A lot of people think about taking care of their teeth, but don’t give much thought to their gums. But in reality, healthy gums are the foundation for a mouth full of strong, healthy teeth. At Clarksburg Dental Center in Germantown, MD, patients dealing with moderate to severe gum disease can take advantage of LANAP® gum disease treatment. This advanced, minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery allows us to target the infection with precision while preserving healthy tissue, which can support faster healing and less discomfort for patients. If you’re concerned about gum disease, keep reading to learn about LANAP and how it can benefit patients with gum disease, as well as what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It’s a specialized laser treatment designed to treat periodontitis without the need for scalpels or sutures. The procedure uses a specialized dental laser to remove infected tissue and bacteria while promoting natural healing. By targeting only diseased areas, LANAP can help protect healthy gum tissue and encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth, supporting long-term stability.
Traditional gum surgery often involves cutting into the gums, removing diseased tissue, and using stitches to tighten the remaining tissue around the gums. While effective, this method can be invasive and may result in swelling, bleeding, and extended recovery times. LANAP differs significantly by using laser energy to treat the disease, with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue and no stitches. Patients may experience less discomfort, fewer complications, and a shorter healing period compared to conventional gum surgery.
During LANAP treatment, a dental laser precisely targets areas of infection along the gum line. The laser energy selectively removes bacteria and diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. This targeted approach tends to produce less overall trauma to the gums, making the treatment gentler and more focused than traditional methods.
The laser serves a dual purpose, as it also sterilizes pockets between the teeth and gums, effectively killing harmful bacteria that contribute to inflammation and disease. By eliminating bacteria without damaging healthy tissue, LANAP supports a more favorable environment for natural healing and reduces the risk of reinfection.
One of the unique advantages of LANAP is its ability to stimulate gum tissue and underlying bone to reattach to the teeth. The procedure encourages regeneration of the structures that support your teeth, which may reduce pocket depth and help stabilize teeth that have been affected by gum disease.
Because LANAP is minimally invasive and avoids cutting or stitching, many patients report less discomfort during and after treatment. Local numbing is used to ensure a comfortable experience, and swelling is often reduced compared to conventional gum surgery.
The precision of the laser means that healthy tissue remains intact, which supports smooth healing and reduced bleeding. This can make post-treatment care simpler and allow patients to resume normal activities sooner.
Compared to traditional gum surgery, LANAP may also reduce the number of follow-up visits required. Many patients are able to complete their gum disease treatment in fewer appointments, while maintaining the comfort and predictability that comes from a modern, technology-driven approach.
If you have been told you have moderate to severe gum disease and surgery has been recommended, you may be a great candidate for LANAP over conventional gum surgery.
Patients who may benefit from LANAP often exhibit symptoms such as:
LANAP may be suggested for patients with moderate to severe periodontitis who want to avoid the invasiveness of traditional gum surgery. It may also be suitable for those who have not responded well to conventional scaling and root planing or who are seeking faster recovery with less discomfort.
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive examination, including X-rays to assess bone levels and the extent of gum disease. Our team will also review your oral health history and discuss your goals to develop a personalized treatment plan.
On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia will be used to keep you comfortable. We’ll use the laser to remove diseased tissue and bacteria, while preserving healthy gum and bone structure. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the severity of your condition and the number of sites treated.
Recovery from LANAP is often faster than traditional surgery, but proper care remains essential. You may be advised to:
We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing, evaluate gum reattachment, and provide maintenance care.
Maintaining gum health after LANAP requires consistent home care:
Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential to maintain long-term results. We may recommend more frequent periodontal maintenance visits, particularly in the first year following treatment, to monitor pocket depths and overall gum health.
“We want you to feel comfortable and informed about your treatment options,” says Dr. Chung Lin, DDS. “That’s why we are so committed to combining advanced technology with one-on-one attention and personal relationships.” If you notice signs of gum disease or want to explore advanced treatment options, LANAP may provide a gentler, effective solution. Contact Clarksburg Dental Center in Germantown, MD, to schedule a visit and discuss whether this modern laser therapy can support your oral health goals.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.
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