6 benefits of laser-assisted dentistry for gum disease (LANAP)

By turning to a specialty center like Pasadena Periodontics, you not only benefit from considerable and focused expertise. But our Pasadena, California team also uses the latest, clinically proven technologies to resolve even the most complex conditions and severe diseases. These sophisticated tools of the trade include laser dentistry. Here, we highlight six benefits of a specific type of laser dental treatment known as “LANAP.”

No. 1: Gentle to the patient

LANAP stands for “Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure.” While that sounds like a mouthful, it simply means we use a laser instead of a scalpel to remove and treat moderate to severe gum disease. Since the laser never actually touches the treatment sites, LANAP is considered to be a non-invasive therapy. Non-invasive therapies are largely associated with painless and better-tolerated treatment.

No. 2: Super-efficient

Many additional benefits flow from the non-invasive nature of laser-assisted procedures. Notably, our certified specialists can do more in less time. That means you spend less time in the treatment chair and more time enjoying your healing and restored smile. The entire process can be completed in just two two-hour visits. Compare this to “conventional” surgical procedures to heal, reattach, and regenerate diseased/lost periodontal tissues, which generally require four-hour-long treatment sessions. So, our approach requires half the treatment sessions. Also, follow-up is efficient and requires minimal time (more on that later).

No. 3: Minimal risks

Due to its noninvasiveness and precision, LANAP is also characterized as a particularly safe and predictable treatment. Since the laser energy is directed toward only the targeted tissues, the surrounding healthy tissues remain untouched and intact. These features also help to minimize the risk of pain, bleeding, and other side effects during treatment (that are typically associated with traditional cutting or surgical periodontal procedures).

No. 4: Hassle-free, painless healing

As long as you follow any instructions provided by Pasadena Periodontics, you can generally be discomfort-free in around 24 hours after treatment. Also, due to how the laser lifts harmful bacteria and cauterizes, clot formation and healing are accelerated and encouraged. The clots function as “natural bandages” to protect the treatment site and reduce the risk of complications such as additional infection. You can expect two to four weeks of healing with traditional approaches to treating periodontitis. So, there is no comparison when it comes to LANAP’s efficiency.

No. 5: Minimal follow-ups

As indicated, follow-ups are not onerous. In fact, for most patients, we only need to see them two more times after treatment. These visits help ensure that the treatment works as intended and that the gums heal properly. With traditional surgeries, the follow-up process can span several visits, including appointments to remove the sutures or stitches placed during surgery to close up the incisions made to access your underlying tissues. This step is eliminated with LANAP, as no incisions are made in the first place.

No. 6: A fear-free experience

Cutting instruments such as scalpels and surgical techniques can be a trigger for dental fear and anxiety. With LANAP, our team in Pasadena, CA, avoids the need for or use of many common triggers for dental fears. This makes it an appropriate and comfortable treatment for patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist at all costs. It’s also appropriate for individuals with diabetes or who are on blood thinners due to its exceptional safety profile. Call us at (626) 796-5386 to learn more about today’s benefits and the value of laser-assisted dentistry.

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