A Technological Revolution: LANAP®, the Laser Therapy Alternative for Gum Surgery
Dr. Michael Sonick and Dr. Rui Ma are certified LANAP and LAPIP® regenerative specialists trained by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry. Our doctors are leading cutting-edge periodontal surgeons in Fairfield County, offering patients the LANAP and LAPIP gum disease treatment procedure.
What Is LANAP/LAPIP?
It is the least-invasive, FDA-approved, groundbreaking technology for improving support around teeth and disinfecting the mouth. LANAP stands for “laser-assisted new attachment procedure.” LAPIP stands for “laser-assisted peri-implantitis procedure.” In both cases, a soft tissue laser is used to remove harmful tissue and gently regenerate healthy gum and bone.
LANAP/LAPIP Gum Therapy Benefits
- Minimally invasive gum treatment
- No sutures (stitches)
- No blades or cutting
- Minimal or no bleeding
- Promotes regeneration of supporting gum tissues
- Less pain
- Minimal to no downtime after procedure
- Less sensitivity
- Less swelling
Laser Gum Treatment — Are You a Candidate?
Many patients can benefit from laser gum treatment. Drs. Sonick and Ma recommend LANAP, which is a non-invasive treatment for many gum conditions:
- Periodontal disease
- Periodontal pocketing
- Gummy smiles
- Gum recession
- Strengthening dental implants
- Gum pigmentation
- LANAP for detached gums
- Attached frenulum
How Does Laser Gum Therapy Work?
LANAP is designed to work without harming your healthy gum tissue. Drs. Sonick and Ma will place the laser tip around the shape of your gums, allowing its special wavelength to vaporize the bacteria and diseased tissue. Your gums will be healthier immediately after laser gum surgery.
What Makes LANAP/LAPIP Better Than Traditional Periodontal Treatment?
- Gentle
- Targets only infected areas
- Speeds up healing
- Reduces or even eliminates pain, bleeding, swelling and gum loss
- May circumvent need for aggressive surgical procedures
LANAP Laser Technology
The PerioLase MVP-7 laser is the only FDA approved laser for gum therapy. The PerioLase operates with a pulsing laser that is absorbed by infected and inflamed tissue. The diseased tissue and bacteria, which have a darker pigment than healthy tissue, are ”zapped” away by the laser, leaving behind only healthy gum tissue. LANAP then helps connective tissue and bone form between the gums and teeth.
This evidence-based protocol provides consistent, reproducible and positive bone-building results to reverse gum disease. The laser is also able to seal the gums, creating a physical barrier that blocks any bacteria or tissue that could recreate a gum pocket, eliminating the need for sutures.
The benefits of LANAP include less pain, less gum recession, decreased bleeding, swelling and root sensitivity, and less downtime after treatment. An added benefit of laser surgery is the antibacterial effect that helps disinfect the periodontal pockets. Controlling periodontal disease with LANAP makes it possible to save and restore otherwise hopeless teeth.
Laser treatment is also beneficial for patients who have medical problems requiring medications such as aspirin, Plavix and Coumadin. Since LANAP causes almost no bleeding compared to traditional surgeries, patients do not have to discontinue using these drugs prior to surgery. Patients with advanced periodontal disease who take bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, can avoid extractions, thus minimizing the possibility of osteonecrosis of the jaw. LANAP is also safe for patients with HIV, hemophilia or diabetes.
If you would like to learn more about LANAP laser gum therapy in Fairfield, Connecticut, please call Fairfield County Implants and Periodontics, LLC today at 203-254-2006 to schedule an appointment with our dentists, Drs. Michael Sonick, Rui Ma or Stephanie Koo.
