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Laser Periodontal Therapy for Gums (LANAP) in Pasadena

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is an FDA-approved procedure for treating moderate to severe gum disease. Instead of a scalpel, as in traditional periodontal surgery, it uses a precisely focused laser to remove the diseased gum tissue without affecting the healthy tissue.

The laser not only destroys bad bacteria, but it also stimulates the body’s natural regenerative potential, usually eliminating the need for gum grafting around the teeth.

At Pasadena Periodontics, we specialize in cutting-edge solutions to treat gum disease, including LANAP surgery. In fact, Dr. Henriod and Hendry were among the first periodontists in southern California to use LANAP to treat gum disease. They have been certified in LANAP since 2010. This procedure is non-invasive and much quicker than traditional gum surgery. It also comes with many other benefits, such as a short recovery time and minimal discomfort.

Two of our expert periodontists are certified to perform LANAP gum surgery. Dr. Joel Henriod and Dr. Tyler Hendry are both highly trained and experienced in using LANAP to effectively defeat gum disease. As periodontists, they have many years of specialist training in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the gums.

LANAP surgery can be a wonderful option for many people suffering from gum disease, but you’ll want to make sure you understand it fully before getting started. When you schedule your procedure with our office, we’ll take the time to walk you through all the steps and answer any questions you may have.

To make an appointment, call 626.389.9726 or click here to request an appointment online.

gum grafting before

Meet our LANAP Periodontists

Scheduling your LANAP surgery with Pasadena Periodontics means expert treatment. Working with either Dr. Joel Henriod or Dr. Tyler Hendry, you will receive innovative care to treat your gum disease quickly so you can get back to enjoying your daily routine.

Dr. Joel Henroid graduated from the renowned UCLA School of Dentistry, and he is a diplomate of the prestigious American Board of Periodontology. Along with being a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Henroid is certified in LANAP (Laser Periodontal Surgery). He is also trained in the Pinhole Surgical Technique, which is a non-invasive way to treat receding gums, and certified in IV and oral sedation.

Dr. Henroid is known as one of the top periodontists in the Pasadena area, and he frequently teaches other periodontists and dentists about minimally invasive gum grafting, implant surgery, and bone grafting techniques.

Working with Dr. Hendry also means exceptional care. He graduated from the prestigious UCLA School of Dentistry and provides advanced periodontal procedures in the most pain-free and minimally invasive ways possible.

Dr. Hendry is certified in LANAP (Laser Periodontal Surgery), oral and IV sedation, and Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST). He is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and affiliated with the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the American Dental Association (ADA).

To make an appointment, call 626.389.9726 or click here to request an appointment online.

gum grafting before

Consultation for LANAP surgery

Scheduling your LANAP gum surgery with our team at Pasadena Periodontics is simple and easy, and we will make sure you’re informed every step of the way. To begin with, we will perform an initial inspection of your mouth and take X-rays to determine the severity of your gum disease.

Digital X-rays with our 3D cone beam scanner provide detailed information for our doctors, which they use to plan your treatment on advanced computer software.

Dr. Henriod or Dr. Hendry will perform an oral exam to see if you’re a candidate for LANAP. You’ll get an opportunity to discuss concerns, have treatment options explained, and get any questions answered.

If needed, we will take digital X-rays of your mouth to make a more precise diagnosis and to discover the extent of the gum disease. For a closer look, or if they suspect other issues in the mouth or jaw, we will take 3D X-rays using our cone beam CT scanner.

We will also take the time to explain the procedure thoroughly ahead of time, so there are no surprises on the day of treatment. Your comfort is our top priority, so we are always happy to answer questions and will keep you informed at all times.

We will schedule both of your LANAP procedure appointments as well as two follow-up appointments at once to lay out the full treatment plan. During your follow-up appointments, your doctor will inspect your progress and ensure a successful recovery.

To make an appointment, call 626.247.3400 or click here to request an appointment online.

What to Expect

Once we’ve completed your oral exam and reviewed your X-rays, we will schedule your LANAP appointments. Your periodontist will complete your procedure in around two hours, prioritizing your comfort along the way.

When you return for your first LANAP Procedure treatment, you’ll get a local anesthetic to eliminate any discomfort. LANAP Procedure is much less traumatic than conventional surgery, but if desired, sedation can be used for a comfortable appointment.

We use a soft-tissue laser with a fiber about the thickness of three hairs. This is inserted between your teeth and gums to eliminate bacteria and diseased gum tissue. Healthy gum tissue is not harmed in the process. Once this is done, we use an ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments to remove tartar from the root surfaces. Lastly, we use the laser to clean the gum pocket and assist in sealing the pocket so new germs cannot enter. The gum heals, re-attaching to the clean surface of the tooth root.

The Procedure

The procedure is quick. It takes just two 2-hour sessions, or you have the option to have it all done in one treatment. Most people return to work the next day.

From start to finish, the LANAP procedure contains several steps. On treatment day, you can expect your LANAP periodontist to:

  • Probe all gums to determine the treatment needed for each tooth
  • Eliminate the infection-causing bacteria with the LANAP laser
  • Use ultrasonic scalers, among other instruments, to eliminate disease-causing tartar
  • Connect gum tissue back onto the root with the LANAP laser
  • Perform an occlusal adjustment to balance bite forces on loose teeth

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much is LANAP surgery?

It’s normal to be concerned about the cost of your dental procedure. However, LANAP is more affordable than you might think. It costs about the same as traditional gum surgery, but it’s far less invasive and has a much shorter recovery time.

The cost of your LANAP procedure will depend on the condition of your teeth and gums. Fees vary significantly per case, but you can rely on our team to walk through a variety of financing options.

Keep in mind that many insurance carriers cover this procedure, so it’s important to reach out to yours to get the most accurate quote on your LANAP surgery.

What happens during the Procedure?

With the LANAP procedure, your periodontist will remove all harmful tartar and bacteria, as is done in traditional gum surgery. However, there are no scalpels involved or painful recovery periods. There are also no sutures, so you don’t need to worry about reopening any wounds as you recover.

How does LANAP Compare to Traditional Gum Surgery?

It’s Less Invasive

One of the biggest benefits of LANAP surgery is that it’s less invasive than traditional gum surgery, leading to many other benefits. The LANAP procedure causes much less discomfort than standard surgery, both during and after the procedure, as well as faster healing and predictable results.

Shorter Recovery Period

Typically, you will be free from discomfort 24 hours after your LANAP procedure. This time can vary, but it’s much shorter than the two- to four-week recovery period you can expect from traditional gum surgery.

A Quicker Procedure

Because LANAP is a non-invasive procedure, your periodontist can perform it much quicker than traditional gum surgery. It takes two 2-hour visits and two follow-up visits, while traditional surgery with the scalpel requires four sessions of about an hour apiece, plus several visits for suture removal and additional check-ups.

Maximum Preservation of Gum Tissue

Finally, due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, there is maximum preservation of the original gum tissue. LANAP is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, and patients of blood thinners. It’s also safe for anyone taking medications, including blood thinners or aspirin. LANAP provides long-lasting results. A study showed that after five years, 98% of LANAP-treated patients remained stable.

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