Treating Gum Disease With Lasers

At Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants & Periodontics, we offer today’s most effective treatment for moderate-to-severe gum disease with procedures that have proven to be the most minimally invasive for our patients. LANAP® is a great example.

Short for “laser-assisted new attachment procedure,” LANAP stops gum disease progression in its tracks with a laser no bigger than three human hairs! This game-changing procedure lets us remove diseased tissue, stimulate gum and bone tissue regeneration and kill germs without any of the cutting or stitches required in traditional gum surgery.

The LANAP® laser strategically removes only infected tissue without damaging healthy tissue. It’s also a great alternative gum disease treatment for individuals who may be fearful of traditional scalpel surgery and those who take blood-thinning medications or may have other health concerns.

What Are Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease?

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show us that older adults have a higher rates of gum disease, (more than 70% over age 65!). Yet nearly 50% of adults ages 30 and older have some form of this disease which occurs when bacteria are left for too long on the teeth and spread below the gum line. Risk factors for gum disease increase if you’re a smoker, have diabetes and are taking certain medications that may cause dry mouth.

Brushing and flossing every day and seeing your dentist regularly help prevent or control gum disease. Deeper cleaning by your periodontist may also be recommended on a regular basis.

When Gum Disease (Periodontitis) Becomes More Severe

You may have been told you should obtain traditional flap gum surgery, also known as osseous surgery, or pocket-reduction surgery. Practices like ours also offer LANAP as a great alternative to conventional gum surgeries. The laser stops the progression of gum disease and, just as beneficial, helps restore your gums to good health without any cutting or stitches. LANAP stimulates cells to help the healing process and works with your body by giving it an easier chance to heal.

By the time we recommend LANAP, gum disease is usually long past the initial stages. Despite the severity of your condition, we can often use this advanced and incredibly precise laser technology to save what were considered “hopeless” teeth.

LANAP has indeed been a game-changing alternative to other periodontal surgery since it:

• Is minimally invasive and may be easier for patients
• Helps regenerate healthy tissue
• Can help save teeth that are severely failing
• Targets only diseased tissue without harming healthy tissue
• Means less post-operative discomfort
• Allows for less bleeding and faster healing with lower risk of infection
• Means we can often treat an entire mouth in one visit
• Makes your gums less prone to recession

LANAP is the only laser treatment for gum disease. It’s FDA-approved and is also backed by clinical and laboratory research. Even gum tissue around dental implant restorations can show a regenerative effect.

How to Avoid Gum Disease

Your best option for good oral health is always trying to avoid periodontal disease in the first place. That means daily at-home brushing and flossing, regular visits to your dentist and, if you’ve been diagnosed with early-stage gum disease, scaling and root planing by your periodontist for deep cleaning to remove plaque buildup under the gumline and promote healing.

Remember, gum disease may not only just affect your smile—it’s also linked to diabetes and pregnancy complications, heart attacks, stroke and more.

If you suspect you suffer from gum disease or have been told you need treatment, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment for a consultation at one of our two Pennsylvania locations.

“Everyone is kind, considerate and professional. The method behind the practice puts me at ease as a patient and provides ultimate confidence that I am in the right place.”

—Kathy C. on Google Reviews