In the United States, gum disease is one of the most common dental diseases among adults. A case of gum disease can be as mild as gingivitis or as severe as advanced periodontitis. Periodontitis, which is the most common cause of tooth loss and decay, must be treated immediately to stave off further damage or infection.
Before making an appointment, you may have a number of reasonable concerns regarding traditional treatment. Whether you’re wary about having to stop your medication before surgery or increasing your risk of COVID-19 during treatment, there are many risks that traditional gum surgery poses that LANAP treatment does not.
Fortunately, laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) surgery is a much safer and less invasive alternative to traditional treatment. Not only is this form of surgery a more comfortable option, but it’s also far more accessible in the age of a pandemic. If you’re looking for a convenient and low-risk way to properly treat your gum disease, scheduling a LANAP appointment with Dr. Trujillo may be the solution you need.
What Makes LANAP Surgery Different
Ever since it was approved for use in dental practices in 2004, LANAP treatment has proven to be a highly effective and minimally invasive form of gum surgery. Unlike conventional gum treatment solutions, LANAP utilizes fine lasers to achieve periodontal regeneration. This allows for a less painful and more efficient surgical procedure.
To accomplish this goal, the lasers used in LANAP surgery work to restore the connective tissue in your gums. This process is vital to improving your oral health after developing gum disease. At the same time, LANAP treatment helps to eliminate the harmful bacteria and plaque that builds up on your gums as a result of periodontitis. This ensures that your gums have a stronger and healthier foundation following LANAP treatment.
One of the most notable aspects of LANAP surgery is its ability to restore your gums without causing unneeded harm. With help from fine-tuned lasers, LANAP directly addresses the source of inflammation in your gums while ensuring that you don’t lose any healthy connective tissue. Not only does this help reduce the amount of pain you experience during treatment, but it also keeps your gums healthier and stronger following surgery.
Benefits of LANAP Treatment
More Americans are turning to LANAP to safely and effectively treat periodontitis. If you’re curious about what sets this advanced form of treatment apart from conventional treatment, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the benefits of LANAP.
Minimal Pain
One of the main advantages of LANAP surgery is minimized pain and swelling. Because this treatment involves the use of lasers instead of the typical cut-and-stitch method, patients tend to experience less pain than usual after the procedure. There is also a reduced pain response during the procedure itself, as surgeons normally numb the patient’s mouth before beginning treatment.
Less Recovery Time
As a result of this lower level of discomfort, you can expect to recover more quickly from LANAP treatment. While conventional surgery can take two to four weeks for patients to fully recover from pain and swelling, the recovery period for LANAP is often less than twenty-four hours. This allows patients to enjoy their normal lifestyle much more quickly than they would if they had chosen traditional surgery.
No Need to Stop Medications Before Treatment
Moreover, there is no need to stop taking your medication prior to beginning treatment. While traditional gum surgery normally requires you to put your meds on hold for safety reasons, there’s no danger in taking medication prior to your LANAP treatment. Knowing that you’re free to continue taking care of your health before surgery is one of the many reasons why LANAP is a safer and more convenient form of gum surgery.
Less Invasive
If you’re concerned about staying protected from the coronavirus during treatment, you can find peace of mind in knowing that LANAP is a safer alternative to traditional surgery. Because it is a less invasive procedure by definition, there’s a lower risk of being exposed to COVID-19 particles during treatment. In addition, the reduced pain and recovery time means you’ll be less likely to visit the dentist again to treat recurring problems. Spending less time in the office ultimately minimizes your risk of contracting the coronavirus.
What to Expect From LANAP Surgery
To be as comfortable as possible during LANAP surgery, it’s important to know what to expect from the procedure. LANAP treatment is typically divided into two separate sessions. The surgeon will work on the first side of your mouth during the first session, and he or she will complete the second side of your mouth during the second session. These two sessions are typically scheduled a week apart from each other to allow for sufficient healing and recovery.
Following the procedure, it’s important to take the right precautions to keep your teeth and gums healthy. While your dentist will likely prescribe a specific regimen to follow, there are a few universal precautions that all patients should take after undergoing LANAP treatment.
One of the most important habits to change after surgery is your diet. Following a LANAP procedure, you should be sure to avoid consuming any foods that may harm your teeth or gums. It’s best to limit your diet to liquids and soft foods that are easy on your teeth and won’t cause any further pain. Be sure to consult with your dentist to ensure that you take the proper measures to protect your teeth and gums.
Getting the Results You Want From LANAP Treatment
If you’re ready to rescue your teeth from the debilitating effects of periodontitis, LANAP surgery is the safe and convenient option you’re looking for. Not only will you have a greater chance of recovering faster and with less pain, but you’ll also have the opportunity to reduce your COVID-19 risk. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Trujillo to receive the state-of-the-art treatment you need to find relief from gum disease.