It can be a difficult decision for people who have diagnosed with gum or periodontal disease. Firstly, patients are often surprised at their diagnosis. Periodontal disease is a very common, yet, sadly, is widely underdiagnosed ( another topic altogether). It is estimated that over 100 million people in the U.S. have some form of periodontal disease. When it comes to treating gum disease there are essentially two options - traditional gum surgery or LANAP laser gum therapy. Unfortunately, LANAP laser gum therapy option is often not presented to patient because of lack of knowledge of the LANAP procedure. My goal is to compare LANAP with traditional gum surgery so people can make an informed decision of the treatment choices.
Comparison of Procedures
With traditonal gum surgery, a scalpel is used to "flap" the gums back in order to expose the roots of the teeth and the jawbone. This allows the dentist to clean all the tartar from the roots and view the bone that supports the teeth. If there are any bony defects, the bone is reshaped or bone graft material is placed. The gums are then sutured back in place. The gums may also be excised (cut) in order to achieve a periodontal pocket that is 3mm deep to allow the patient to clean effectively. For example, if you had a 6mm pocket reading, then 3mm of gum tissue would have to be removed to create a 3mm pocket.
In LANAP laser gum therapy, there are no scalpels or sutures. The gums are not "flapped" back of the teeth and the bone. Instead, the laser fiber is placed between the teeth and gums into the periodontal pocket. The LANAP laser then selectively ablates (removes) the scar tissue lining the gums in the pocket and kills the bacteria as well. The roots are then cleaned using an ultrasonic devise. Then the LANAP laser is used again to seal around the cuff of the tooth. This creates an environment that allows your own body to heal and actually regenerate the attachment of the gum to the tooth.
Essentially, the difference is LANAP laser gum therapy promotes regeneration to reduce the periodontal pocket depths while Traditional gum surgery amputates the gums to attain a healthy periodontal pocket depth.
Post Operative Differences
Since LANAP laser gum therapy is less invasive than traditional gum surgery the downtime is dramatically reduced. It is typical for a LANAP patient to have downtime in the 24 -48 hr range. Compared to 2-4 weeks with traditional surgery. With LANAP there is less pain and less chance of infection.
Treatment Outcome Differences
While both LANAP and Traditional gum treatments will produce healthier gums, there are some major differences. Since Traditonal surgery removes gum tissue to produce shallower periodontal pockets, this exposes the roots of the teeth to the oral environment. Aesthetically, the teeth look longer as more of the teeth are exposed. By exposing the roots of the teeth, this often produces teeth that are sensitive to cold and hot temperatures. Also, the roots of the teeth are not as strong as the enamel of teeth. By exposing the roots it increases the risk of getting cavities on these root surfaces.
LANAP laser gum therapy does not remove gum tissue, it promotes regeneration of the gums attachment to the tooth. With LANAP we see very little gum recession. This means the roots do not get exposed, so the sensitivity and cavity risks are minimized, and aesthetics are maintained because we see very little gum recession with LANAP.
Time and Cost Differences
The time frame for LANAP consists of 2 two hour appointments scheduled one week apart. Traditional gum surgery usually take longer, with a longer time frame between surgeries. The cost is for each procedure is typically about the same.
If you would like to read more on LANAP laser gum therapy please click on the following link www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html .
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19 comments:
I have been struggling with periodontal issues for most of my adult life, and have always had some 5 and 6 mm depth pockets in my mouth that have been of concern, but one of them finally flared up to a 9mm pocket. My dentist gave me a referral to a periodontist, and I was about 2 days away from my appointment when I decided to google gum surgery to find out more.
These lasers were created by dentists, receiving extensive clinical trials before receiving Federal Drug Administration approval. This technology is set to reinvent periodontal surgery as we know it.
