Once gum disease progresses, you may have more pronounced symptoms. These include bleeding and swollen gums. With severe gum disease, your gums may begin to recede. Gum disease can also contribute to overall health issues, as well. Your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and dementia, and other illnesses increases when you have gum disease. Dentists use several different treatments to get gum disease under control. The LANAP procedure replaces traditional gum surgery. With LANAP treatment, the dentist uses a laser to target bacteria and diseased tissue.
Find a LANAP Dentist in Houston
Begin your search online or check with your insurance company to find a LANAP dentist near me. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family. When looking for a new dentist, research information about their education and experience. You can also check customer reviews online to find the best one in your area. Check with the nearest emergency dentist if you have severe pain or inflammation.
LANAP Laser Gum Surgery Procedure Details
When you go to your LANAP gum treatment appointment, you can expect to spend about one or two hours with the dentist. You may need more than one visit to complete the treatment. The duration of your treatment depends on the extent of your gum disease. The dentist may only treat one area at each visit.
Your dentist numbs the gums with a local anesthetic and places a small fiber under the gum line. The size of the fiber equals the width of three human hairs. This dentist uses this tiny fiber to direct the laser to diseased tissue and bacteria. This procedure remains much less invasive than traditional gum surgery. With traditional gum surgery, the surgeon must cut into the gums.
Can LANAP help to save a loose tooth?
LANAP surgery can prevent further damage to your gums by halting the progress of gum disease. Your gums reattach to your teeth as you heal from the LANAP dental procedure. If you have loose teeth because of receding gums, however, you may need a gum or bone graft to save your tooth.
Managing LANAP Gum Surgery Cost
Your LANAP laser gum disease treatment may get covered by dental insurance. If your dentist recommends LANAP, you need it to restore your oral health. Your dental office can help you bill your insurance company. If you do not have insurance, look for a dentist that offers self-pay discounts or payment plans. A dental spa in Houston can help you with financial planning for LANAP treatment.
When do you need LANAP?
With early detection of gum disease, you may only need minor intervention. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic gel or a special mouth rinse. With advanced gum disease, you may need a deep cleaning procedure or surgery. If you have consistent swelling, bleeding, and discomfort, you may benefit from a LANAP procedure near me.
Find Out if You Need LANAP Gum Treatment
If you have pain, swelling, or bleeding in your gums, make an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation. Your dentist may also notice signs of gum disease during your routine exam. Some patients can have gum disease with minimal discomfort. If you have minor problems, your dentist may prescribe a deep cleaning or topical treatment. If you have signs of severe gum disease, your dentist may discuss different types of surgery. Dentists use the LANAP procedure to remove bacteria and diseased tissue. Your gums can then reattach to your teeth and stay healthy.
Who needs LANAP?
Patients with severe gum disease may get a recommendation for a LANAP treatment. Severe gum disease presents with bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. You may also notice that your gums appear pale and begin to recede.
Recovering from a LANAP Procedure Near Me
After your LANAP surgery you may feel comfortable continuing with your day as normal. You may notice some minor discomfort and discoloration of your gums. You must avoid a few things after your LANAP laser gum surgery. Do not brush your teeth for 7-10 days after the surgery. You may use a regular toothbrush after this time. If you prefer an electric toothbrush, you must wait 4- 6 weeks to use it. You can resume flossing about one month after surgery. Your dentist may prescribe a rinse to keep your mouth clean. Many dentists also tell their patients to rinse with salt water.
If you have sensitivity or swelling, you can use an ice pack for relief. Talk to your dentist about appropriate pain medication or anti-inflammatory medications. Eat soft foods or liquids for the first week. After the first week, you must still avoid excessively hard foods, sticky foods, and gum. You must wait about 6- 8 weeks to eat foods such as raw vegetables, nuts, and chips. Foods that can become lodged between your teeth and under your gums may cause problems if you eat them too early during recovery.
Does LANAP treat gum recession?
With LANAP, the dentist uses a laser to remove the bacteria that causes gum disease. Without this bacteria, your gum disease stops progressing. You may have permanent damage, however, from long-term gum disease. This damage may include receding gums. Once your dentist restores your oral health, you may need further treatment with gum grafts to treat severe gum recession.
Conclusion
Your general dentist can help determine if you need intervention for gum disease. If you have advanced gum disease, you may need surgery to remedy the problem. Dentists can perform a traditional surgery that involves incisions and stitches. The LANAP procedure, however, remains the most minimally invasive gum surgery option. Talk to your dentist to find out if you are a good candidate for LANAP.
