Laser Gum Surgery LANAP Versus Traditional Gum Surgery

When a patient has been diagnosed with gum disease, a periodontist will begin working with him or her to provide treatment options. Fortunately, there are various types of procedures and treatments that patients have to choose from in order to eradicate the disease. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, as well as risks and physical benefits. The two types of surgical treatments that are used most often are LANAP gum surgery and transitional laser gum surgery. 

The following are examples of patient options to treat gum disease:

Nonsurgical Treatments

• root planing
• scaling
• antibiotics

Surgical Treatments

• flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery)
• soft tissue grafts
• bone grafting
• guided tissue regeneration
• tissue-stimulating proteins

Is Laser Periodontal Therapy (LANAP) Worth It? 

LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure and is the surgical therapy that is used in the treatment of peritonitis, or gum disease; and it is FDA approved. This procedure has been around for almost three decades. Alternatively, traditional gum surgery, also known as flap surgery, has been around for much longer. Due to the length of time both have been available as options to patients, there is significant research on the efficacy of both. Some experts believe that the efficacy of choosing a laser-type treatment over other treatment options is not necessarily much greater; but of course, there are proponents and opponents to every treatment option. 

On the other hand, some periodontists prefer LANAP over other methods for a reason. It is important to remember that each patient is dealt with on a case-by-case basis and not all cases of periodontitis are identical. For some, the benefits of going through laser treatment outweigh that of the traditional method.

 With all of that being said, there is substantial research that shows the efficacy of LANAP laser surgery is higher than that of traditional laser gum surgery. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of the LANAP Laser Gum Surgery? 

According to the LANAP site, the following are considered pros of having this type of surgery:

• Less post-operative pain — Using the PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser, the LANAP protocol helps avoid cutting and stitching of the gums. As a result, patients usually have minimal postoperative discomfort.
• Quicker recovery time — Immediately following the LANAP procedure, most patients are able to return to their regular daily activities, which generally requires less than a 24-hour recovery period. Following traditional scalpel and suture surgery, recovery can take two to four weeks, during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling.
• Healthy gums with minimal recession — Because the LANAP protocol uses laser technology rather than cutting your gums, the tissue stays intact and is not compromised.
• Regeneration without foreign materials — Because the PerioLase laser stimulates your body’s own healing response, your LANAP dentist doesn’t have to add foreign ‘growth factors.’

There are not many experts who claim to admit to many cons of the LANAP procedure. Sometimes, however, depending on a patients’ circumstances, other more invasive surgeries would be more suitable and LANAP would not be appropriate.

What Can I Expect After Surgery?

Experts of traditional gum surgery (or flap surgery) describe it as where a dentist cuts into and peels back gum tissue with a scalpel. By doing so, the dentist is able to expose the roots of the teeth, making cleaning, bone reshaping and cutting gum tissue possible. Sutures are used to secure gums back in place.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t always serve to be effective or the gum disease has already damaged the bone around the tooth root; in which case, a bone graft would have to be done to repair the area.

The cost of laser gum surgery is truly dependent upon several factors and can range on average between $1,000 and $3,000 without insurance. These factors, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry are dependent on:

• the technology used in the procedure
• the location of your dentist
• the type of dental insurance you have
• the type of treatment plan required
• additional required procedures

The aftercare, or postoperative instructions for traditional laser gum surgery include that the patient do the following:

• to take prescribed pain meds as directed (if needed)
• be careful when chewing food (a liquid diet may be recommended)
• take precaution when brushing teeth; do not brush for one week
• no flossing for at least a month

Alternatively, the average cost of a LANAP procedure is between $4,000 and $15,000 for the full mouth, which is the only way LANAP is performed.

The aftercare, or postoperative instructions for LANAP surgery include that the patient do the following:

• leave any fibrous clotting material you encounter alone
• do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the treated area
• place an ice pack on face if swelling occurs
• no aerobic activity for 48 hours
• you may eat solid foods after a few days
• when eating do not chew on the side of your mouth which has been treated

With either procedure, follow-up care with the periodontist who performed the surgery, along with any maintenance he or she recommends is highly imperative to promote healing. It would not be wise to veer from professional advice.

As stated earlier, there will always be pros and cons, as well as benefits and disadvantages to any type of medical procedure, especially a surgery. It is best to not only listen to a licensed professional (dentist or periodontist) and to gather your own research from credible sources in order to make a sound decision regarding your health.

