At Willamette Valley Periodontics in Wilsonville, part of our commitment to providing cutting-edge, state-of-the-art treatment experiences includes offering LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. LANAP is an FDA-cleared treatment for advanced gum disease that removes diseased tissue and destroys harmful bacteria without cutting or sutures. It also stimulates the regeneration of bone and connective tissue.
What is LANAP and How Does it Work?
LANAP involves the removal of diseased tissue using a precise, gentle laser. The tooth root is then cleaned to remove tartar and hardened plaque, in a procedure also known as scaling and root planing. The laser is used again to seal the area, and over time, the procedure will support the regrowth of bone and connective tissue previously lost to gum disease.
Unlike traditional methods that involve cutting and stitches, the LANAP protocol offers a less invasive approach by:
- Targeting diseased tissue. The laser's unique wavelength specifically targets and removes only infected and inflamed gum tissue and harmful bacteria, preserving healthy tissue.
- Eliminating bacteria. Laser energy effectively vaporizes bacteria, toxins, and diseased tissue within gum pockets, thoroughly decontaminating the area for optimal healing.
- Thoroughly removing calculus. After the initial laser treatment, our hygienist uses specialized ultrasonic instruments to remove hardened calculus (tartar) from root surfaces. A final laser pass then sterilizes the area and prepares the root surface for reattachment.
- Promoting reattachment and regeneration. The procedure concludes with the creation of a stable fibrin clot at the top of the gum pocket. This natural "band-aid" seals the pocket, fostering an ideal environment for new gum-to-tooth attachment and encouraging true regeneration.
Why LANAP Therapy?
LANAP for gum disease treatment is a standout option for patients, due to benefits like:
- Non-invasive treatment. One of LANAP's most significant advantages is its minimally invasive nature. Since it doesn't involve scalpels or sutures, patients experience much less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional gum surgery. This means a faster, more comfortable recovery, with most people getting back to their daily routines within 24 hours. And, because LANAP preserves healthy tissue, there's a reduced risk of gum recession, a common issue with conventional methods that can lead to tooth sensitivity and change your smile's appearance.
- Regeneration, not just removal. Beyond treating infection, LANAP is unique because it promotes regeneration, not just removal. It actively encourages the body to regrow lost bone and gum attachment, rebuilding the crucial support structures for the teeth.
The LANAP procedure is also safe for nearly everyone, including those with complex medical conditions or those taking blood thinners—a factor our team will always carefully review with your complete medical history.
Who Needs LANAP Therapy?
LANAP is ideal for patients with medical conditions that can make traditional oral surgery a risk. Ideal candidates for LANAP also include:
- Patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease
- Patients looking for a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery
- Patients with medical conditions that make traditional surgery risky
- Patients seeking a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods
What to Expect During and After Your LANAP Procedure
A typical LANAP procedure is usually completed in two treatment sessions, each lasting 1-2 hours. Patients receive local anesthesia to ensure optimal comfort. After the procedure, you'll receive detailed post-operative instructions to support your healing, which typically include a soft diet for a few days. We'll also schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery.
Frenectomies
A frenectomy removes the frenum, a band of soft tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the inside of the lip to the gum. This quick and effective procedure is often used to correct a tongue-tie, lip-tie, restoring the full function of the tongue and lips for the patient. At Willamette Valley Periodontics, we use a dental laser to perform frenectomies, promoting a shorter treatment time, a less invasive procedure, and faster healing.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
Laser dentistry can be used to reshape the gum line for aesthetic purposes or to expose more of the tooth structure. Gingival contouring corrects a gummy smile or uneven gum lines, utilizing a laser to remove soft tissue and to reshape the gum line. Crown lengthening is a procedure that exposes more of the tooth structure by removing gum tissues and sometimes underlying bone, via laser. This is utilized to make teeth more structurally ready for crowns or fillings and can restore teeth that would otherwise not be treatable.
Schedule Your LANAP Procedure in Wilsonville
The LANAP protocol offers a minimally invasive solution for restoring your healthy smile after gum disease. Our caring team at Willamette Valley Periodontics is ready to revive your smile with cutting-edge periodontal treatments in Wilsonville. Contact our Wilsonville office today to discuss your treatment options with LANAP!
