LANAP in Hickory, NC: Laser Gum Treatment
Gum disease can damage the gums and bone that support your teeth and, when left untreated, may eventually lead to tooth loss. At Hickory Periodontics, Dr. Tate Weller provides advanced periodontal treatment for patients from Hickory, Conover, Newton, and surrounding Catawba County communities.
LANAP® is a laser-assisted treatment for periodontal disease that uses specialized laser technology to target diseased tissue and bacteria while preserving healthy gum tissue. For appropriate patients, it offers a minimally invasive approach to treating gum disease and supporting the health of the teeth and gums.
What Is LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is a laser periodontal treatment designed to treat gum disease using the PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental laser.
During LANAP treatment, the laser is used to target bacteria and diseased tissue within periodontal pockets while leaving healthy tissue largely undisturbed. The teeth and root surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, and the area is treated to create conditions that support healing around the teeth.
Because LANAP uses laser technology rather than the traditional cutting and suturing associated with some periodontal procedures, many patients are interested in it as a less invasive option for treating periodontal disease.
Benefits of LANAP Laser Gum Treatment
LANAP may provide several benefits for appropriate patients with periodontal disease:
- Targets bacteria and diseased tissue associated with gum disease
- Preserves healthy gum tissue
- Minimizes cutting and sutures
- May result in less bleeding and swelling than traditional periodontal surgery
- Supports healing of the tissues surrounding the teeth
- Helps preserve natural teeth affected by periodontal disease
- Allows treatment of periodontal pockets that can be difficult to keep clean at home
Not every patient with gum disease requires LANAP. Dr. Weller will evaluate the severity of your periodontal disease, bone support, gum tissue, and overall oral health to determine which treatment approach is most appropriate.
What to Expect During LANAP Treatment
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive periodontal evaluation. Dr. Weller will examine your gums, measure periodontal pockets, evaluate the supporting structures around your teeth, and review any necessary imaging.
1. Laser Treatment: The PerioLase laser is carefully used within the periodontal pockets to target diseased tissue and bacteria.
2. Cleaning the Teeth: Calculus and deposits are removed from the surfaces of the teeth and roots.
3. Laser Treatment and Stabilization: The laser is used again as part of the treatment process to help create an environment that supports healing around the tooth.
4. Healing and Follow-Up: You will receive specific instructions for caring for your mouth following treatment. Dr. Weller will monitor your healing and periodontal health at follow-up visits.
Your individual treatment plan and recovery will depend on the extent of your gum disease and the areas being treated.
Am I a Candidate for LANAP?
LANAP may be an option for patients who have moderate to advanced periodontal disease and need treatment beyond routine dental cleanings.
You may benefit from a periodontal evaluation if you:
- Have been diagnosed with periodontal or gum disease
- Have deep pockets around your teeth
- Experience bleeding or swollen gums
- Have gum recession or bone loss related to periodontal disease
- Have loose teeth caused by loss of periodontal support
- Have persistent inflammation despite previous periodontal treatment
- Want to learn whether laser periodontal treatment is appropriate for you
The best treatment for gum disease depends on the individual patient. Dr. Weller will evaluate your periodontal health and discuss whether LANAP or another form of periodontal therapy is most appropriate for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP
Is LANAP painful?
LANAP is performed with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during treatment. Because the procedure uses laser technology and does not require the same type of incisions used in traditional periodontal surgery, many patients experience relatively manageable discomfort during recovery. Dr. Weller will provide detailed instructions for caring for the treated areas following your procedure.
How long does it take to recover from LANAP?
Recovery varies depending on the extent of treatment and the individual patient. Many patients are able to return to normal daily activities relatively quickly, although the tissues continue healing beneath the surface over time. You will receive specific instructions about eating, brushing, and caring for your gums while they heal.
Can LANAP save loose teeth?
In some cases, treating the periodontal infection and inflammation around a tooth can help preserve teeth that have been affected by gum disease. Whether a tooth can be successfully maintained depends on factors such as the amount of remaining bone support, tooth mobility, and the severity of periodontal disease. Dr. Weller can evaluate the prognosis of individual teeth during your periodontal examination.
Is LANAP better than traditional gum surgery?
Neither treatment is best for every patient. LANAP can provide a minimally invasive treatment option for many patients with periodontal disease, while other situations may be better treated with traditional periodontal procedures. Dr. Weller will recommend treatment based on the severity and location of your disease, your bone and gum health, and your individual needs.
Schedule a LANAP Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum recession, deep periodontal pockets, or loose teeth, schedule a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Weller at Hickory Periodontics.
Our office is conveniently located in Conover and serves patients from Hickory, Newton, and surrounding Catawba County communities. Dr. Weller will evaluate your periodontal health and determine whether LANAP laser treatment or another periodontal treatment is appropriate for you.