If you have swollen, red or tender gums, you likely have gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. Plaque (bacteria) buildup is the culprit. At this stage, people experience minimal symptoms except for bleeding gums which may be seen in blood that’s present when you rinse out your mouth following brushing. Gingivitis also can cause bad breath.
Left untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis where the bacteria begins to affect the supporting tooth ligaments and surrounding bone, resulting in gradual bone loss from around the teeth. In the advanced stages teeth are often lost due to excessive mobility and abscess formation. We want to help save your smile with Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) gum therapy.
Experience Less Invasive Treatment
LANAP does the following:
- Targets and eliminates the bacteria causing periodontal disease
- Targets and removes infected gum tissue while preserving non-infected gum tissue
- Fosters new soft tissue and bone attachment to the affected teeth.
Dr Hugh Fleming has undertaken extensive training to perform this FDA approved laser treatment procedure. Over one or two appointments all the affected teeth in a patient’s mouth can be treated using the LANAP treatment protocol.
Major Benefits of LANAP
There are many reasons to choose LANAP treatment of periodontal disease:
Less pain. As no cutting with a scalpel or stitching is needed with LANAP, the procedure is less invasive with reduced post-treatment discomfort versus surgical treatments.
Fewer treatments. Your LANAP procedure requires only 1-2 treatments to complete, compared to several appointments that are needed for alternative surgical procedures.
Quicker recovery time. Because LANAP is less invasive, you will have less downtime to recover and can resume your daily activities straightaway.
Improved 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 eliminates only the unhealthy tissue. This results in less gum recession when compared to traditional gum surgery procedures.
Safe for everyone. LANAP doesn’t interfere with any medications you are taking or diseases you may have.
If you suspect you have gum disease, early diagnosis and treatment can avoid more advanced periodontal problems and potential tooth loss. Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation to see if LANAP is right for you!