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LANAP® Protocol

Introduction

Dr. Bhandaru is a LANAP® certified clinician

Dr. Bhandaru and Carrollton Smiles is excited to be a LANAP® certified clinician for treating gum disease with a patient-friendly and less invasive procedure. Patient care and patient comfort is always our priority and we feel laser technology will continue to support our values.

LANAP Certified Clinician badge | Dr. Bhandaru is a certified LANAP clinician

Facts about gum disease

Did you know that over 50% of American adults have gum disease1? If you suffer from bleeding gums, swollen gums, tooth pain, you are likely one of those 50%. Gum disease is an infection below the gum line and is linked to several health problems – such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and pre-term babies. Surprisingly, only a small percentage of adults get the treatment they need. Traditional gum disease treatment options involve cutting the gum tissue or extracting the teeth.

routine-cleanings

What is gum disease?

Gum disease starts when a sticky film, known as plaque, forms on the teeth, and minerals in your saliva cause it to harden into tartar, also called calculus. Certain bacteria found in plaque and tartar can harm gum tissue, leading your body to respond with an inflammatory reaction. White blood cells are sent to the affected area to fight the bacteria, which can cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily during brushing or flossing. This early stage of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis.

If the infection and inflammation continue unchecked, they can lead to a more severe, long-lasting condition. In this advanced stage, known as periodontitis, not only the gums but also the ligaments and bone surrounding the teeth are damaged, often without noticeable symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease can include:

  • Gums that are red, swollen, and bleed easily
  • Gums that seem to have pulled away from the teeth
  • Bad breath or halitosis
  • Pus between your teeth and gums
  • Teeth that seem to be loose or moving away from one another
  • Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Change in the way your partial denture or implant-supported restorations fit

What are some risks associated with gum disease?

Several common risk factors contribute to the development of periodontitis, including genetics, high stress levels, neglecting dental visits, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions. Smokers, in particular, are at a much higher risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers.

Gum disease has also been linked to other more serious health problems, including: alzheimer’s disease, stroke, respiratory disease, breast cancer, heart disease, pregnancy complications, kidney cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatic cancer, blood cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis.

Laser technology to helps fight gum disease

The LANAP® protocol procedure offers a laser-based approach to treating gum disease without the need for cutting or stitches. Most patients experience less pain and discomfort both during and after the treatment compared to conventional periodontal surgery. This minimally invasive technique allows patients to regain their oral health with greater comfort, often reducing anxiety. By being less invasive than traditional methods, the LANAP procedure helps preserve the natural appearance of your smile.

Cleared by the FDA in 2004, the LANAP protocol is a patented treatment for periodontal disease. It utilizes the PerioLase® MVP-7, a specialized laser that targets harmful bacteria associated with gum disease while preserving healthy tissue. This advanced method significantly reduces post-treatment gum recession and tooth sensitivity, which are common concerns with traditional gum surgeries.

Benefits of LANAP® protocol

Non-invasive procedures offer patients a much better experience. Some of the key points to fighting gum disease with LANAP® protocol include:

  • Faster Healing – LANAP® is minimally invasive and allows the body to recover and heal more quickly.
  • Less Discomfort – Patients report less discomfort during and after surgery.
  • Minimal Recovery Time – Most patients can immediately return to their daily routine.
  • Little to No Gum Recession – Because the procedure doesn’t require cutting the gums, there is less risk of recession and your beautiful smile is maintained.
  • Reduction in Gum Inflammation and Bleeding – The PerioLase® MVP-7™ targets inflammatory bacteria without injuring healthy tissue.
  • Saves Teeth – Patients can keep their natural teeth sometimes even when the teeth have been deemed ‘hopeless’ with traditional treatments. Keeping your natural teeth has been linked to a longer lifespan!
  • Safe for patients with Health Concerns –LANAP® protocol is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Plavix or aspirin.

Diagram of how LANAP® protocol works

LANAP illustration showing different steps of this procedure with brief description

A. Perio probe indicates excessive pocket depth.
B. Laser radiation vaporizes bacteria, diseased tissue, pathologic proteins, and alerts the practitioner to the presence of tartar.
C. Ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments are used to remove root surface accretions.
D. Bone is modified at time of surgery.
E. Laser is used to form a gel-clot containing stem cells from bone and PDL.
F. Reattachment of reté ridges to clean root surface, with a stable fibrin clot at the gingival crest to create a ‘closed system’.
G. Occlusal trauma adjusted.
H. New attachment is regenerated.

LANAP® Protocol FAQ’S

1 CDC “Periodontal Disease”, July 10, 2013, https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html

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If you’re ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bhandaru, we invite you to take the next step by clicking the ‘Book a Consultation’ link below. Alternatively, feel free to email us, and our team will be delighted to assist you in setting up your appointment.

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