Laser treatment translates to keeping nearly all the gum tissue, as there is no cutting or suturing involved with this method. If there is no cutting and suturing there is no pain and time loss from work or other activities, as there is no significant recovery time involved. Retaining nearly all the gum tissue ensures that there will be a minimal loss of tooth and bone structure after the surgery. In fact an ancillary, or side effect, is the regeneration and reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth and bone, plus possible bone and ligament regeneration. This is never seen in non-laser methods for periodontal surgery.

This is a FDA approved technique, and is the only approved soft-tissue patent involving lasers. LANAP or, Laser Ablation New Attachment Procedure, is a laser modality created by two Californian dentists specifically for periodontal disease and will eventually be the established treatment in the future. Conserving the gingival tissue while eliminating logarithmically the microorganisms of disease is the key to successful periodontal treatment and surgery, without these the possibility of disease regression is increased.

Laser is a physical and mechanical way of destroying pathogenic or disease causing organisms and proteins, these organisms have no way of counteracting the effects of laser, as there can be no possible immunity as with antibiotic treatment. Methods that implement local or systemic antimicrobial drugs or solutions increase the likelihood that bacteria will become immune.

A blood sequestering technique is now available to enhance the effects of laser periodontal surgery. The thinking behind this methodology is to use a component of the blood in an immune and regenerative capacity, using platelet therapy increases the chance of bone and ligament regeneration in the client.

back to top