Gum disease is a common yet serious condition that affects nearly half of adults over the age of 30, according to the CDC. Left untreated, it can lead to discomfort, chronic bad breath, gum recession, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. While traditional gum surgery has long been the go-to treatment, it often involves cutting and suturing, which can be intimidating and painful for many patients.
Fortunately, advances in dental technology have introduced gentler, more precise alternatives—like LANAP, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. This revolutionary approach to treating gum disease offers a more comfortable, minimally invasive experience with proven clinical outcomes. Patients can achieve healthier gums and protect their overall health without the stress and downtime of traditional surgery.
Understanding LANAP Gum Surgery
LANAP gum surgery in Lakewood uses a highly specialized laser to treat periodontal disease by targeting and removing diseased gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. Unlike traditional surgery, which involves scalpels and stitches, LANAP is a minimally invasive procedure that harnesses laser precision for gentler, more targeted care.
The PerioLase® MVP-7™, the laser used in LANAP, has been FDA-cleared for periodontal regeneration. It works by selectively eliminating bacteria and infected tissue from deep gum pockets—where toothbrushes and floss simply can’t reach. At the same time, it stimulates the body’s natural ability to regenerate healthy tissue and bone.
Here are a few standout advantages of LANAP gum surgery:
- Precision: The laser can distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue, preserving as much of your natural gum structure as possible.
- Less Pain and Swelling: Because LANAP avoids cutting and stitching, most patients experience significantly less discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Faster Recovery: With minimal trauma to the tissue, healing is quicker and downtime is shorter—many patients return to work the next day.
In essence, LANAP offers a gentler approach to treating gum disease with impressive clinical success.
The Benefits of LANAP Gum Surgery
LANAP offers a wide range of benefits for patients who need periodontal treatment. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with gum disease or have been managing it for years, LANAP may be the breakthrough option you’ve been waiting for.
Here’s how LANAP stands apart:
- Minimized Bleeding: Traditional surgery can result in significant bleeding. LANAP cauterizes tissue as it works, drastically reducing bleeding during and after treatment.
- Lower Risk of Infection: The laser sterilizes the area, killing harmful bacteria and reducing the chance of post-treatment infection.
- Regeneration of Supporting Structures: One of LANAP’s biggest advantages is its ability to stimulate regeneration—not just healing. This includes the regrowth of gum tissue, ligaments, and even bone that supports your teeth.
- Preservation of Natural Teeth: By removing infection and encouraging tissue reattachment, LANAP can help save teeth that might otherwise be considered hopeless.
- Improved Long-Term Outcomes: Many studies have shown that LANAP-treated gums remain healthier over time compared to traditional surgery outcomes.
This approach not only treats the problem but actively supports the body’s ability to restore the structures that keep your teeth secure and your smile stable.
How LANAP Works
The LANAP procedure is performed in a series of carefully planned steps that prioritize precision, comfort, and results:
- Initial Assessment: Your dentist or periodontist will begin with a comprehensive exam, including periodontal charting and digital X-rays, to assess the extent of gum disease and determine if LANAP is the right treatment for you.
- Laser Treatment: During the procedure, the dentist uses the PerioLase® laser to gently remove bacteria and diseased tissue from the periodontal pockets. Unlike other tools, the laser doesn’t damage surrounding healthy tissue.
- Calculus Removal: Ultrasonic instruments are used to remove tartar (calculus) from below the gumline, which is a crucial step in stopping the infection.
- Reattachment and Regeneration: The laser is passed again over the area to form a stable clot that seals the tissue against the tooth root, kickstarting the body’s healing process. Over time, this encourages the regrowth of bone and gum attachment.
- Follow-Up Care: Post-operative appointments will ensure that healing is progressing properly. Patients are typically given personalized home care instructions to support recovery.
Most LANAP procedures are completed in two sessions, often scheduled a week apart, with additional maintenance visits as needed.
Is LANAP Right for You?
While LANAP is a powerful tool for treating periodontal disease, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s essential to undergo a full periodontal evaluation to see if you’re a good candidate.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Stage of Gum Disease: LANAP is particularly effective for moderate to advanced periodontitis. It’s often recommended for patients whose condition can no longer be managed with scaling and root planing alone.
- Medical History: Because LANAP is minimally invasive and doesn’t require general anesthesia, it’s often a safer option for patients with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or bleeding disorders.
- Personal Preferences: If you’re anxious about dental surgery or want to avoid a long recovery, LANAP offers a more comfortable and efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Ultimately, the best way to find out if LANAP is right for you is to consult with an experienced provider who can tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs.
Why Choose Dr. Mark Whatcott at Colorado Advanced Dentistry?
When it comes to treating gum disease, experience matters. Dr. Mark Whatcott and the team at Colorado Advanced Dentistry in Lakewood, CO, are proud to offer advanced treatments like LANAP to support your long-term oral health. Dr. Whatcott combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate, patient-centered care to help you feel at ease every step of the way.
Our practice is dedicated to delivering personalized, evidence-based treatment in a welcoming environment. We understand that gum disease can be overwhelming—but with the right care, it’s manageable. LANAP gives us another powerful tool to help restore your smile and protect your overall wellness.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or are experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, don’t wait to seek treatment. LANAP gum surgery may be the gentle, effective solution you’ve been looking for.
Contact Colorado Advanced Dentistry in Lakewood, CO to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Whatcott. We’ll answer your questions, evaluate your gum health, and guide you toward the best treatment path for your needs.
Call us today at (303) 529-2131 and discover how LANAP can help you restore your smile with less pain, less downtime, and better long-term results.