Gum disease is affecting millions of Americans. Early treatment is best for preventing loss of bone and teeth, but in moderate-to-severe cases of gum disease, the dentist may perform gum surgery to reduce the periodontal pockets that have formed around the gums.

The plaque bacteria accumulate in those pockets, destroying the tissue around the teeth. Dentists have the option of laser gum treatment, called LANAP ®, with excellent results for adults who have periodontitis, with advancements in dental technology.

What Is LANAP®?

LANAP ® is a technique not using a scalpel to reflect back the gum tissue. Laser gum surgery is a procedure that is minimally invasive. The laser can tell the difference between the healthy and the diseased tissue. By affecting healthy gum tissue, it can extract the diseased tissue. The laser activates bone at the tooth root and facilitates regeneration.

What Makes LANAP® Better Than Traditional Gum Surgery?

Laser gum treatment has a much quicker time of recovery than conventional surgery. The laser seals the infected area spot, preventing infection and facilitating healing. Upon care, most patients do not need any form of pain medication. Besides, you can usually go back to your routine right away.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

A good candidate for LANAP ® is people who can not undergo conventional gum surgery because of other health concerns. LANAP ® benefits from more severe forms of Parodontitis. However, your dentist should make a treatment recommendation based on many different factors including your overall health, your teeth condition and your own goals.

Get a Healthy Smile Today

For more information on this and the other dental services that we offer at Leo A. Tokarczyk, D.D.S.,P.C., contact our Springfield, MO offices to schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Leo A.Tokarczyk. A nice smile gives you more self-esteem and confidence. A good mouth makes life better. Do not encourage periodontitis to take over your health and smile, as this is very treatable.