The inflammation of the gum tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth is known as gum disease. Gum disease is usually the result of poor oral hygiene and leads to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including swollen or tender gums, gums that have pulled away from the teeth, bad breath, loose teeth, or bite issues. Left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and bone recession. It can also allow bacteria to get into the bloodstream and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Here at Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Miami, we offer LANAP® Laser Periodontal Therapy to help patients with gum disease manage or reverse this serious issue.
Many patients with gum disease avoid treating their condition because they are fearful of undergoing a surgical procedure. Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or LANAP®, is a revolutionary laser periodontal therapy that treats gum disease with no pain, cutting, swelling, or bleeding. Patients with gum disease who are worried about undergoing an invasive surgical procedure can treat their condition comfortably and efficiently.
- Advantages of Laser Gum Surgery Using LANAP®
- Advantages of LANAP® Versus Traditional Gum Surgery
- Who are Good Candidates for Laser Gum Surgery?
- What to Expect From a LANAP® Consultation
- How Laser Gum Surgery Works
- The LANAP® Procedure
- Pre-Treatment Preparation
- The Steps of the Procedure
- Recovering From The LANAP® Procedure
- Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP®
Advantages of Laser Gum Surgery Using LANAP®
LANAP® has countless benefits. Compared to other gum disease treatments, the patient experiences far less pain because no cutting with scalpels or suturing is required. The provider can also complete LANAP® in only one visit with IV sedation. This is a significant benefit as traditional surgery takes four sessions of about an hour each as well as many visits for the removal of sutures and checkups.
In addition, the LANAP® laser targets bacteria beyond what is physically within reach, meaning it can kill bacteria affecting the bone, tissues, and structure of the tooth. Lastly, it offers longer-lasting results and allows 95% of treated patients to remain stable after a 5-year period.
Need a dentist?
Contact our Miami office today!
Advantages of LANAP® Versus Traditional Gum Surgery
In the past, traditional surgery was the only treatment for moderate to severe gum disease. In this type of procedure, a periodontist would cut the gums near the teeth, peel them back, clean the root surface of the teeth, recontour the bone, and suture the gums back into their normal position.
Although traditional surgery is effective, it leads to pain, discomfort, and a lengthy recovery process. Traditional surgery may also cause teeth to look larger and expose the sensitive surfaces of the roots. LANAP® is a minimally invasive solution to gum disease that involves an easier, more comfortable procedure with a quicker recovery.
Who are Good Candidates for Laser Gum Surgery?
LANAP® is a safe and effective procedure for patients with gum disease. Even patients with diabetes, HIV, or hemophilia may undergo LANAP®. It’s also safe for those taking medications like Coumadin or Cyclosporin. Dr. Gallardo will perform a thorough evaluation and ask each patient a variety of questions to help determine whether LANAP® is a good option for their particular situation.
What to Expect From a LANAP® Consultation
Patients who are interested in LANAP® should schedule a consultation with Dr. Gallardo. During the consultation, Dr. Gallardo will conduct a comprehensive oral exam, answer any questions, and address any concerns of prospective patients.
If necessary, the provider will take digital X-rays to ensure a precise diagnosis and understand the extent of the gum disease. During a LANAP® consultation, Dr. Gallardo will thoroughly explain the procedure so that patients are well-prepared and have no surprises on the day of their first treatment.
How Laser Gum Surgery Works
Dr. Gallardo directs the LANAP®
During the procedure, Dr. Gallardo directs the LANAP® short-duration laser to deliver light pulses to the patient’s infected gum tissue. The laser energy reaches inside the pockets created around the affected teeth. The laser safely destroys the bacteria that cause gum disease and tartar buildup, which is the hardened plaque that allows harmful bacteria to breed.
The LANAP® Procedure
When a patient arrives for their initial LANAP® treatment, they’ll receive a local anesthetic so they are completely comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Gallardo will insert the LANAP® laser, which is made of soft materials, between their teeth and gums to eliminate bacteria and hazardous gum tissue. The laser will not harm healthy gums during this process.
Dr. Gallardo will then use an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments to remove tartar from the surfaces of the roots. He will conclude the treatment by using the laser to finish cleaning the gum pocket and allow the pocket to seal so that it cannot capture any new bacteria. LANAP® is quick and only takes two 2-hour sessions.
-
- annabell sanabria
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Before undergoing a LANAP® gum procedure, patients should prepare for the treatment. The periodontist should first evaluate the patient to ensure a good fit for the procedure. During the evaluation, the doctor will closely examine diseased tissue and other signs of periodontal disease. This will help determine if the patient has severe gum recession or needs more than just the LANAP® laser gum procedure.
In addition, patients should discuss their medical history and any medications they are taking with their periodontist so the doctor can safely perform the LANAP® procedure. You should also inform your periodontist if you have dental anxiety or fear of invasive procedures so that they can take extra care in providing minimal pain during the entire process.
Your periodontist may also give you specific instructions on preparing for your LANAP® appointment such as avoiding certain foods prior to the visit and brushing more frequently than usual to reduce plaque buildup on teeth surfaces. With careful preparation and a thorough evaluation, patients will receive high-quality care from an experienced professional who understands their individual needs.
The Steps of the Procedure
The steps of the LANAP® laser periodontal therapy are relatively straightforward. First, your periodontist will conduct a comprehensive oral exam to assess the severity of your gum disease and determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment. The provider will use digital X-rays to understand the extent of bone loss and measure pocket depths.
If the periodontist thinks you are a good fit for the procedure, they will apply a local anesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable during the entire process. The periodontist will then insert the LANAP® laser into the pockets created around affected teeth to safely destroy bacteria and tartar buildup, which is hardened plaque that allows harmful bacteria to breed.
