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30 Years of Experience
LANAP® Laser Periodontal Therapy
Discover why patients from more than 38 states and 11 countries trust us
Our Work Speaks for Itself
LANAP Benefits
01
Safeguard your oral health
Ward off gum disease, and preserve a radiant smile for the long term. Ensure your gums stay in excellent condition, promoting overall oral well-being and lasting confidence.
02
Renew your absent teeth
Using lifelike dental implants, intricately designed to seamlessly harmonize with your genuine smile, enriching both appearance and performance.
03
Embrace lasting results
At Gallardo Periodontics & Implant Dentistry we deliver enduring and resilient treatments to patients, guaranteeing both long-term durability and satisfaction while maintaining optimal oral health.
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. Also, LANAP recovery is quicker, which makes this minimally invasive solution to gum disease an easier and more comfortable procedure. You can now better of this procedure with our LANAP Guide!
LANAP ® Before and After Photos
Each Patient is Unique and Individual Results May Vary
LANAP® Laser Periodontal Therapy
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.
What to Expect From a LANAP® Consultation
Before undergoing LANAP® Laser Gum Surgery, the patient should expect to have a consultation with our periodontist. During this visit, we will discuss the patient’s medical history and current dental condition. We may also take X-rays of the teeth and gums to identify any areas of infection or decay. After a thorough examination, we will be able to determine if laser gum surgery is an appropriate treatment for gum disease.
During the consultation, our periodontist will explain all aspects of the LANAP® procedure and what to expect from it. We will discuss how long the treatment takes and how much pain medication is needed during recovery periods. We will also provide information on post-procedure care instructions such as proper oral hygiene habits as well deep cleaning at home with antiseptic rinses or special toothbrushes.
The doctor will then explain how laser surgery works by using a laser fiber to remove infected tissue from around the natural teeth as well as reduce periodontal pockets below the gum line. This fiber is then used to shape bone structure for better support of natural teeth and create ideal conditions for healing time. In some cases, osseous surgery may be necessary along with LANAP® in order to achieve optimal results for treating gum disease.
The LANAP® Procedure
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 mouths as clean as possible, they’ll heal safely and efficiently and enjoy healthy gums for years to come.
What Our Patients Say
Committed to your results
Why Choose Dr. Gallardo
- Dr. Gallardo has 30 years of experience offering dental implants and specialized periodontics to patients throughout South Florida.
- Dr. Gallardo is a graduate from the University of Miami and received his 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.
- He 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 a leader in periodontics and implant dentistry through his active and past involvement with University of Florida, Florida Association of Periodontists and North American Society of Periodontists.
Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP®
How much does LANAP® cost?
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.
What is the recovery time after a LANAP® procedure?
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.
What other treatment options are available for gum disease?
Is LANAP® safe?
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.
Is LANAP® painful?
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.
What type of laser is used in LANAP®?
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.
What makes a periodontist trained to use a laser?
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.
Are smokers candidates for LANAP®?
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.
How many LANAP® treatments are necessary?
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.
How long will I need to stay home after laser periodontal surgery?
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.