We are always here to help you make the most informed and educated decisions for your oral health. To schedule your free consultation with one of the experts here at Advanced Periodontics, dial (212)581-1090, today!

How Laser Therapy Treats Periodontal Disease

 Periodontitis, also simply called gum disease, can happen easily and quickly if bacteria in the mouth is left to its own device. When a sticky film of plaque begins to form on teeth, it is mostly composed of bacteria. The mouth contains 500 to 1,000 different types of bacteria, some helpful and some not so much.

If the bad bacteria is left untreated—for example, by not flossing and brushing regularly, plaque continues to build up and can turn into tartar and gingivitis, as well as the more serious periodontal disease. Unfortunately, many people begin to have symptoms of gum disease before they even realize that they have it, especially if they are not visiting a dentist regularly.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease can include, but are not limited to the following:

• swollen or puffy gums
• bright red, dusky red or purplish gums
• gums that feel tender when touched
• gums that bleed easily
• pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing
• spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth
• bad breath
• pus between your teeth and gums
• loose teeth or loss of teeth
• painful chewing
• new spaces developing between your teeth
• gums that pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal
• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

There are several treatment options out there for those with periodontitis The treatment options range from non-surgical, less invasive treatments such as taking antibiotics or root planing  — to more invasive treatments such as surgery.

Laser treatment is considered one of the least invasive options and there are numerous benefits to choosing laser over another in order to treat periodontal disease.

Can laser help treat my gum disease?

The use of a laser in the treatment of gum disease has been around for over two decades and has been evolving ever since. Being that laser treatment has such a developed history in the world of dentistry, opinions vary when it comes to which treatment method serves as the most effective. Some experts believe that the efficacy of choosing laser treatment over other treatment options is much more effective, less invasive, and less time-consuming than that of other treatment options. 

Each patient is dealt with on a case-by-case basis and not all cases of periodontitis are identical. For some, the benefits of going through laser treatment outweigh the benefits from other treatment options. 

At our practice, we make it a point to first provide each of our patients with a thorough evaluation. It is important to fully assess each dental situation before moving further ahead. Then, once we have gathered all the pertinent information we need, we offer treatment options that are specific to the patient’s case. Next, we educate our patients on all the options we find are viable for them and their personal situation. Why? We want each of our patient’s to independently make the most educated and appropriate decision that will suit their lifestyle and needs. Finally, our patient has made their decision and they are on the road to perfecting their smile. 

What are the benefits of laser dentistry treatment? 

Once we confirm that a patient needs treatment for gum disease and their options are discussed, it is up to them to make an informed decision. Below, we’ve provided a list of benefits offered by laser treatment to aid in the decision making process. 

The benefits of laser dentistry treatment include, but are not limited to the following: 

• reduced anxiety in patients
• minimally invasive
• eliminated drill noise
• eliminated noisy ultrasonic instruments
• reduced bleeding
• no general anesthesia is needed
• preserves healthy parts of teeth
• sealed periodontal pockets
• reduced gum trauma
• reduced or eliminated tooth loss
• minimized swelling during treatment
• faster healing time

 Certain individuals may see some of these benefits and believe that laser treatment is the right option for them; and certain periodontists may have the professional opinion that the procedure will be effective for their patients’ individualized needs. 

How does laser periodontal therapy treat gum disease? 

Like with all procedures, patients are typically eager to understand the process. 

A laser gives off a quite powerful beam of infrared radiation. When this light penetrates materials, such as in the mouth, the high energy breaks up and removes the diseased portions. This is precisely how the laser serves to do away with the gum disease. 

The experts at Colgate describe the actual laser procedure in more detail:

“In periodontal laser therapy, the provider uses a dental laser to access and remove the inflamed gum tissue from around the root of the tooth. When the infected tissue is removed and the root is exposed, the root scaling begins. This involves scraping off the calculus and plaque build-up below the gum line and around the root. The dentist then smooths the root with instruments to remove any rough spots that might attract bacteria and cause future infections. The area between the gum and the root can then regenerate during the healing process.”

 Following the procedure, there will definitely be aftercare instructions and checkups with the periodontist. The patient will need to follow directives to allow healing and to ensure that they do not get gum disease once again. By not heeding professional advice, patients could experience unwanted setbacks and the consequences could be greater the next time around.

Despite there being multiple ways to prevent gum disease, in some cases the development is inevitable. Genetic predisposition puts even the most careful at risk. Thankfully, however, great strides have been made in the field of periodontology throughout the years. In addition, credible research and new technology continue to present themselves. Never fear when faced with a dental issue such as the possibility of gum disease. Early detection is the best form of protection. Schedule an appointment with us, as soon as possible, and we will take every measure in getting you on the road to smile recovery.

