What is L.A.N.A.P.?

Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure ( L.A.N.A.P. ) is an amazing breakthrough in gum ( periodontal ) treatment. If you have been told you need periodontal surgery, involving a scalpel and sutures, L.A.N.A.P. is a laser alternative you need to learn about. Did you know that 50% of Americans has periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease starts off as plaque, an opaque film that is constantly forming in our mouths. The plaque eventually hardens, forming tartar or calculus. These calculus deposits harbor bacteria which infects the gums. In early stages, this is called Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well. Without treatment, Gingivitis progresses to Periodontitis, a much more serious form of gum disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatement, the infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, eventually, resulting in tooth loss.

To repair the damage caused by gum disease is to get rid of the infection and close the periodontal pockets. Until now, this meant surgery and sutures. But today, LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY OR LANAP, a patient friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over traditional gum surgery.

Dr. James Miller will schedule you a complimentary consultation to explain how the laser works and give you a demonstration. If you a candidate ( you have gum disease) for LANAP the first treatment involves a local anesthetic to eliminate any possible discomfort. A general anesthetic is not necessary as LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY OR LANAP is much less traumatic. A tiny laser (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and gum, and the infection is cleared away. The procedure is fast, it takes just two 2-hour sessions. One half of the mouth is treated at a time...most patients feel good enough to back to work afterwards.

Dr. James B. Miller is a Licensed Arizona General Dentist praciticing in Scottsdale Arizona. He can be reached at james@drjamesmiller.com or at www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

Periodontal Pockets

Periodontal pockets are a key determination of gum health. In normal health, pockets are 3mm or less. When these periodontal measurements exceed 3mm it can be determined that periodontal disease may be present.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The signs and symptoms of gum disease are quite often silent. What does this mean? You will not know about the disease until it has reached an advanced stage of the disease. Warning sign of gum ( periodontal ) disease include the following:

• Red, swollen gums that may be tender/painful
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
• Gums that are receding. This results in teeth that look longer than before.
• Loose teeth
• Drifting/moving teeth
• Pus
• Sores
• Bad breath

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What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or Periodontitis, is a common disease affecting 80% of Americans. We have all heard the term gingivitis from the toothpaste manufacturers in their marketing. Simply stated, gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. The gums are red and swollen, and usually bleed when flossing. Gingivitis is reversible, simply by brushing and flossing, the inflammation subsides. The cause of gingivits is plaque. Plaque is the accumulation of bacteria that adheres to the teeth and gums. If it is not removed (brushing and flossing) it will cause the gums to become red and swollen. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease.

Periodontitis is much more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis not only affects the gums, similar to gingivitis, but also causes adverse changes in the bone that supports our teeth. Periodontitis is classified by the severity of the disease, mild, moderate, advanced. This type of gum disease is caused by a multitude of different factors, including bacteria, genetics, immune system, systemic disease (ie. diabetes). Gum disease usually advances slowly and often asymptomatically, often taking several years before the patient is aware of any changes. Periodontal disease causes bone loss, reducing the support for the teeth. As the bone is lost, it produces a space between the tooth and gum called a "periodontal pocket". In normal health, the measurement between the tooth and gum is 3mm or less. With gum disease, pocket depths range from 4mm to 12mm or more. These "pockets" make it virtually impossible for people to properly remove the bacteria. This allows the bacteria to have virtual party as they can live and thrive in this environment, which in turns hastens the progression of the gum disease. If untreated, more and more bone loss occurs and eventually the teeth can get loose and possibly fall out.