Periodontal Procedures
- Periodontal Health
- Scaling & Root Planing (SRP)
- Crown Lengthening
- Soft Tissue Grafts
- Dental Implants
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Oral Pathology
- Impacted Canines
- LANAP
LANAP
North Houston–Woodlands Oral Surgical Arts, P.C. is pleased to announce the availability of the PerioLase Dental Laser, a patented alternative to the conventional treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. The PerioLase received FDA clearance for its Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™) in 2004. This procedure is a full-mouth protocol aimed at minimizing patient discomfort, removing diseased tissue, maintaining soft-tissue heights around teeth and achieving closure of the periodontal pocket to permit optimal healing. With LANAP, a small laser fiber is introduced between the tooth and the gum to release the soft tissue attachments, creating access to the root and bone surfaces for instrumentation. The specific wavelength of the PerioLase selectively targets the diseased soft tissue and dark pigmented bacteria associated with periodontal disease. In doing so, it ablates the bacteria and infected tissue, which has a darker pigment than the surrounding healthy tissue. Roots are thoroughly cleaned of plaque and calculus (tartar) and the infection and disease are cleared away without having to peel back the gum tissue. The laser is introduced again on a different setting to create a stable fibrin clot, which helps to seal the pocket and stabilize the marginal tissues.
A) Periodontal probing indicates excessive pocket depth
B) Laser light removes bacteria and diseased tissue
C) Ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments are used to remove root surface tartar
D) Laser finishes cleaning pocket and aids in sealing the pocket closed so that new germs cannot enter
E) Healing of gums to clean root surface occurs
F) Bite trauma is adjusted
G) Healing occurs
Ultimately, LANAP helps connective tissue and bone reform between gums and teeth and also creates a physical barrier to bacteria and tissue that could impede healing and re-create periodontal pockets. For the patient, this procedure equates to less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, less tissue removal, and less recovery time than classic periodontal surgical treatment modalities such as osseous surgery. While LANAP may not necessarily be demonstrably superior to conventional surgery, predictable results are more consistently being seen and many of the reasons why patients resist surgical treatment for periodontal disease are being eliminated. Clinicians using LANAP report not only repeatable, consistent and predictable results as compared to traditional scalpel and suture periodontal surgery, but are also receiving positive feedback from their patients regarding the treatment experience. Dentists who perform LANAP are required to complete a comprehensive clinical training program at the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD). IALD is the only active laser training institute in the United States recognized by the American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Program (ADA CERP).
Patients interested in additional information regarding LANAP are encouraged to visit www.milleniumdental.com.