LANAP in Mosman
If you are affected by gum or periodontal disease you should be aware of Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or LANAP®. This procedure employs a specific laser which:
- Targets and eliminates the bacteria causing periodontal disease
- Targets and eliminates infected gum tissue while preserving non-infected gum tissue
- Encourages new soft tissue and bone attachment to the affected teeth.
LANAP treatment is offered and performed by Dr Hugh Fleming who is specifically trained and registered to perform this procedure at Hugh Fleming Dentistry.
How Does LANAP work?
Over a one or two appointments all the affected teeth in a patient’s mouth can be treated employing the LANAP treatment protocol:
A. Having numbed the areas to be treated, a periodontal probe is employed to determine the degree of gum infection and associated bone loss to allow the dentist to recognise the severity of infection around each tooth. These measurements are also compared to the 3D x-ray assessment previously made employing Hugh Fleming Dentistry’s 3D cone beam xray technology (see video below).
B. Periolase® laser vaporizes bacteria, diseased tissue and pathologic proteins causing periodontal disease.
C. Ultrasonic scalers and special hand instruments are then employed to remove tartar and calculus deposits from the root surface resulting in a clean and sterile tooth surface for new tissue healing and attachment.
D. The Periolase® laser is employed on a different setting to further disinfect the clean root surface and stimulate a fibrin clot seal around the teeth.
E. Within minutes fibrin reattachment to the root surface occurs, along with a stable fibrin clot at the gum crest, creating a closed healing environment for ongoing soft tissue and bone healing.
F. The bite forces on the affected teeth are adjusted to eliminate any high spots or occlusal trauma which may delay ongoing bone healing.
G. Over time the periodontal ligament and bone regenerates and attaches to the tooth.
The Benefits of LANAP
There are many reasons to choose LANAP treatment of periodontal disease:
- Less pain. With no scalpel cutting or stitching LANAP is less invasive with less post-treatment discomfort than alternative surgical treatments.
- Fewer treatments. With just 1-2 treatments, your LANAP procedure will be complete, compared to multiple appointments for alternative surgical treatments.
- Faster recovery time. Since LANAP is less invasive, you will have less downtime to recover and can return to your daily activities immediately.
- Boosted bone regeneration. LANAP® is the only laser protocol scientifically proven to regenerate bone around teeth.
- Less gum recession. The LANAP laser distinguishes between unhealthy and healthy gum tissue and removes only the unhealthy tissue. This results in less gum recession when compared to traditional gum surgery procedures.
- Safe for everyone. LANAP does not interfere with any medications you are taking or diseases you may have.
Do I Need LANAP Treatment?
The Signs of Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is caused by a build-up of plaque (a film of bacteria) that is constantly forming on teeth. These bacteria produce toxins that irritate your gums, leading to red, tender, swollen gums that readily bleed when touched (flossing or brushing). At this stage people experience minimal symptoms except for bleeding gums which may be seen in blood present when you rinse your mouth out after brushing. Bad breath is also often caused by gingivitis.
Gingivitis left untreated can become periodontitis where the bacterial toxins start to attack the supporting tooth ligaments and surrounding bone resulting in gradual bone loss from around the teeth. Depending on the degree of bone loss, bone pockets of increasing depth develop around the teeth under the gums and the teeth show gum loss (recession), mobility, tartar formation, bleeding and puss exudate from around the teeth. In the advanced stages teeth are often loss due to excessive mobility and abscess formation.
LANAP therapy can benefit all stages of gum disease and is an excellent method of treating both early and advanced cases of periodontal infection. If you have experienced any of the signs or symptoms above, do not hesitate to contact us to arrange for an assessment of your gum disease.
Ask us for Further Information
If you have any questions regarding the LANAP treatment, please contact Hugh Fleming Dentistry today. Our team can talk you through the procedure and schedule your appointment!
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