If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, the idea of invasive surgery may sound intimidating. For years, the standard treatment for advanced gum disease involved cutting, stitching, and a long recovery. But thanks to modern technology, there’s a better option.
At Fort Bend Dental in Missouri City, we offer LANAP® laser gum therapy—a minimally invasive, highly effective alternative to traditional gum surgery.
LANAP® stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, and it’s transforming how we treat periodontal disease. If you’re looking for a way to restore your gum health without the discomfort and downtime of surgery, here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Gum Disease: The Silent Threat
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is one of the most common oral health problems in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of American adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease.
It starts with plaque buildup along the gumline. Left untreated, this plaque hardens into tartar, irritating the gums and leading to infection. Symptoms include:
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Receding gumline
- Loose teeth
- Bone loss around teeth
If periodontal disease is not treated, it can eventually result in tooth loss and increase the risk of other health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.
Traditional Treatment vs. Laser Gum Therapy
Historically, moderate to severe gum disease was treated with scaling and root planing followed by osseous (flap) surgery. This procedure involved cutting the gums to access infected tissue and bone, scraping away tartar, and stitching the gums back in place.
While effective, traditional surgery can be painful, lead to significant gum recession, and require weeks of healing time.
LANAP® laser therapy offers a more comfortable, advanced solution. Instead of using scalpels, our team at Fort Bend Dental uses a PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental laser to target and remove bacteria while preserving healthy tissue.
How LANAP® Laser Gum Therapy Works
The LANAP® procedure is a science-backed, FDA-cleared protocol that promotes natural healing and tissue regeneration. Here’s how it works:
- The laser gently targets and eliminates bacteria and infected gum tissue without cutting the gums.
- Ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments are used to remove tartar from the tooth roots.
- The laser is used again to create a blood clot, sealing the area and allowing the gums to reattach naturally to the tooth.
- Over time, the body regenerates bone and tissue around the teeth.
This process results in less pain, less bleeding, and faster recovery compared to traditional gum surgery.
Benefits of LANAP® Therapy
Choosing LANAP® laser treatment at Fort Bend Dental comes with several advantages:
- Minimally invasive. There are no scalpels, incisions, or sutures required.
- Faster recovery. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours.
- Reduced gum recession. LANAP® preserves more healthy tissue, resulting in less noticeable gum recession.
- Bone regeneration. Clinical studies show that LANAP® therapy can stimulate bone growth and help save teeth at risk of loss.
- Improved overall health. By removing infection and inflammation, LANAP® supports better oral and systemic health.
- High success rate. Research published in the International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry reports that LANAP® therapy achieves long-term stability in over 90 percent of treated cases.
Is Laser Gum Therapy Right for You?
If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease, LANAP® therapy may be an ideal option. Candidates typically include:
- Patients with deep periodontal pockets
- Those experiencing gum bleeding, swelling, or tenderness
- Individuals who want to avoid traditional gum surgery
- Patients at risk of tooth loss due to advanced gum disease
- People who have medical conditions that make traditional surgery risky
At Fort Bend Dental in Missouri City, our skilled dental team will evaluate your gum health and determine if you are a candidate for LANAP® treatment.
What to Expect During LANAP® Treatment
The LANAP® procedure is typically completed in two appointments, treating one side of your mouth at a time. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation and evaluation. We will conduct a thorough periodontal exam and review your dental and medical history.
- Treatment session. Using the PerioLase® laser, we will carefully remove infected tissue and bacteria. The process is comfortable, and local anesthesia is used to ensure you are relaxed and pain-free.
- Recovery. Most patients report minimal discomfort after the procedure. You may experience slight soreness or sensitivity for a few days, but over-the-counter pain medication is usually all that’s needed.
- Follow-up. We will monitor your healing progress and schedule periodic cleanings to maintain your gum health.
A Healthier Smile Starts with Healthy Gums
Gum disease is often called a silent disease because it progresses quietly until major damage is done. But you don’t have to live with bleeding gums, bad breath, or the risk of tooth loss. LANAP® laser gum therapy at Fort Bend Dental offers a modern, effective way to treat periodontal disease without the pain and hassle of surgery.
Our team proudly serves patients in Missouri City, Sugar Land, and the greater Fort Bend County area with advanced periodontal care and comprehensive dental services.
If you’ve been told you need gum surgery—or if you’re struggling with gum disease symptoms—contact Fort Bend Dental today to schedule a consultation and learn how LANAP® therapy can restore your gum health and protect your smile.
Posted on behalf of
