LANAP

LANAP Procedure - A Revolutionary Approach to Treating Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a prevalent oral health issue affecting a significant percentage of the global population. Conventional treatment methods for this condition have always involved invasive surgical procedures, which often result in patient discomfort, GINGIVAL RECESSION, MULTIPLE APPOINTMENT and lengthy recovery periods. However, recent advancements in dental technology have led to the development of a revolutionary treatment modality known as Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP).

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition primarily affecting the gums or gingiva and other supporting structures of the teeth, is a prevalent oral health concern. The main root cause or etiology for this disease is the accumulation of dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not effectively removed through regular brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into calculus, also known as tartar, leading to gum inflammation known as gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontal disease and is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing or flossing. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care. However, when left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease.

Periodontitis is marked by the formation of deepened gum pockets, which allow bacteria and plaque to accumulate further below the gumline. As the body’s immune system responds to the bacterial invasion, it triggers an inflammatory response that leads to the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone and connective tissues. Over time, this can result in significant bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss.

Traditional Treatment Methods

Traditionally, periodontal disease has been treated using surgical methods, such as flap surgery, scaling, and root planing. During flap surgery, the gum tissue is cut and lifted away to allow for deep cleaning beneath the gum line. The gum tissue is then sutured back into place to heal. While effective, these methods can be quite invasive, often resulting in significant discomfort, bleeding, TISSUE SHRINKAGE / GIGNIVAL RECESSION and extended healing times for the patient.

LANAP Procedure in Bangalore

The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, LANAP Procedure represents a significant advancement in the treatment of periodontal disease, offering patients a minimally invasive and comfortable alternative to traditional periodontal surgery. By harnessing the power of the Nd:YAG laser at a wavelength of 1064 nm, LANAP effectively targets and treats periodontal pathogens such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa Comitans), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. Gingivalis), motile rods, and spirochetes.

LANAP utilizes a free-running pulsed Nd:YAG laser, specifically designed for this procedure, to selectively remove diseased tissue, bacteria, and calculus from the periodontal pockets surrounding the teeth. The laser’s energy is precisely calibrated to target and destroy periodontal pathogens while preserving healthy surrounding tissues.

How Does LANAP Work?

The LANAP procedure follows a specific protocol to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety. The procedure begins with the application of a local anesthetic for patient comfort. The fiber optic tip, about the size of three human hairs, is gently placed at the top of the periodontal pocket to begin removal of diseased tissue that lines the pocket. There are specific germs and bacteria that cause gum disease. The periolase laser is designed to target and eliminate selectively only the diseased tissue and germs and leaving the healthy tissue unharmed. The laser tip is then removed from the pocket and set aside.

In the next step of the procedure, ultrasonic cleaners are used to remove the hard deposits we call tardor or calculus. These instruments use sound waves, vibrate, and break apart the hard mineral calcium deposits with water flushing away the debris and cooling the instrument tip. Then, the laser is used again at the bottom of the pocket to remove any remaining diseased tissue. This pass of the laser also sterilizes the tissue and bone and completely eliminates the bad bacteria, germs, and toxins. It also stimulates the formation of a blood clot, which once formed contains fibers that reattach the tissue to the tooth and seal out debris and bacteria, like stitches would, and create the right environment to cause the bone and other soft tissues lost from the disease to actually grow back.

Benefits of LANAP

Minimally Invasive: LANAP is minimally invasive compared to traditional periodontal surgery, as it does not require the use of scalpels or sutures. This results in less trauma to the gums and surrounding tissues, leading to faster healing times and reduced post-operative discomfort for patients.
Comfortable Treatment: LANAP offers a more comfortable treatment experience for patients, as it eliminates the need for invasive procedures and reduces the risk of complications associated with traditional surgery.
Selective Treatment: The Nd:YAG laser used in LANAP is highly selective in targeting periodontal pathogens while sparing healthy tissues. This precision allows for effective removal of bacteria and infected tissue, promoting tissue regeneration and attachment to the tooth root surface.
Effective Pathogen Eradication: LANAP effectively treats periodontal pathogens such as Aa Comitans, P. Gingivalis, motile rods, and spirochetes, which are implicated in the development and progression of periodontal disease. By eliminating these pathogens, LANAP helps to control infection and promote periodontal health.
Optimized Healing: LANAP stimulates tissue regeneration and new attachment of the gums to the tooth root surface, facilitating the healing process and promoting long-term periodontal stability.
Lower Risk of Infection: The laser used in LANAP effectively kills bacteria, reducing the risk of infection post-surgery.

LANAP and Implants

In addition to treating periodontal disease, LANAP also shows promise in the field of dental implants. A modified version of the LANAP protocol, known as Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure (LAPIP), has been developed for the treatment of peri-implantitis, a common complication associated with dental implants. Early results show that LAPIP can effectively treat peri-implantitis, promoting the healing of the tissues surrounding the implant and enhancing the overall success of the implant procedure.

LANAP and Diabetes

Research also suggests that LANAP could be particularly beneficial for patients with diabetes. Periodontal disease and diabetes often go hand in hand, with periodontal disease being more common and severe in people with diabetes. LANAP offers a less invasive, more comfortable treatment option for these patients, potentially improving both their oral health and overall health outcomes.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of LANAP represents a significant advancement in the treatment of periodontal disease. With its minimally invasive nature, reduced discomfort, faster healing times, and regenerative capabilities, LANAP offers a promising alternative to traditional surgical methods. As more dental professionals become trained in this innovative procedure, it’s expected that LANAP will play an increasingly important role in periodontal disease management, enhancing patient outcomes and improving oral health.

Have a happy mouth and a happy and healthy body. Restore your smile and your health with the help of Dr. Balasubramanya.