Your periodontist may then use an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments to remove tartar from root surfaces. Once that is completed, they will finish cleaning the pockets with the laser and seal them so that no new bacteria can enter. Finally, healthy gum tissue will be restored with sutures or grafts as needed.
With proper care following your treatment, patients can expect positive results from their LANAP® procedure, which includes improved gum health, reduction in bleeding gums, and even improved breath odor due to fewer bacteria present in your mouth! With regular checkups to monitor progress over time, patients can confidently enjoy healthier gums for years to come.
Recovering From The LANAP® Procedure
Dr. Gallardo will clearly explain a number of post-operative instructions to LANAP® laser periodontal therapy patients. He will prescribe special rinses and medications and ask patients to limit their physical activity for several hours after a LANAP® treatment.
Although LANAP® typically causes minimal to no pain or discomfort, patients must take three 800 mg Advil or Motrin three times daily for the first 72 hours following treatment. This is important even if they do not feel any pain.
Regarding diet, patients should consume liquids only during the 72-hour period right after the procedure. Dr. Gallardo will recommend a soft diet for the 3 to 7 days after surgery and encourage soft yet nutrient-rich foods like cottage cheese, eggs, and yogurt. Patients should avoid spicy foods.
For about a week after LANAP®, patients should be careful when chewing food in the treated areas of the mouth. If patients notice any blood clots, they should not disturb them so they don’t dislodge.
Dr. Gallardo will warn patients that they may notice color changes after laser therapy. If the gum tissues are gray, yellow, red, blue, or purple, patients shouldn’t be concerned. This is a normal side effect of laser periodontal therapy.
If patients follow Dr. Gallardo’s instructions and keep their mouth as clean as possible, they’ll heal safely and efficiently and enjoy healthy gums for years to come.
Before and After Photos
Procedure Gallery
* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Related Articles
- Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: What’s the Difference?
- Can Periodontal Disease be Reversed?
- How to Choose the Right Gum Disease Treatment?
- PerioDontaLetter
- Financing Periodontal Care: Don’t Let Money Impact Your Dental Health
Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP®
The cost of LANAP® varies depending on the extent and severity of your periodontal disease. In general, a single session can range anywhere from $800 to $1,500. However, if you require multiple treatments to achieve optimal results, the total cost could be higher.
The recovery time following a LANAP® laser procedure can depend on the extent of your gum disease and how your body responds to the treatment. Generally speaking, most patients experience minimal discomfort during recovery and can get back to their normal routine in just a few days.
In addition to LANAP®, those suffering from gum disease have several other treatment options. These include traditional surgical treatments such as flap surgery or bone grafting as well as non-surgical procedures like scaling, root planning, and antimicrobial therapy. Your dentist or periodontist can help you decide which option is best suited for your individual needs.
Dental lasers such as LANAP® are safe when they are used by a highly trained and experienced periodontist like Dr. Gallardo. During a LANAP® procedure, you can expect to wear protective glasses to ensure optimal safety for your sensitive eyes.
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of LANAP® is the fact that it offers far less pain and discomfort than traditional surgery. There are no cuts and sutures involved and patients typically experience minimal to no pain during a LANAP® treatment. Local anesthetic is used to further improve patient comfort.
LANAP® involves the use of the PerioLase® MVP-7™laser, which is the only laser that is approved by the FDA and has extensive research supporting its claims for gum disease treatment. Additionally, this laser is very selective in the tissues it affects.
There are a variety of educational courses and manufacturer training courses that allow periodontists like Dr. Gallardo to become experts in laser therapy. Also, many dental schools, professional dental associations, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry offer laser education for dental professionals. Dr. Gallardo will be more than happy to share his training and experience with you if you have questions.
If you are a smoker, you may still be a candidate for LANAP®. However, healing may be impaired and the results may not be as successful. Dr. Gallardo can educate you on several smoking cessation programs so you can enjoy the very best results and improve your overall health.
LANAP® is a fairly quick procedure that requires two 2-hour sessions rather than four 1-hour sessions and multiple follow-ups that traditional surgery requires. Since it doesn’t involve any cutting of the gums, you won’t have to worry about significant bleeding, stitches, or infections after the procedure.
If you are a busy parent or working professional, you don’t have to worry about LANAP® disrupting your lifestyle. After the procedure, the majority of patients return their regular activities the next day. Any discomfort can be managed with an over-the-counter pain medication. Your diet will need to change for the first week following the procedure, but otherwise, normal activities can be resumed.
If you live near Miami, FL, Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry offers LANAP® laser periodontal therapy among its services, and is conveniently located at 2020 SW 27th Ave Miami, FL 33145
Before and After Photos
Procedure Gallery
* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Why choose Dr. Gallardo
- Dr. Gallardo has over 25 years of experience offering general dentistry and specialized periodontics to patients throughout South Florida.
- Graduated from the University of Miami
- Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry
- Accepted into the V.A. Medical Center General Practice Residency Program of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs where he was honored with the “Outstanding Resident of the Year” Award.
- C.A.G.S. (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study) from Boston University
- Has lectured nationally and internationally to dentists and hygienists and has been sponsored by companies such as Procter and Gamble to speak on clinical topics related to gum disease and implant dentistry.
- Dr. Gallardo remains on the leading edge of periodontics and implant dentistry through his active and past involvement with University of Florida, Florida Association of Periodontists and North American Society of Periodontists.
Schedule a LANAP® Consultation Today
If you’re interested in learning more about LANAP® or wondering whether you’re a good candidate for this one-of-a-kind minimally invasive procedure, schedule a private LANAP® consultation today. We can’t wait to help you improve your oral health through this cutting-edge treatment at our Miami, FL office. We can be reached at 305-447-1447 and look forward to hearing from you.
