Lanap Laser Periodontal Procedures

Over 50% of American adults have gum disease–an infection below the gum line.  If not treated, this infection will cause tooth loss and has also been linked to other systemic diseases. Dr. Moss utilizes the FDA cleared PerioLase® MVP-7™ for the LANAP® Protocol to treat gum disease. Performed without a scalpel and sutures, LANAP creates an environment for the body to “heal itself” and regenerate of the tissues around your teeth (gum, bone, cementum, ligament) that are lost due to periodontal disease – without the painful cutting and sutures of traditional treatment.

How LANAP treatment works

The specific laser used in the LANAP protocol targets the bacteria and endotoxins that cause gum disease. The laser also stem cells in your bone and encourages the bone and ligaments to regenerate.  Because of the regrowth of this connective tissue, there is also a much lower chance of gum disease returning than with traditional surgery.

The laser utilizes a tiny fiber (approximately the thickness of three hairs) that is inserted between the gum and tooth. Once the tooth roots are completely cleaned of plaque, bacteria, and disease, the area is disinfected and sterilized. Finally, a different laser setting creates a firm, stable fibrin blood clot that seals the pocket.

Due to the ability of the laser to target and remove only diseased tissue, Dr. Moss is able to help restore you to health with no post-operative pain and fewer side effects and risks than traditional surgery.

Patient Benefits of LANAP treatment for Gum Disease

• 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, bleeding disorders, or on medications – even blood thinners

Why Treat Gum Disease

It is estimated that gum disease affects 1 in every 2 adults.  The symptoms of gum disease are ‘silent’, often patients don’t know they have gum disease until the very late stages.  Dr. Moss is part of the national education team on gum disease- watch the video to learn more about gum disease and the signs and symptoms.

Stages of Gum Disease

The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This occurs when plaque builds up around the gums, causing inflammation. The most common gingivitis symptoms include bad breath and red, swollen gums that can bleed easily during flossing or brushing. While gingivitis is reversible, it can progress to periodontitis if ignored.

With periodontitis, the inflammation spreads and causes pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets attract food particles, plaque, and bacteria. As the pockets deepen, so does the infection, which causes gum recession and affects the fibers and bone that support your teeth. At this stage, gum disease is not reversible, but it is treatable. The recommended treatment usually involves scaling and root planing – a deep cleaning that removes these irritants and smooths the root surfaces to reduce the risk of reinfection.

If left untreated, the infection begins to destroy the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place, causing your teeth to loosen and shift. Since advanced periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, a patient needs aggressive treatment to save their teeth.

Until recently, the only aggressive solution was gum surgery. Today, LANAP offers the same benefits with less invasive treatment.

LANAP Protocol Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a candidate for LANAP laser surgery?

Patients with moderate-to-severe gum disease can especially benefit from the LANAP protocol. The LANAP protocol is also an excellent treatment option for patients who are fearful of conventional scalpel surgery.  Patients on blood thinners or with diabetes are safe to treat with LANAP.

How many treatments will I need with the LANAP protocol?

The LANAP® Procedure doesn’t take much time at all — just two two-hour sessions versus eight to ten one-hour sessions with conventional surgery. You don’t have to worry about bleeding, stitches, or post-treatment infection, because your gums haven’t been cut.

What are the benefits of the LANAP® protocol in the treatment of gum disease?

• Less post-operative pain — The LANAP protocol using the PerioLase MVP-7 helps avoid cutting and stitching of the gums. As a result, patients usually have minimal post-operative discomfort.
• Fewer sessions— The LANAP protocol requires only one to two sessions with the dentist, each lasting two to three hours, with two follow-up visits. Traditional surgery generally requires several sessions, with subsequent visits for suture removal and additional check-ups.
• Quicker recovery time— Most patients are able to return to their regular daily activities immediately following the procedure, which generally requires less than a 24-hour recovery period. Following traditional scalpel & suture surgery, recovery can take two to four weeks, during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling and may be restricted to liquid or soft diets.

Do I have to stop taking my medication for LANAP laser surgery?

Because of the unique properties of the PerioLase laser wavelength, patients on blood thinners or with aspirin regimens do not have to stop taking any medications.

Who can perform the LANAP® protocol to treat patients with gum disease?
Only certified dentists can perform the LANAP protocol.

What should I expect after LANAP treatment?
After LANAP treatment, your gums may be sore for a few days. Generally, the pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. Opioids are rarely needed.  You will be on a liquid/soft diet for two weeks to help keep your teeth stable during initial healing.  Bone can continue to regenerate for 18 months through 3 years.  During this time your LANAP clinician will schedule regular visits to adjust your bite and check your healing progress.

What training does Dr. Moss have in the LANAP protocol?
Dr Moss is a certified instructor for the LANAP protocol – he teaches other dentists worldwide in the procedure. He has been certified to perform the LANAP protocol since 2004, one of the earliest clinicians in the United States to achieve this recognition. All dentists certified to perform the technique are required to complete comprehensive, clinical, hands-on, dentist-to-dentist training at the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD) over the course of a full year.