Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser Periodontal Treatment
LANAP – Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure
Gum Treatment without scalpel or stitches
Approximately 75% of American adults over age 35 have periodontal disease, and until now, the only effective treatment for deep pockets was surgical treatment. This was often painful, invasive and time consuming. Side effects after surgery would sometimes include recession, cold sensitivity of the roots and big spaces between the teeth. This had led people to look for nonsurgical treatment for their gum disease.
Because of these side effects, many people would put off treating their gum disease and develop more severe bone loss that would result in tooth loss. Sometimes they would turn to therapies like putting antibiotic (arrestin, perio chip etc) in the pocket which can sometimes help a little, but were not effective at treating the problem.
LANAP is a revolution is treating gum disease. Without using a scalpel or stitching the gum, the laser is used to kill the bacteria in the pocket and then reattach the gum to the tooth. It is conservative periodontal treatment and is often an idea fit for people looking for nonsurgical (no scalpel no sutures) gum treatment.
Dr. David Scharf is the first periodontist on Long Island to be fully trained and licensed to perform Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) - an amazing breakthrough that offers significantly-improved results in less time and with minimal discomfort - and you get to keep your smile!
LANAP is improving gum treatment the same way that LASIK revolutionized eye surgery,
says Dr. Scharf. The laser eliminates diseased tissue while preserving healthy gums, so scalpels and sutures are eliminated, discomfort is minimized, and the results are exceptional. It is breakthrough treatment and is ideal for people looking for conservative gum treatment or nonsurgical treatment of gum disease.
LANAP harnesses the gentle but effective power of laser light to treat gum disease. First the area to be treated is numbed with a local anesthetic. Some patients like to be sedated as well. The steps to LANAP are as follows:
- A periodontal probe is in place to accurately measure the depth of the bone loss.
- Pulsed laser light selectively removes the diseased and infected tissue from the inside of the pocket. The laser is so precise that it does not affect the healthy tissue. The laser light also kill the bacteria in the pocket.
- Special scalers are used to remove the tartar. The tartar has been loosened by the laser light so it comes off more easily than during traditional scaling.
- Laser light is again used, but at a different setting. This pass with the laser makes a firm clot that connects the gum to the root surface forming a fibrin clot.
- The tissue is pressed against the root surface and the fibrin clot forms at the top of the gum.
- The bite is adjusted so that the teeth do not traumatize each other when you chew. A night guard is also used to take away the excessive forces from the teeth and allow the optimal healing. We’ll give you special dietary recommendations to optimize the results.
The procedure fast. Most times it takes just two 2-hour sessions with the laser. Following laser treatment you will be seen to check and adjust the bite needed. You will also be seen every three months for special post-laser maintenance visits. These visits are critical for the long term success of your laser treatment.
The procedure is comfortable. Most people take just an advil or Tylenol afterwards and that keeps them comfortable. Dr. Scharf is available 24 hours a day should an urgent after hours situation arise.
The procedure works. LANAP is the only FDA approved procedure for treating gum disease. Histological studies prove that LANAP can regrow new bone and new attachment to the teeth. Realize that every patient’s healing is different. How closely you comply with the instructions after treatment, how thoroughly you clean your teeth, and how regularly you come in for the post-laser maintenance care will make a big difference in your results. The research is pretty clear though, it you follow the protocol, the protocol works!
Why is Laser Periodontal Therapy Better?
- LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is about as easy as erasing a blackboard — there’s no cutting and no suturing.
- There's much less discomfort with LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ than with standard surgery - during and after the procedure.
- It takes less time than traditional surgery. All it takes is two 2-hour visits Dr Scharf and two follow up visits.
- Traditional surgery requires four sessions of about one hour each, with subsequent visits for suture removal and additional check-ups.
- LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ gives better, longer-lasting results. In fact, 98% of LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ treated patients remain stable after five years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery.
- Dr. Scharf will probably recommend a soft diet for a day or two, and common sense should prevail, but in most cases, patients feel good enough to eat anything they want right after the procedure.
- Following traditional surgery, recovery can take between to 2-4 weeks during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling, where they may be restricted to liquid or soft diets.
There's less than 24 hour recovery period, so you won't lose time from work. LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Coumadin or Cyclosporin.