I just had LANAP today at my periodontist, I actually chose this procedure over the traditional because, well the traditional gum surgery scared the heck out of me. I have mostly 3 and 4 pockets, but in the back, I had a few 7 and 8 pockets. My mouth is very crowded, and I have a severe ovrrjet, although I have learned to live with it, and cosmetically, I don't think my overjet is bad, but dentists seem to disagree. But enough about that, my deep pockets were in the back around the back of my molars, and I couldn't stand the thought of the traditional surgery. I had my whole mouth done at one sitting, it took about 2 1/2 hours for the entire process. I was numbed, but also given Valium the night before (extreme dental anxiety, major mouth surgery when I was a child) and then given gas for the beginning of the procedure, which was about 12 shots. After the shots, I had the gas turned off and the. Peridontist started with the laser. It smells bad, like burning hair kinda, not really flesh, but I didnt really feel it. It did make a vibrating sound around my fillings in the back, and I did have to have more novicaine around the back molars because I could feel the laser, it was kinda like a prickling feeling, maybe like a tattoo needle if you have ever felt that. But it was not bad. After the first pass with the laser, the doctor then did the scaling (i think) with something that vibrated, this took the longest, no pain thought. After that the doctor passed again with the laser, and cut my gums behind the bottom molars with some small scissor like objects (sorry I didnt pay attention, I was kinda of out of it from the 2 Valium, plus I didn't really want to see to much) then passed again with the laser. Then he did a bite check, and grinder down just a little on one side, kinda like after having a cavity filled. That's it, I was done, and it didnt hurt during the procedure, except for those dang shots of novicaine. Now after I left the office, my mouth was sore, but not too bad. I was given some oxycodone to take for pain. My mouth was swollen, and I was drooling blood everywhere. I couldn't really close my mouth, it was still numb so I taped sterile gauze pads over my open mouth to catch the bloody drool, like a surgical mask. I bleed for about 3 hours after the procedure. My face was numb for about 9 hours after the procedure and it is evening now and still have a hard time closing my mouth, but I was told there would be swelling. After care instructions, liquid for 3 days, day 4-11 mushy foods, like mashed potatoes, yougurts, oatmeal, cream of wheat, eggs. After day 11 you can start to introduce more foods as tolerated, but advised to stay away from hard foods for at least a month. No brushing or flossing for the first 10 days, just rinsing with the mouth rinse prescribed. Recheck in 2 weeks, then again at 2 months, then at 6. That's it! I made it through it today!
I went from a #12 to a #7 in 1 month. In addition to the therapy, I dental flossed, water picked, brushed, gargled with sea salt water 3 X per day and avoided hot drinks.
Your patients are very fortunate to have found a dentist that has invested in this laser. Will you be at the pre AAP clinicians meeting this year? If you are I'll see you there. http://www.lasergumdentist.com/
Excellent wording used for your blog on the internet. I gum pain from your blog very much and like your blog on the internet. To thank you.
Healthy gums are strong and perfectly wrapped around the base of the teeth. A careful mouth hygiene, which includes daily brushing and flossing, helps prevent a gum disease, like gingivitis and periodontitis
http://www.newdelhidentalclinic.com/periodontics-gum-treatment.htm Bleeding gum treatment is caused by the bacteria that flourish in your mouth after you eat and the food particles that are leftover.
I just had laser treatment on 2 teeth because of pockets 4 to 6. It took less than 15 minutes.
I was numbed with a little bit of cream, like orajel, and then the laser. I did not feel anything, just a burning smell. No side effects and I was able to eat anything I wanted. I cannot floss on that side for 1 month, That is all. I am doing the other side in 3 months, as I did not want to pay for both sides at the same time. I do not like pain, and there was none. Highly recomended
I get nervous when it comes to gum surgery. I've been needing to get it done but I can't build up the courage. I'm hoping to get the gum surgery done in a month or so.
http://www.periodontal-specialists.com
So with the laser treatment they don't cut away the gums. Does that mean that it heals faster? That would be a nice bonus. http://www.implantperiocare.com/Treatments/LANAPLaserTreatment.aspx
Thanks for giving a deep comparison about the two methods. Reading your blog is a great help for me because I'm planning to have a gum treatment in makati.
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One way to prevent Gum Disease is that get that damage tooth extracted as soon as possible bacteria may caught up into your gums and it will lead to bleeding gums and infection will arise.
Chandan Ortho clinic’s mission is quite obvious, Chandan Ortho clinic organizes many free dental checkups, Laser assisted Dental treatment and Dental Hygiene Awareness camps in all over India to contribute towards our society. Chandan Ortho Clinic’s vision is not just limited to treat our patients well, but to make people aware of important aspects of Oral Hygiene as well as prevention measures to avoid Dental problems.
Wow what a great informative explanation which is most helpful who have getting a laser treatment.
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Gum Disease Treatment :
ortho_inco_inner Periodontal (Gum) disease is an infection of the tissues supporting the teeth mainly caused by the accumulation of bacteria from dental plaque that inflames and damages the gums. This chronic infection attacks your mouth below the gum line where it breaks down the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues.
Factors increasing the risk of developing gum diseases include:
1. Tobacco smoking and chewing
2. Systemic illnesses like diabetes or cancer
3. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menstruation
4. Medications such as contraceptives and anticonvulsants
5. Ill-fitted bridges and incorrect fillings that have become defective.
Learn more about Gum Disease Treatment Here
Very useful information thanks for sharing with us and keep posting visit Laser Gum Treatment Cost In Kalyan
Great posting! Thanks for sharing.
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