Gum Disease Treatment
(LANAP/LAPIP)
When you find out you have gum disease, so many questions can run through your mind.
- What is gum disease?
- How do you treat it?
- Does it hurt?
- How bad can gum disease get?
- What’s the best gum disease treatment?
- Am I going to lose my teeth?
- Will I need dentures?
Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is nothing to be ashamed of – in fact it is very common. Nearly half (46%) of all adults older than 30 have some form of gum disease, and severe gum disease affects nine percent of all adults. Although it is the leading cause of tooth loss, there are successful and non-invasive procedures we can apply in order to control gum disease, including LANAP and LAPIP.
Get the Quality Dental CareYou Deserve
Schedule a visit with us today!
What Are LANAP and LAPIP?
LANAP
LANAP is an acronym that means “Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure,” and it is a minimally invasive procedure using a special laser. It creates regeneration of bone and tissue lost from advanced gum disease. This dental laser destroys harmful bacteria and removes damaged gum tissue, while reinforcing the healthy gum tissue. LANAP is a revolutionary periodontal procedure that requires no scraping, scalpels, cutting or sewing, which means quicker healing.
LAPIP
LAPIP stands for “Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Protocol,” and it is similar to the LANAP procedure, except that instead of treating gums around natural teeth, we’re treating the soft tissue surrounding dental implants. This procedure is meant for patients whose dental implants are failing from a condition called peri-implantitis.
If you have been told you have gum disease, or your teeth or implants feel loose in your mouth, please call us and schedule an appointment so we can assess your condition and determine whether you’re a candidate for LANAP or LAPIP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. If the condition worsens, gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged and the teeth can become loose.
Red and swollen gums, blood in the sink after brushing, bad breath and sometimes an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Sometimes you may have no symptoms at all! Gum disease is often a silent and painless condition and can go undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction occurs.
Gum disease can ruin more than your smile. Studies show gum disease is a significant risk factor for:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy complications
- And much more
Traditionally, patients diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease had to undergo scalpel and suture periodontal surgery, also known as osseous surgery. During the surgery, gums are cut in order to scrape tartar off the roots, and drills are used to reshape the bone. The gums are repositioned to the tooth with stitches, sometimes along with placement of bone grafts to fill in the defects. Following surgery, gums and exposed roots can be sensitive, painful and subject to cavities
