Laser Periodontal Treatment in Southern Pines
Laser Periodontal Treatment (LANAP)
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How does LANAP® enhance the patient experience?
Painful, long procedures, and extended healing times are all associated with traditional methods of treating gum disease, like osseous surgery. Osseous surgery has received a negative stigma that has prompted modern dental advancements to provide patients with a more convenient alternative without the use of scalpels or stitches.
LANAP® laser gum surgery is a minimally-invasive and virtually pain-free alternative that has allowed Dr. Steven Van Scoyoc to transform over 2,000 smiles since 2009.
What is Laser Periodontal Treatment
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) utilizes a PerioLase Laser to gently and effectively remove diseased gum tissue, stimulate underlying bone to regrow itself, and help reduce the depth of gum pockets around each tooth. This tool is the only laser FDA approved to treat gum disease.
Benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser Periodontal Treatment has fewer side effects than conventional periodontal surgery. It lowers the amount of gum tissue loss, minimizes root exposure, and significantly reduces gum sensitivity after the procedure. The laser effectively removes infected tissue, with minimal bleeding and without the need for bone grafting or gum grafting.
Bone in the jaw will be stimulated to start regrowing itself, providing a more stable foundation for teeth in danger of becoming loose or falling out. Healthy bone can also be utilized as an anchor point for dental implants.
The gum tissue that remains will adhere more closely to the tooth, reducing the depth of gum pockets that provide a hiding place for bacteria. Reducing these pockets makes it easier to keep your mouth healthy with daily brushing and flossing, and helps prevent bacteria from regaining a foothold.
Am I a Candidate for Laser Periodontal Treatment?
If your gum disease has progressed to the stage where gum tissue is infected, gum pockets are extremely deep, or the underlying bone in your jaw is being destroyed, Laser Periodontal Treatment can help restore health and aid in the prevention of recurring gum disease.
Is Laser Periodontal Treatment Uncomfortable?
We offer a variety of options for our patients to choose form while undergoing the Laser Periodontal Treatment process. Some patient report having only a little discomfort, while others experience more discomfort. For many patients, anxiety is the main challenge for periodontal work. For others, having to keep their mouth open for a long period of time is the main objection.
If needed, sedation dentistry can be used to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your Laser Periodontal Treatment procedure. If there is extensive work to be done, our doctors may split the procedure into two shorter visits.
After Laser Periodontal Treatment
Two to three weeks after your Laser Periodontal Treatment procedure, you will have a follow-up appointment to check your healing and review oral hygiene . At both the three-month and six-month points after treatment, you will have a periodontal cleaning appointment. Nine months after treatment, you will have another periodontal cleaning, and a Periodic Oral Evaluation (POE) to evaluate the results of your treatment.
Depending on your specific treatment results and your individual risk factors for recurrence of periodontal disease, we will set up a cleaning schedule for you that will include periodontal maintenence three to four times a year. You may be able to alternate visits with our office and your general dentist.