LANAP – Laser Gum Treatment
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
One of the leading causes of tooth loss for Americans is periodontal disease, often called gum disease. The growth and collection of bacteria around the gums causes an infection that triggers the body’s inflammatory response. This reaction leads to swelling, bleeding, and bad breath, in addition to recession of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease ultimately leads to tooth loss.
Unfortunately, gum disease doesn’t stop there. Extensive clinical studies have shown that gum disease can be a factor in other serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, gastric ulcers, osteoporosis, premature birth or low birth weight, and an overall weakened immune system.
WHAT IS LANAP?
Newington Family Dentistry is equipped with an effective means of treating periodontal disease, a laser gum treatment called LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure). This treatment offers patients a great alternative to traditional gum surgery. Instead of a cutting and suturing method, it uses a laser device that can selectively target infected, diseased gum tissue.
In addition to making sure that you retain as much healthy gum tissue as possible, the treatment stimulates healthy tissue underneath, causing it to reattach to the bone and teeth.
As with any medical or dental treatment, this treatment is not right for every patient. It requires a trained, experienced dentist to assess your situation and determine if you are one of the many patients that this therapy can help.