If you’re one of the nearly 80% of Americans who have gum disease, and the condition has gotten out of control, you may be advised to undergo periodontal surgery. Dr. Kania, a San Diego periodontist practicing in Encinitas, offers the innovative no-cut, no-sew procedure.  The protocal is called LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure) with the Periolase.

Gum disease results in significant infection, that in turn breaks down periodontal attachment (bone, ligament and gum).  The loss of this tissue results in tooth loss. Treatment that breaks this destructive cycle will set the way for new, healthy tissue to naturally regenerate. However, cutting away tissue is not enough – the underlying infection must be treated.

If you need gum surgery, the traditional approach would involve a rather invasive procedure. Damaged gum tissue would be cut away with a surgical scalpel, the tooth roots would be cleaned – possibly bone graft material placed and then the tissue would be sutured and packed for healing. Some patients have found traditional gum surgery to be painful and traumatic.

Modern medicine has given us lasers to replace the scalpel and sutures. LASER stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. In short, a laser is a strong, precise beam of light that’s used in many medical procedures. For periodontal therapy, Dr. Kania applies the laser’s light to carefully trim away damaged gum tissue, then the tooth roots are cleaned. The laser seals the tissue left behind, which is why no stitches are necessary. Laser dentistry is minimally invasive because it causes very little trauma to the tissue. Most patients report little or no bleeding and swelling.

If you need gum surgery or think you may have gum disease, or to schedule a consultation, call 760-642-0711. Dr. Kania’s Encinitas periodontist office serves patients from San Diego’s North County area; including those from Carlsbad, La Costa, Leucadia, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Carmel Valley.