24
Mar
5 Commonly Asked Questions About LANAP Laser Gum Surgery
Have you been avoiding gum disease treatment because of invasive procedures? Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) in Manhattan Beach, California, is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gun surgery. Instead of scalpels and sutures, LANAP protocol uses laser technology to target the diseased tissues.
It’s normal to have a few concerns before committing to anything. Beachside Smiles answers commonly asked questions for your convenience. Should you not see what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.
1. What is the LANAP protocol?
LANAP uses laser technology to treat gum disease. LANAP works on a specific wavelength, which targets the diseased tissues while leaving the healthy tissues unscathed. Instead of a scalpel, the doctor uses a wand-like device to target unhealthy deposits and diseased tissues.
LANAP is a regenerative procedure. Patients don’t lose tissue volume. Instead, the lasers stimulate gum and bone tissue to regenerate.
We use the PerioLase MVP-7 laser to treat periodontal disease. This technology has seven adjustable pulse durations in one device. The different wavelengths can penetrate 4mm into the gum tissues, removing unhealthy deposits from the deep pockets.
2. What does the procedure involve?
While the procedure is virtually painless, we’ll anesthetize your gums for enhanced comfort. Traditional gum surgery takes several sessions to treat gum disease, while laser dentistry is much faster. Most patients need one two-hour session, although complex cases may require two visits. LANAP means fewer days off treatment and fewer disruptions to your everyday life.
3. What should I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, you can expect mild swelling, soreness, tenderness, and tooth sensitivity. These discomforts are normal and gradually subside within a few days. Stick to a soft food diet and avoid strenuous activities until you recover. Contact your dentist if you experience excessive bleeding, persistent pain, or fever.
4. What are the benefits of the LANAP protocol?
Here are the numerous benefits of laser gum surgery.
- Minimally invasiveness: The procedure only targets the diseased tissues, leaving the healthy ones intact.
- Less discomfort: Traditional gum surgery involves scalpels and sutures. The procedure works, but it can be painful and invasive.
- Less post-procedure pain: LANAP protocol is less traumatic, and so is recovery. Patients experience minimal pain, swelling, and bruising.
- Faster recovery: Traditional gum surgery has a recovery period of 2-4 weeks, but laser surgery patients resume their everyday life after 24-48 hours.
- Lower infection risk: The high-energy light kills bacteria and sterilizes the surgical site, reducing the likelihood of microbial growth and complications.
5. How much does LANAP cost?
LANAP cost is always comparable to traditional periodontal surgery. However, the cost varies significantly depending on the extent of infection.
Dental insurance covers part of the cost of periodontal treatment. However, not everyone has insurance. We offer dental financing with CareCredit and Sunbit Financing to allow you to spread your costs into manageable installments.
LANAP Protocol Near Me in Manhattan Beach
The LANAP protocol is a revolutionary treatment that addresses advanced gum disease without invasive techniques. Call Beachside Smiles at (310) 643-6004 to recover your healthy gums with laser-assisted dentistry. We are conveniently located in Manhattan Beach, CA, but we serve patients from the nearby locations of El Segundo, Lawndale, Hawthorne, West Chester, Inglewood, Lennox, Gardena, and Torrance.
Share this Article
Dr. Don Mungcal
Dr. Don Mungcal is a highly regarded dentist based in Los Angeles, with over thirty years of experience. He graduated from UCLA, earned his dental degree with honors from the University of the Pacific Dental School, and was an instructor at USC Dental School. Dr. Mungcal's dedication to patient care has earned him recognition from the “Los Angeles Downtown News,” being named a Best Dentist in Downtown for four consecutive years. A respected member of the California Dental Society and other esteemed organizations, Dr. Mungcal actively participates in continuing education, staying updated on the latest advancements in dentistry.
