Laser vs Osseous Surgery

Gum Disease

 

Common symptoms of gum disease include bad breath, bleeding or receding gums, and loose teeth. Moderate to severe cases of gum disease, also called periodontitis, create pockets around the teeth that fill with bacteria. These bacteria damage the tissue and bone supporting your teeth, which enlarges the pockets and causes the cycle to continue.

Unfortunately, neither the symptoms nor the disease itself resolves without treatment. What’s more, these symptoms worsen until either the teeth fall out or your dentist removes them. Traditionally, treating gum disease required invasive, painful surgery. A new technology called Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) offers gum disease patients a minimally invasive, less painful alternative.

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Traditional Gum Disease Surgery

Until recently, surgery was the only available method to treat gum disease effectively. With surgical treatment, your dentist uses a scalpel to cut the gum tissue before pulling the gums back to provide access to the pockets of bacteria and damaged tissue within. It is a potentially painful procedure, and it may damage healthy tissue and cause bleeding. Stitches are always required, and your dentist may need to perform bone grafts to promote reattachment between your gums and the root surfaces of your teeth. Recovery may be lengthy, and gum recession is likely after gum disease surgery. Finally, patients typically require prescription pain relief to manage post-operative pain.

 

Why LANAP is Different

Dr. Choi recommends laser surgery as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum disease treatment. Recovery time is faster and rarely requires pain medication, and the procedure itself does not cause bleeding or inflamed gums. The treatment boasts FDA approval as a viable method of treating gum disease and has a strong background of scientific research. It also stimulates bone growth, usually eliminating the need for grafting. The technology leaves healthy tissue intact, protecting the patient against further gum recession and helping the patient keep his or her natural teeth.

 

 

Dental Specialists

If you have any of the symptoms of gum disease, call our office today to schedule a consultation and discover whether LANAP will work for you. We offer patients the latest technologies in periodontal treatment. If you have bleeding or receding gums, or have lost teeth, let us help! Services offered include laser gum surgery, dental implants, gum and bone grafting, and sedation. Contact us for an appointment today.