Laser Periodontal Therapy, also known as L.A.N.A.P.  ( Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), is an amazing breakthrough in periodontal gum treatments.  If you have been told you need scalpel and suture gum surgery, there is a laser alternative you need to learn about.  Periodontitis, also know as gum disease, is prevalent in the United States.  Approximately 75% of American adults have some form of gum disease.  Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.  Periodontal disease starts off as plaque, an opaque film which eventually hardens, forming tartar or calculus.  These calculus deposits harbor bacteria which infrect the gums.  In early stages, this is called Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.  Untreated, Gingivitis progresses to Periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure.  Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, resulting in tooth loss.

The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets.  Until now, that meant surgery and sutures.  But today,  we have Laser Periodontal Therapy, or L.A.N.A.P.,  a patient friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over standard gum surgery.

The L.P.T. ( L.A.N.A.P.) Procedure

Dr. Miller will schedule a complimentary consultation to explain how the laser works and give you a demonstration.  Next, Dr. Miller will take necessary X-rays to make a definitive diagnosis and determine the extent of the gum infection.  When you return for your first L.P.T. treatment, you will receive a local anesthetic to eliminate any possible discomfort.  A general anesthetic is not necessary, because Laser Periodontal Therapy is much less traumatic.  A tiny laser (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum, and the infection is cleared away.  The procedure is fast: It takes just two 2-hour sessions.  Dr. Miller will treat one half of your mouth at each session....and you will probably feel good enough to go right back to work afterwards.

 Why is Laser Periodontal Therapy ( L.A.N.A.P. ) Better?

• Laser Periodontal Therapy ( L.A.N.A.P. ) is about as easy as erasing a blackboard- there is no cutting or suturing.

• There is much less discomfort with Laser Periodontal Therapy than with standard surgery- during and after the procedure.

• It takes less time than traditional surgery.  All it takes is two 2-hour visits and two follow up visits.  Traditional surgery usually requires four sessions of one hour or more, wiht subsequent visits for suture removal and additional follow ups.

• Laser Periodontal Therapy (L.A.N.A.P.) gives better, longer-lasting results.  In fact, 98% of L.A.N.A.P. treated patients remain stable after five years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery.

• Dr. Miller will recommend a soft diet for several days following treatment, but in most cases patients feel good enough to eat anything they want right after the procedure.

• Following traditional surgery, recovery can take between 2-4 weeks during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling, where they may be restricted to liquid or soft diets

• There is less than a 24 hour recovery period after L.A.N.A.P., so you won't lose time from work.