Have you noticed your gum tissue pulling away from your teeth, making them appear “longer”? This is called gingival recession and affects more people than you might imagine. When the gum tissue starts to recede, there is bone loss as well that exposes the root surface, which is more porous and softer than your enamel. As a result, many patients with gingival recession will experience sensitivity, abrasion, and/or decay.  In very severe cases, the root surface can abrade so much around the neck of the tooth that the tooth is weakened to the point of fracture. 

Gingival recession is often the result of thin gum tissue and if left untreated, can lead to one or more of the aforementioned negative effects. Thankfully, there is a periodontal surgery available to help restore the tissue in recessed areas. Gum grafting involves placing your own oral tissue, or special donor tissue, across the recessed areas.  In doing so, the gum graft helps to protect the vulnerable root surfaces of the teeth by helping to prevent cavities, abrasion, and sensitivity. Often patients with root surface sensitivity have a difficult time finding products that work well enough to consistently reduce or eliminate the sensitivity, creating a daily battle that can be exhausting.  Imagine being able to eliminate that sensitivity with just one periodontal surgery! 

Preparing for Gum Graft Surgery

Prior to starting your gum graft surgery, a consultation with any one of our board-certified periodontists here at Laser Periodontics & Gum Surgery will be necessary. During your consultation visit, your treating doctor will perform a very thorough periodontal examination. Your chief complaint will be addressed, and you will be evaluated for various signs of periodontal disease, such as loose teeth and bone loss. X-rays will be consulted at this visit as well. We ask that you please provide a thorough medical history so that we can ensure you are healthy enough for periodontal surgery.         

This is the Gum Graft

Local anesthesia is all that is needed to make you comfortable for your periodontal surgery. Once you are completely numb, one of our highly esteemed periodontists will begin the gum grafting surgery, which is typically a 60 to 90-minute procedure depending on the case. The tissue used to cover the exposed root surfaces can either be sourced from your own oral tissue or can be a special donor tissue. In the case that the tissue is your own, most often it is harvested from the palate of your mouth where the tissue is the thickest. This means that after the periodontal surgery, you will have stitches to care for in two areas of your mouth. In other cases, sometimes all that is needed is to simply move and reposition tissue that is adjacent to the exposed root surfaces. In cases such as these, donor sites are not needed and you will only have stitches in the site of the gum graft.  

You Have Had Gum Surgery, Here is Your Aftercare Plan

After your gum grafting surgery, you will be at a much-reduced risk of developing sensitivity, root surface cavities, and abrasion! Following the surgery, it is essential to keep your head elevated and rest quietly for the remainder of the day. As mentioned earlier, following gum grafting surgery you may have stitches to care for in one to a few sites in your mouth. If donor tissue was taken from your palate, often you will receive a splint to wear over the palate to reduce swelling and help keep you comfortable. 

Slight bleeding and oozing are to be expected, however, if the bleeding seems excessive apply firm pressure with a moist gauze or tea bag for about 40 minutes. Post-surgical pain can generally be well controlled with the prescribed pain medication. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed to aid the healing process.         

Healing time is generally around two to three weeks. During this time, special care will need to be taken regarding diet and oral hygiene. Cool, soft foods are recommended, and it is best to avoid any food that is too hot, hard, or spicy that could aggravate the surgical sites. You may gradually begin to eat harder foods but avoid eating any sharp foods such as peanuts, nachos, tacos, etc. 

Oral hygiene is encouraged to resume 24 hours after surgery, but care should be taken to avoid disturbing the newly grafted tissue. Swelling can be controlled by holding ice packs on the face outside the surgical sites, alternating between 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off the face. Additionally, you will be seen in the office to evaluate post-surgical healing. Should any severe pain, extreme swelling, or prolonged bleeding occur, please do not hesitate to contact our office! 

Other Options for Periodontal Surgery

While gum grafting is excellent for covering exposed root surfaces that tend to make teeth appear very long, some patients have the opposite problem where teeth appear too short due to an excess of gum tissue. For cases such as these, a gingivectomy may be the perfect solution. A gingivectomy is done by simply removing excess or overgrown tissue around the teeth, and is often performed by using a sophisticated laser, which greatly reduces postoperative pain and healing time. A laser can also be used as part of the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or LANAP, to help remove harmful bacteria from deep pockets in patients with gum disease to promote periodontal health.  To find out which periodontal surgery would best benefit you, please contact Laser Periodontics & Gum Surgery today by calling (877) 316-4330 to get your consult scheduled!

