANAP is so effective in helping facilitate the regrowth of bone and gum is because it eliminates the need for sutures, which makes the healing process faster and creates ideal conditions to allow for the healing process to occur. The LANAP process also heats up blood, which activates proteins known as “growth factors” that promote the regeneration of tissue and bone cells. Thanks to these growth factors and the elimination of the diseased tissue, your gums can become healthy again and you can avoid having subsequent procedures, such as tooth extractions or dental implants.
Cost of Treatment
Although the cost of treating gum disease is an important consideration, it is also important to consider the costs you may incur if you do not address gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease will continue to progress in severity, and may reach the point where you will begin to experience significant gum recession and/or the loss of teeth. In addition to the negative impact losing teeth can have on your quality of life, in that your speech will be affected, you may feel more self-conscious about your smile, and you will be limited in the types of food you can eat, you also increase your risk of developing physical issues such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or dementia. To avoid developing these type of issues and continue enjoying good oral health, schedule an appointment at Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today!