In today’s world, where dietary choices and lifestyle habits can adversely affect oral health, many adults face the challenge of gum disease. At Pearl Dentistry, we address this prevalent issue with the laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP), a revolutionary approach to treating gum disease effectively and comfortably.
Discover more about LANAP by reaching out to Pearl Dentistry today.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums. Periodontal disease begins when food particles and saliva form plaque, leading to bacterial growth. Without regular dental hygiene, this can escalate into gum disease or gingivitis, and if left untreated, advance to periodontitis, a condition with serious health implications.
Stages of Gum Disease
In its early stages, this condition of gum deterioration and infection is called gum disease or gingivitis. Later, the more devastating stage is called periodontitis.
Gingivitis | You’ve probably heard of gingivitis before. With gingivitis, the gums become inflamed. They may bleed when you brush or floss, and they will probably be tender. Gingivitis can be treated rather easily through routine dental hygiene. It’s true that things like genetics, medications, and hormones can increase the risk of gingivitis, but lack of dental hygiene is the leading cause of the issue.
Periodontitis | While gingivitis can be reversed through brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings, it will progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis occurs when the plaque turns into tartar, which is impossible to remove just by brushing. The gums become swollen and painful. And the infection is likely to spread through the bloodstream.
What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease can be quite serious. As the infection progresses, the gums will pull away from the teeth, causing tooth loss. If left untreated, periodontal disease will worsen and can cause extreme bone deterioration.
It’s vital to know the signs of both gingivitis and periodontal disease. The primary signs of gingivitis include:
- Tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- A bad taste in your mouth
The symptoms of periodontitis include all the above symptoms, as well as:
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, book an appointment with Pearl Dentistry right away!
Preventing Periodontal Disease
If you have gum disease, we are happy to help. If you’re more concerned with not getting gum disease, we have some tips for you. The best way to keep your teeth, gums, and jawbone intact is to follow these dental hygiene practices:
- See the dentist at least every 6 months for teeth cleanings. Some individuals may need to go to the dentist more often if they are more prone to gum infections.
- Brush your teeth at least twice per day.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Avoid eating too many sugary or acidic foods.
If you have questions about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy, reach out to our dental care team.
Periodontal Disease Treatment with LANAP
Even with the best home dental routine, you may still begin to develop early stages of periodontal disease. Sometimes this means professional dental interventions are necessary to remove the infection and save the teeth.
While traditional methods like scaling and root planing are common, Pearl Dentistry elevates gum disease treatment with our LANAP protocol. This advanced laser technology allows Dr. Lloyd to precisely target and treat the affected areas without the need for invasive surgery.
LANAP Treatment
When you receive a LANAP treatment at Pearl Dentistry, we will talk you through every step of the process. To give you an idea of how the process works, let’s review the steps of the treatment:
- A laser will find and target tartar and bacteria under your gums.
- Ultrasonic scalers and other dental instruments then remove the tartar.
- The laser then reconnects the gum tissues.
During the LANAP treatment, we provide local anesthesia, and we also offer sedation dentistry options to keep you relaxed.
Benefits of LANAP Treatment
Choosing LANAP at Pearl Dentistry means opting for a superior gum health treatment. Our laser technology is meticulously calibrated to preserve healthy tissue while stimulating regeneration, offering long-lasting results and improved overall health.
LANAP treatment:
- Maximizes Patient Comfort: Unlike traditional surgery, LANAP uses laser technology, making the procedure less intense. There’s minimal discomfort and swelling, so your gum disease treatment can be a more enjoyable experience.
- Promotes Faster Healing and Recovery: The precision of laser treatment results in less damage to gum tissues, leading to quicker healing times. Most patients can resume their normal activities soon after treatment.
- Reduces Bleeding and Infection Risk: The laser’s ability to seal blood vessels minimizes bleeding during and after the procedure. It also sterilizes the area, significantly reducing the risk of infection.
- Preserves Healthy Tissue: LANAP targets only the diseased tissue, leaving healthy gum tissue intact. This selective approach helps in maintaining the gum line and reduces gum recession.
- Helps with Bone and Tissue Regeneration: LANAP not only removes harmful bacteria but also stimulates the regeneration of bone and connective tissue. This can help in saving teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
- Improves Overall Health: By effectively treating periodontal disease, LANAP can reduce the risk of related health complications such as heart disease and diabetes, improving your overall health.
- Has Long-Lasting Results: Patients who undergo LANAP treatment and adhere to proper post-treatment care typically enjoy long-lasting results, making it a worthwhile investment in their oral health.
LANAP treatment at Pearl Dentistry offers a technologically advanced, patient-friendly approach to combating periodontal disease. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking effective treatment with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Request a Consultation Today!
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, early intervention is key. Schedule an appointment with Pearl Dentistry for a comprehensive evaluation.
If you do have later stages of periodontal disease, it’s vital to receive treatment before you lose your teeth or jawbone density. Should you require advanced care, our LANAP treatment offers a refined solution for periodontal health. Contact our Caldwell office to explore your options.