Gum disease is one of the most common dental diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 47% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. It is more common in men than women, in people living at or below the poverty level, in those with less than a high school education, and smokers.

In most cases, gum diseases are reversible and can be cured. In this article, we discuss the stages of gum disease, the difference in gingivitis and periodontitis, and how to prevent and maintain healthy gums for a lifetime.

Stages of Gum Disease

There are several stages of gum disease ranging from easily reversible gingivitis up to advance stage periodontal disease that affects the jawbones.

Symptoms of early gum disease stages, such as gingivitis, include gums that bleed easily and that appear red and slightly swollen. This is a sign of gum infection. Bad breath can also indicate gingivitis. Gums should not bleed when you brush your teeth any more than hands should bleed when you wash them. Bleeding gums are not normal.

In later stages of gum disease, the infection spreads from the gums into the bone. This is called “periodontal disease” or “periodontitis” because it affects not just the gums but also the bone surrounding the teeth. The teeth may become loose in their sockets. Not only is the breath bad, but there is sometimes a constant, sour taste coming from the teeth.

How to Identify Gingivitis

If you see pink in your saliva when you brush your teeth or notice blood on your toothbrush, this is an early sign of gingivitis. Make an appointment to see your dentist or dental hygienist as soon as possible to rule out anything more serious.

If it has been more than six months since you last had your teeth professionally cleaned, that procedure will usually be the first service needed to address your gingivitis.

Plaque Buildup and Gingivitis

Over time, bacteria, food debris, and a sticky film called “plaque” build up around the edges of your gums and in between your teeth. This build-up eventually hardens and acts like tiny splinters under your gums, keeping them irritated and sore. Removing those deposits will usually relieve the symptoms of gingivitis and get you back on the road to good oral health.

Sometimes, the buildup on your teeth has gotten so deep that it requires more than just a simple cleaning to remove. In these cases, the dentist or dental hygienist may need to numb your gums to get their instruments beneath them to remove the bacterial build-up. You may need to make several trips to complete this type of gingivitis treatment because the dentist or hygienist can only numb a portion of your mouth at one visit.

Diagnosing Gingitivits

Diagnosing gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis requires the expertise of a dentist or dental hygienist. They examine the teeth and gums using special measuring devices that show how deep the deposits extend beneath the gums and may need x-rays to see if the jawbone has been affected. 

Periodontal Charting can also be performed to examine the health of the teeth and gums. This technique is the best way to determine if a patient is periodontally healthy or suffering from periodontal disease. During periodontal charting, the “pocket,” which is the area between the gums and teeth, will be examined using a periodontal probe. A periodontal probe measures the depth of the pockets in millimeters. Gums measuring anywhere between 2-3 mm are considered healthy, anything over 5 mm means the bone supporting your teeth is beginning to deteriorate. Bleeding is also an indicator of gingivitis and gum disease. 

After gathering the needed information and making a diagnosis, the dentist will make a treatment plan unique to your situation. They will explain each step in the plan, what is involved, how many trips it will take, and the cost. You might want to check with your insurance company to find out if your plan covers some or all the costs.

Once you have a diagnosis and a gingivitis treatment plan in place, the next step is to schedule your appointments. It may take anywhere from one trip for mild cases up to five or six for advanced cases. If the periodontal disease is far advanced past the stage where gingivitis treatment is not enough, the dentist may need to perform gum surgery. But for gingivitis and early-stage periodontal disease, treatments usually do not require surgery.

Prevention & Maintenance

After completing all stages of the gingivitis treatment plan, your journey back to good oral health is not over. Maintaining healthy gums and bone is a lifetime commitment that you should take seriously.

After your battle with gingivitis, maintaining excellent oral health practices is necessary. Commit to daily brushing with a soft toothbrush, flossing to remove bacteria and food debris from between your teeth, and having regular cleanings as advised by your dentist or hygienist.

Healthy gums should be pink and tough, much like a callus on your hand. They should never bleed. Occasionally, a popcorn hull, tomato seed, or a similar irritant might get stuck under the gums and cause temporary soreness. But you should report any soreness or bleeding with no identifiable cause that lasts more than a day or two to your dentist.

Preventing gum disease from returning is much easier than having it treated. Not only is daily brushing and flossing necessary but eating a healthy diet helps keep your gums and bones in top condition. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, including diet sodas that are high in acids.

