Results of LANAP

The results are in: “Patients love LANAPLaser Periodontal Therapy,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Implant and Periodontal practice.  For many patients the threat of losing natural teeth draws them to consider periodontal surgery. “With more than 80% of the population affected and more than 50% of those losing teeth to periodontal problems, periodontal surgery is generally the recommended treatment.

Periodontal disease begins as plaque that hardens into tartar or calculus. Bacteria thrive on calculus and cause infection. During the early stages the patient will notice redness of the gum tissue, but as the disease progresses, bone is lost and teeth may become loose and breath, bad. As a patient, you will be informed that you have pockets around your teeth that have been formed by bacteria.  “Early treatment,” adds Dr. Rice, one of your Inland Empire Top Dentists, “allows your periodontist to better control the disease. That is why we love to get involved at the beginning.” When periodontal disease is left unchecked, too often the disease progresses to the point that surgery is the only option.

The only way to repair the damage done by bacteria at a certain point is through surgery. In the past, the only option available was to use a scalpel to open the pocket, remove the bacteria and diseased tissue and then suture the area. “Since the FDA has approved the LANAP protocol though, we have another way to help patients,” says Dr. Rice. “LANAP is not just a laser treatment though, and there is some misunderstanding about that. Only LANAP Periodontal Treatment has been approved to treat periodontal disease.”

No cutting, no sewing or suturing and an FDA approved procedure has patients very excited. “They love the fact that the treatment is state-of-the-art, but more important it is a minimally-invasive, patient-friendly procedure.

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease it is important to see your dentist on the recommended maintenance schedule and then when and if the time comes for treatment, check your options before you proceed.