Questions About Laser Periodontal Treatment

Today, advanced dental and periodontal treatment often involves the use of laser technology. For instance, using a specially-calibrated soft-tissue laser instead of a scalpel, we can perform periodontal surgery to treat gum disease with unmatched precision and reduced damage to surrounding tissues. In fact, with specialized training and education in laser periodontal treatment, Dr. Kania is particularly qualified to help you maintain, restore, and improve your periodontal health using the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or the LANAP protocol.

Better Periodontal Health with Lasers

What are the benefits of LANAP over traditional periodontal surgery?

When performed with a scalpel, periodontal surgery can require you to wear sutures afterwards, and many patients hesitate to undergo treatment. With the LANAP protocol, however, lasers replace scalpels, and the concentrated-light technology helps reduce healing time and improve accuracy. As an additional benefit, the laser seals much of the tissue as it passes over your gums, making sutures unnecessary and reducing your risk of infection while healing.

Can lasers improve early periodontal treatment?

Periodontal surgery is usually not required except in more moderate to advanced cases of periodontal disease, when gums and bone are damaged from the infection. Still, lasers can also help improve your comfort and the effectiveness of your procedure during early periodontal treatment, such as scaling and root planing. Also known as a periodontal cleaning, the procedure involves cleaning away bacteria from the roots of your teeth, underneath your gums, so that the tissues can heal. If performed early enough, a laser periodontal cleaning may help reverse gingivitis before it develops into full-blown gum disease.

Will LANAP prevent gum disease from flaring up in the future?

While laser technology can certainly improve your periodontal care, it is not a guarantee that you will not experience gum disease in the future. Caused by oral bacteria overwhelming your immune system, gingivitis and gum disease will remain a threat.  Your best hope is to practice good hygiene and attend regular cleanings at Dr. Kania’s office. We can also offer advice for improving your preventive efforts at home following your treatment.

ABOUT YOUR SAN DIEGO, CA, LASER PERIODONTIST:

To learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life, subscribe to this blog, and visit Dr. Kania for a consultation. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Ann M. Kania is specially qualified to diagnose and treat issues concerning periodontal tissue and the supportive structures of a patient’s smile, as well as place dental implants to restore teeth lost to dental disease or trauma. Dr. Kania also offers the Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) for minimally-invasive, scalpel-free gum grafting. To seek Dr. Kania’s expertise, contact her office today at (760) 642-0711.