Maintaining Dental Hygiene with Regular Cleanings

Going to see your dentist or dental hygienist regularly allows them to remove buildup under your gums and between your teeth that you are not able to reach with a brush and floss. Much like taking your car for regular oil changes and tire rotations, seeing your dentist on a regular schedule ensures that your oral health will not deteriorate again.  It is recommended to visit your dentist for a cleaning every six months.  

Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are preventable. Removing bacteria, plaque, and food debris daily along with having regular checkups and professional cleanings helps to ensure that your teeth will last for many years.

Everyone wants a beautiful healthy smile! Keeping your gums strong and pink requires a team effort—you carry the ball of daily cleaning and your dentist carries the ball for early diagnosis and treatment. Together you can be confident that your gums will stay healthy for a lifetime. To ensure your smile is healthy, schedule an appointment with us at Advanced Periodontics & Implant Dentistry by calling (877) 316-4330.

Gum disease —  also known as “periodontitis” or periodontal disease — is caused by a bacterial infection around your teeth. While your mouth naturally has thousands of different types of bacteria, it’s excessive levels of plaque biofilm that’s the true culprit. It takes thoroughly removing plaque on a regular basis to prevent it from causing an infection that leads to swollen, bleeding gums.

Are the roots of your teeth exposed when you smile? Are you unhappy with the unsightliness of your receding gums? Are you experiencing discomfort or sensitivity due to gum recession? If you answered ‘YES’ to any of the questions above, the Chao Pinhole Procedure is your solution.

This procedure is the best alternative to all other gum surgeries. It is a scalpel free, suture free, graft free, and nearly pain-free experience towards improving gum recession. In addition, the minimally invasive nature of the procedure allows for a speedy recovery and presents immediate results.

How is the Chao Pinhole Procedure performed? Let us explain.

A pin-like instrument is used to puncture a small hole into the gums above the teeth, allowing the gum tissue to be loosened. The gums are then gently placed over all exposed areas of teeth. Once collagen is injected through the pin-sized holes, the gums are fastened into place. Our patient gets to leave our office readily equipped with a nice, healthy looking gum line and a confident smile. 

In what ways is this technique better than the standard technique for gum surgery? We have answers.

Connective Tissue Grafting is an invasive procedure where an incision is made on the roof of the patient’s mouth. The hard palate tissue is then stitched to cover the exposed areas of teeth. This procedure calls for a lengthy recovery time and the necessity of undergoing additional treatments, making the Chao Pinhole Procedure the best way to go!

Come visit us at any of our convenient locations for a consultation. Our Advanced Periodontics & Implant Dentistry offices are located in Manhattan, Long Island, and New Jersey.

New York, New York – 110 East 40th Street, Suite 500 – (212)581-1090

Franklin Square, New York – 110 New Hyde Park Road  – (516)504-3430

Nutley, New Jersey – 230 Centre Street  – (973)988-2661

Maybe you don’t know what “periodontal disease” is, but we can almost guarantee you know about gingivitis and gum disease. You’ve probably heard about those in any toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash ad you’ve ever seen!

Gingivitis is the beginning stages of gum or periodontal disease, and it’s something you need to treat quickly before it progresses or affects your overall health. Better yet, take care of your teeth and gums so you never get it at all! To know how to stop periodontal disease, it’s best to be proactive.

What’s In Your Pockets?

Gum disease begins as inflammation caused by bacteria. These bacteria are the kind that don’t need oxygen to survive; they thrive in deeply inflamed pockets around your gums. How do they get there in the first place? Remember that night you skipped brushing? That’s one way. Think that flossing isn’t really important? That’s another way.

Anything you consume leaves food for bacteria. When they excrete it, it becomes a sticky film called plaque, which contains inflammatory toxins. When your gums swell and bleed, they leave room for additional plaque to build up and harden below the gumline. Periodontal disease treatment involves having your dentist remove those calcified deposits.

Periodontal Disease Home Treatments: Prevention Comes First

The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush your teeth, at least twice a day; and floss at least once per day. You can take the preventative measures up a notch by rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash to lift away any remaining food particles.

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you probably have gingivitis. Make an appointment to see your dentist for a periodontal exam and cleaning. The hygienist will check the depth of the pockets and clean them out. After your professional cleaning, you should be able to keep your teeth and gums free of plaque and bacteria with regular daily oral hygiene. Keep your semi-annual appointments to make sure you don’t have a set-back!