One of the most common dental concerns is periodontal disease, or gum disease. Gum disease includes infection and recession of the gums, exposing more of your natural tooth. However, if left untreated for long amounts of time, gum disease can lead to excessive tooth decay, dental pain, and even cardiovascular issues. Often, one of the first signs of gum disease is bright red or bleeding gums, especially after brushing. Generally, this bleeding and inflammation can last all day, sometimes leading to difficulty eating and chewing. However, LANAP, or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, laser therapy offers a solution to gum disease.
Do I Need LANAP Laser Therapy?
Generally, LANAP therapy is reserved mainly for periodontal disease. As one of the most common dental issues, many people have gum disease in varying stages, but there are treatment options. The warning signs of gum disease include: consistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, pain when chewing, loose or overly sensitive teeth, bleeding or sore gums (especially during and right after brushing), as well as receding gums. If you fit any of this criteria, you may want to schedule a visit with your dentist to see if gum disease treatment, including LANAP therapy, is right for you.
The LANAP Therapy Process
Often, traditional surgical options for gum disease include cutting and scraping to remove infected gum tissue. This leads to stitches, pain, and increased healing time. However, LANAP therapy offers a less painful and less invasive treatment option. First, you will get a full consultation where our dentists will begin to assess what stage of periodontal disease you are in, and to determine if you are a candidate for therapy. From there, the full treatment process will be explained to you, including the local anesthetic process. By applying the laser to certain areas of the gums, the laser light will remove damaged tissue, decreasing bacteria and decay and allowing new gum tissue to regrow in its place.
Integrative and Holistic Dental Care With All About Smiles
We believe dental care shouldn’t stop just at the teeth. Our practice integrates holistic whole-body care into your dental experience, and treats all family members, no matter the age or complexity of their dental concerns. To begin the LANAP laser process, contact our office today for a consultation!
It all adds up to better health, smile, body, and spirit!