According to Millennium Dental Technologies, “Eighty percent of US adults suffer from some degree of gum disease, making this one of the most common diseases in America.” Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition that can have significant impact on an individual’s overall health. The severity of gum disease can range from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontitis. Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care, while periodontitis may require more intensive treatment.
To prevent and manage gum disease, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. For those Americans dealing with more progressive symptoms from receding gums to shifting teeth or pain while chewing, there are now options for the patient to consider.
Traditional gum surgery requires the dentist to use a scalpel to cut the gums and fold them back to clean the tartar from the roots and view the bone supporting the teeth. This highly invasive procedure often creates treatment-avoidance in patients, with only 3% of adults with moderate to severe levels of gum disease accepting treatment.
Alternatively, LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is the only FDA-cleared laser treatment available for periodontal disease. LANAP offers a less painful, more successful treatment alternative to traditional surgery. The reasons a dental patient might consider LANAP include the following:
- Minimally Invasive: LANAP is a minimally invasive procedure compared to traditional gum surgery. It uses a laser to selectively target and remove infected gum tissue without harming healthy tissue by cutting or sewing. In addition, the laser cauterizes nerve endings to minimize trauma to surrounding tissues. When comparing LANAP to traditional surgery, doctors report less pain, discomfort, and swelling in their patients.
- Faster Healing Time: LANAP is often associated with faster healing times compared to traditional gum surgery. The laser used in LANAP promotes clotting, which reduces bleeding during the procedure. It also stimulates the regeneration of supporting tissues, aiding in a quicker recovery.
- Preservation of Healthy Tissue: The precision of the laser in LANAP allows for the preservation of more healthy gum tissue. This is beneficial for maintaining the aesthetics of the smile during recovery and reducing the risk of recession.
- Stimulates Bone Regeneration: LANAP has been shown to stimulate bone regeneration, which is essential for restoring the supporting structures around the teeth. This can be crucial in cases where periodontal disease has led to bone loss.
LANAP aims to improve overall gum health by removing diseased tissue and allowing for the regeneration of healthy tissue. This can contribute to the long-term stability of the teeth and prevent further progression of gum disease. At Dental Solutions of Binghamton, Dr. Erez Cohen is a LANAP certified provider. After completing the yearlong training provided by Millennium Dental Technologies, he now focuses exclusively on addressing periodontal disease through minimally invasive procedures. If you suffer from gum disease, let us help improve your quality of life with LANAP. Call to schedule your consultation today