Does LANAP Really Work?
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you may have come across the term LANAP and wondered whether this laser-based treatment is truly effective. Traditional gum surgery has been the go-to option for years, but advancements in dental technology have introduced alternative procedures that aim to treat periodontal disease with less discomfort and faster recovery. LANAP is one of the most talked-about among them. If you’re exploring options for gum disease treatment, read on to learn more about what you should know about LANAP and its effectiveness.
What Is LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It’s a minimally invasive treatment that uses a dental laser to target and remove infected gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. The laser’s wavelength is designed to distinguish between diseased and healthy tissue, which allows the dentist to clean the area without the need for scalpels or sutures.
As the laser removes harmful bacteria and diseased tissue, it also stimulates the remaining healthy gum to reattach to the bone. This reattachment is key in preventing tooth loss and promoting better long-term gum health. By preserving more of your natural gum tissue, LANAP allows for improved healing conditions and encourages the body’s natural regenerative processes.
How Does It Compare to Traditional Gum Surgery?
Conventional gum surgery involves cutting away diseased tissue and reshaping the bone underneath to reduce the depth of periodontal pockets. While this method can be effective, it’s also more invasive. Recovery typically involves discomfort, swelling, and a longer healing time.
LANAP offers a different experience. The use of laser technology results in less trauma to the gum tissue, which often means less pain after the procedure and a faster return to normal activities. The laser also helps sterilize the area, reducing the risk of reinfection and supporting better outcomes over time. Patients often report feeling more comfortable during recovery, which can make it easier to maintain the oral hygiene habits needed to keep gum disease from returning.
What Do the Results Show?
Clinical studies on LANAP have shown promising results. Patients treated with LANAP have experienced less tooth loss and stronger gum-to-bone attachment compared to those treated with traditional methods. There is also evidence that the procedure supports some degree of bone regeneration, though complete regrowth is still being studied.
One of the reasons LANAP may lead to better long-term results is its ability to create an ideal healing environment. By eliminating bacteria and minimizing damage to healthy tissue, the laser helps the body recover more efficiently. This can make a meaningful difference in the overall stability of your teeth and gums.
What Should You Consider Next?
If you’re looking into treatment options for gum disease, LANAP may be worth discussing with your dentist. It offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery with faster healing and strong clinical support behind its effectiveness. Speak with your dentist to see if LANAP is the right fit for your specific case and what kind of outcome you can expect based on the current condition of your gums.