Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the irritation and infection of the soft tissues that surround and support your teeth. Though it is usually painless, left untreated it can progress and lead to tooth and bone loss within the mouth caused by plaque buildup.

This disease has three levels of severity: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Common symptoms of gingivitis include swollen or red gums that bleed during brushing and flossing. There is no bone or tissue damage at this stage and teeth are firmly rooted in place. Fortunately, this stage is reversible with dental cleanings and good oral hygiene habits.

If left untreated, it can progress into the second stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. Toxins from the bacterial plaque begin to spread not only into the gums but bones and ligaments that support your teeth. Over time it can lead to the loss of tissue and bone, causing your teeth to loosen and begin shifting. This stage of gum disease requires professional treatment and possible surgical options.

What is Periodontal Therapy?

In many cases, gum problems can be treated with general dentistry services. However, when cases become severe, a more complex form of treatment such as periodontal therapy may be necessary to restore your oral health. At The Lanap and Implant Center, we are proud to offer periodontal therapy to those seeking treatment for gum disease.

When is Periodontal Therapy Needed?

For patients with periodontitis or advanced periodontitis, often the inner layers of gum and bone have receded from your teeth and formed pockets. These pockets allow for food and bacteria to grow inside leading to possible infection. It is imperative for those wishing to preserve their teeth and oral health, that they begin treatment immediately to prevent further damage.

At The Lanap and Implant Center, we believe in using less intensive and minimally invasive options to treat patients with advanced stages of gum disease. One form of periodontal therapy we often recommend is LANAP. This treatment can improve the health and function of your mouth while preventing the gum problem from progressing.

What is LANAP?

LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), is an excellent treatment option for patients suffering from periodontal disease. LANAP is a non-invasive, non-surgical, treatment option with no virtually no pain, swelling, or bleeding.

During this procedure, dental lasers are used also with scalers and other dental tools to target and remove diseased tissue and cleanse the area of harmful infection-causing bacteria. This gentle procedure treats gum disease without cutting or suturing and allows for a faster recovery time compared to other treatment options. This allows for minimal loss of tooth and bone structure and a speedy recovery compared to traditional treatment options. LANAP takes less time than traditional surgery and provides better, longer-lasting results.

For more information on periodontal therapy and how we can help you or to schedule a consultation, contact The LANAP and Implant Center today.