4 steps to treating gum disease with the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)

As specialists in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions affecting the periodontium, or tissues that support and surround the teeth, Drs. Joel Henriod, Tyler Hendry, and Jane Law have advanced knowledge and technologies that offer precise and non-invasive alternatives to conventional surgical procedures. These alternatives include LANAP. Drs. Henriod and Hendry were early adopters of the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, and they were among the first periodontists in Southern California to use this treatment for moderate to severe periodontal disease (gum disease). Certified in LANAP since 2010, they are well-versed in walking patients through the four steps to expect at Pasadena Periodontics when naturally, gently, efficiently, and predictably healing damaged gums with this technology.

Step No. 1: Schedule a consultation

During your consultation, our specialists will use another category of technologies to determine your suitability for this treatment: diagnostics. Since we specialize in diagnosing and treating gum disease and other conditions that can affect the gums and supportive tissues, there is certain to be a treatment or intervention that is appropriate for you. Recommendations are based on a visual evaluation of your mouth. For what cannot be seen with the eyes alone, we use digital X-rays and Cone Beam CT scans to get a complete and detailed look at even the smallest “hidden” areas of your mouth. The information collected during this visit serves a two-fold purpose:

• It helps with “staging” or assessing the extent or severity of gum disease.
• It aids in developing plans to treat your specific diagnosis; for instance, for earlier-stage gum disease, non-surgical Scaling and Root Planing and antibiotic therapy may be sufficient to restore your periodontal health. More advanced cases may benefit from LANAP as an alternative to traditional periodontal surgery that uses cutting techniques and tools (like scalpels) to remove and modify diseased tissues.

Step No. 2: Prepare for a successful treatment

If our periodontists recommend LANAP, we will schedule either one four-hour treatment or two two-hour treatments. The choice is yours! We suggest arriving at our office in loose, comfortable clothing. To further help you relax, we can discuss sedative methods. Otherwise, the process is well-tolerated with a local anesthetic to numb the treatment sites. If sedation may benefit you, some methods cause lingering drowsiness, making it unsafe to drive or operate machinery following your appointment. So, you must arrange reliable transportation to and from our office.

LANAP Treatment – Before & After Results

See More Results

Step No. 3: Treat your gums

The treatment process starts by using a special instrument (probe) to measure the depth of the space or pocket between each tooth and the gums. The gums increasingly pull away from the teeth as disease advances, which enlarges these periodontal pockets or spaces. In turn, they can indicate the severity of damage in a given area and your treatment needs. We then activate and apply the laser as a small fiber, about the thickness of three hairs. The fiber is placed between the teeth and gums first to kill the harmful bacteria responsible for the disease. Stubborn plaque build-up or tartar is removed deeply from the root surfaces, which tend to attract this bacterial film, with ultrasonic scaler technology and manual instruments. Then, the laser gives your gums a fresh start by disinfecting the pockets that harbor bacteria and promoting the reattachment of the gums to the roots of the teeth. Since more advanced forms of gum disease are associated with loose teeth, due to the loss of these supportive tissues, our periodontists will balance your bite to ensure the opposing upper and lower teeth fit together properly when they come in contact.

Step No. 4: Caring for your renewed smile

Due to the non-invasive nature of LANAP, no sutures or stitches are required. Similarly, Pasadena Periodontics minimizes the demands on your schedule and body associated with healing and recovery afterward. However, it is important to follow any instructions provided by our team. These instructions will be provided before your treatment, and we will review them with you. Practice extra care not to disturb or irritate the treatment sites. That means only reintroducing straws and harder foods into your diet when and as directed by our specialists. Certain behaviors and foods can interfere with healing. We ask that you remain on a soft yet nutritious diet for at least a week following treatments. Of course, we are always available to answer specific questions and resolve any concerns that may arise during your healing period. Take the first step today. Call (626) 796-5386 to schedule your consultation at our Pasadena, CA office.

Share this Article