Gum surgery is a common procedure carried out by dentists and periodontists worldwide. It often serves as a solution to severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis, a condition that affects millions of people globally. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss, and it has also been linked to other serious health complications such as heart disease and diabetes.

Traditional gum surgery has been the standard procedure for treating advanced periodontitis for many years. However, the advent of modern technology in the dental field has introduced another method for treating gum disease, the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). This innovative procedure has been gaining attention for its minimally invasive nature and its potential benefits over traditional gum surgery.

Understanding LANAP: Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure

LANAP is a revolutionary method of treating gum disease. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP does not involve cutting or suturing the gums. Instead, it uses a specialized laser to target and remove the infected gum tissue, leaving the healthy tissue intact.

The LANAP procedure involves the use of a PerioLase MVP-7, a specific type of laser developed for this procedure. The laser's wavelength selectively targets and removes the diseased, inflamed gum tissue within the periodontal pocket. It then creates a stable clot to form a natural seal to protect the treated area from bacterial invasion.

One of the main advantages of LANAP is that it's a minimally invasive procedure. It causes less discomfort and has a faster recovery time compared to traditional gum surgery. The procedure is typically performed in one or two sessions, and most patients can return to their regular activities the next day.

LANAP vs. Traditional Gum Surgery

When comparing LANAP vs. traditional gum surgery, several key differences stand out. The first is the invasive nature of traditional gum surgery versus the minimally invasive nature of LANAP. While traditional surgery involves cutting and suturing, LANAP uses laser technology to selectively remove the diseased tissue, leaving the healthy tissue intact.

Another significant difference is the recovery time. Traditional gum surgery often requires a longer recovery period, with patients experiencing pain, swelling, and bleeding post-surgery. On the other hand, LANAP has a faster recovery time, with most patients able to return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Additionally, LANAP has the potential to stimulate bone regeneration around the teeth, which can help to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. This is a significant advantage over traditional gum surgery, which does not have this regenerative capability.

Begin Your Journey to Healthier Gums through LANAP Today

The comparison of LANAP vs. traditional gum surgery reveals several advantages of LANAP. It offers a less invasive, more comfortable treatment experience with faster recovery times and the potential for improved long-term outcomes. While traditional gum surgery has been the standard for many years, the introduction of LANAP offers a promising alternative for treating advanced periodontitis.

If you're considering gum surgery, be sure to discuss LANAP as a treatment option with our dentist at Barotz Dental in our Fort Collins, Colorado office. We enhance the lives of the people we touch by delivering the finest, most comprehensive and customized dental care. Please call (970) 401-7900 to schedule an appointment today.