Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that may occur due to improper dental hygiene, illnesses, smoking, genetics, and hormonal changes. Plaque may build up more around and under inflamed gums, and the bacterial film can affect the surrounding tissues and cause gum bleeding. If left untreated, gingivitis often becomes more severe. Plaque turns into mineralized tartar, making the gums move further away from the teeth. These pockets are more susceptible to bacteria and often result in bone loss. Some symptoms of gum disease are bad breath, tenderness, bleeding, and loose teeth.
With regular dentist visits, gum disease can be detected and treated early. If the infection is too severe, invasive procedures like surgery could be necessary. During one procedure, affected gum tissues are opened to expose root surfaces for better cleaning. In other cases, damaged bone is reshaped and damaged tissue is removed or replaced with grafting materials. This process can be painful with a challenging and prolonged recovery.
Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) is an alternative to some surgical methods and can help prevent damage that leads to surgery. This technique is less painful and can be more successful than traditional procedures in the right cases. LANAP relies on a removes degraded tissues using a laser known as PerioLase. It destroys bacteria without damaging the surrounding gums, and the LANAP method has also been proven to result in regeneration and growth of new bone and gum tissues. This particular YAG laser has various speeds and frequencies that target different types of tissues. During the process, the laser reduces the pockets of gaps which promotes a healthier environment for recovery.
LANAP usually takes two sessions, with each session lasting 2 hours long. The first session targets one half of the mouth while the other half is completed a week later. Doctors can administer local anesthetic if the patient needs it. The laser first removes harmful bacteria in the gums. After that, the dentist removes all the built-up tartar. Next, the laser is used to fuse the gum tissue to the tooth root. The tooth shape may also be modified to help avoid any more buildup of tartar. For patients who suffer from loose teeth, dentists may install a splint. Splints secure the tooth against movement and aids the healing process. Patients can continue their everyday activities immediately, and recovery takes about 24 hours. Some minimal side effects can be swelling, bleeding, and risk of infection. The treatment may not be suitable for candidates that have severe gum disease.
