Will LANAP Save My Teeth?
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you may be asking whether LANAP can help you keep your natural teeth. LANAP, or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is an advanced treatment designed to stop the progression of periodontal disease and support healthier gums. While no treatment can guarantee results in every case, LANAP offers a strong chance of saving teeth that might otherwise be lost to gum disease. If you’re considering LANAP, here’s what you should know.
How Does LANAP Help?
Gum disease weakens the structures that support your teeth by destroying gum tissue and bone. Over time, this damage can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out if left untreated. LANAP works by using a specialized laser to remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue. The laser’s energy also helps eliminate harmful bacteria and promotes the body’s natural healing processes.
During the procedure, a thin laser fiber is inserted between the tooth and the gum to target the infected areas. The laser removes damaged tissue and sterilizes the area without harming the surrounding healthy structures. Once the infection is cleared, the area is cleaned, and the laser is used again to encourage clot formation and tissue reattachment. This approach creates a more stable environment for healing and regeneration.
Is LANAP Different from Traditional Gum Surgery?
Before laser treatments were available, advanced gum disease was often treated with osseous surgery. This traditional procedure involves cutting the gums with a scalpel, folding them back to access the bone, and reshaping or grafting the bone as needed. Afterward, the gums are stitched back into place. While effective, this method is more invasive and often leads to a longer recovery, more discomfort, and visible changes to the gumline.
LANAP offers a less invasive alternative. By using a laser instead of a scalpel, LANAP avoids cutting and stitching, resulting in less trauma to the tissue and a more comfortable recovery. Many patients can return to normal activities within a day or two, and the natural appearance of the gumline is better preserved.
Will LANAP Guarantee Tooth Retention?
LANAP has a high success rate in halting the progression of gum disease and improving gum health. By removing the source of infection and stimulating tissue regeneration, the procedure creates better conditions for keeping your natural teeth. However, the effectiveness of LANAP also depends on the severity of the disease and your commitment to ongoing care.
While LANAP can stop active infection and encourage healing, maintaining those results requires good oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, eating a balanced diet, and keeping regular dental checkups are all essential to prevent gum disease from returning. Without these efforts, the risk of future problems increases.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re wondering whether LANAP is the right treatment for you, speak with your dentist to discuss your options. LANAP provides a minimally invasive way to treat gum disease and offers a strong opportunity to preserve your natural teeth. Your dental professional can evaluate your condition and help you understand what kind of results you can expect with this treatment.