If you’ve been told you have gum disease or you’re already seeing signs like bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, you may be worried about the future of your smile. Periodontal disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss, and can put your overall health at risk if left untreated.
Unfortunately, many people put off gum disease treatments because they’re worried about painful surgeries with a long recovery process. At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we’re proud to offer laser gum treatment in Washington Heights. LANAP is a minimally-invasive approach that can stop periodontal disease in its track and even help reverse the damage, all without scalpels or stitches.
But does LANAP work, and is it really worth it? Let’s explore how this treatment works, what it can do, and whether it might be right for you.
What Is LANAP?
Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, also known as LANAP®, is a proven non-surgical method for treating moderate to severe periodontal disease. It uses a specialized laser that vaporizes bacteria and diseased tissue without harming your healthy cells.
In fact, the LANAP laser stimulates healthy tissue, improving healing and even regenerating lost bone volume. That means we can reverse the damage from gum disease without the discomfort or many of the risks of traditional osseous surgery.
Some people hesitate to explore laser gum disease treatments as an option. After all, it sounds too good to be true, right?
So, Does LANAP Work?
Short answer: yes. Clinical studies and over twenty years of use by dentists and periodontists across the world have provided significant evidence that LANAP is effective at improving periodontal health. It has been found to be more effective than scaling and root planing alone, and prevents many of the complications that can come with traditional surgery.
LANAP is FDA-cleared and backed by peer-reviewed studies showing significant improvements in:
- Gum attachment levels
- Reduced pocket depths
- Reduced inflammation
- Stabilized or improved bone levels
It’s not just about stopping gum disease. LANAP promotes healing, encourages bone regeneration, and helps you keep your natural teeth longer.
Does LANAP Regenerate Bone?
This is one of the most exciting benefits of LANAP.
Traditional gum disease surgery focuses on removing infected tissue and reshaping the gums. Osseous surgery is another approach that adds the benefit of bone grafting to help restore healthy bone volume. These techniques can be highly effective, but can come with complications like gum recession, not to mention a long and uncomfortable recovery process.
LANAP is different. Because the laser stimulates healing and activates special cells involved in tissue and bone regeneration, it has been shown to help rebuild lost bone around your teeth over time without the need for surgery or bone grafting.
Do Dentists Trust LANAP?
In addition to a far more comfortable and less invasive process, surveyed dentists and periodontists report very high satisfaction with the procedure. In fact, many clinicians report that they find LANAP more predictable than osseous surgery with less risk for relapse (the return of periodontal disease after treatment).
If you’ve been told your gum disease is so advanced that you may lose teeth, LANAP might give you another option. While results vary, many patients see significant improvement in both gum health and bone support.
Why Consider LANAP Over Gum Disease Surgery?
Our priority at Fort Washington Dental Associates is to always provide you with the most effective and least invasive care. Our team includes a skilled periodontist who can provide comprehensive gum disease treatment options, including LANAP in Washington Heights.
If LANAP is an appropriate option for your specific situation, it offers some significant benefits compared to osseous surgery.
- Minimally invasive option; no scalpels or stitches involved
- Treatment process is frequently faster than surgical options
- Much faster recovery than with gum disease surgery
- Little to no downtime required
- Significantly less painful than surgery
- Less risk for infection
- Lower recurrence rates after treatment
- Highly effective at restoring bone volume and reducing pocket depth
- Less risk of complications like gum recession after treatment
In general, LANAP is a comfortable, low-risk option for effectively reversing the damage from even severe periodontal disease. However, there are always situations where traditional surgical methods may be a better approach. Dental insurance policies also vary as to whether they’ll cover the cost of LANAP, which may play a role in your decision.
Our team can perform a comprehensive evaluation of your gum health and help you decide the best approach for your oral health.
Don’t Let Gum Disease Steal Your Smile!
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, but timely treatment can stabilize your periodontal health and preserve your natural smile. If you’re looking for a periodontist near you in Washington Heights who can provide LANAP, we’re here for you!
You deserve the comfort, confidence, and peace of mind that comes with a strong, disease-free smile. Get in touch to schedule your consultation for LANAP in Washington Heights today!
