LANAP vs. laser therapy

“Not all periodontal laser therapy is the same,” says Dr. Denine Rice. “Often patients come into the office and let us know they have had laser therapy done before, but while lasers have been used for a number of years in the dental office, not all treatment is the same.”

Even at Rice Periodontics, they use different lasers and use them differently.

“Our hygienist uses a laser to perform what is called Laser Bacterial Reduction. This is done by moving the laser around the mouth prior to scaling to help reduce the bacteria count,” adds Dr. Rice. “This means better results during maintenance appointments.”

When Root Planing and Scaling is recommended, a laser will also be used. The tip is inserted into the pockets to reduce again the bacteria and improve healing.

Finally, as an alternative to cutting and sewing during periodontal surgery, Dr. Rice provides LANAP periodontal therapy. “LANAP therapy is the only FDA approved laser therapy.” LANAP uses a special laser and combines a protocol that has been proven to reduce bacteria and improve healing in areas where significant bone loss has occurred.

Call us today and discover how laser therapy could improve your smile.

Is Laser Periodontal Therapy Painful? Will I be numb?

Now that more and more patients are learning of the amazing results using LANAP Periodontal Therapy, they are coming prepared with questions:

Is laser therapy painful?

“No the laser treatment is painless,” says Dr. Denine Rice of Rice Periodontics in Riverside, California, “that is one of the best benefits of the procedure.”

Will I be numb?

“Because the treatment is painless, there is no need to anesthetize. So patients that have a fear of needles can rest easy,” adds Dr. Rice.

Will I have sutures? Will I have to be cut?

“Again, no, because the laser gently removes diseased tissue, the remaining tissue easily begins the healing process almost immediately.”

For fearful patients who may have had periodontal surgery in the past, this is a revelation. No cutting, no sewing, to numbing and little, if any, bleeding make this a procedure that takes the fear out of treating periodontal disease.

“And the best news? It’s FDA approved with results that are amazing. No longer should patients fear treatment,” adds Dr.Rice.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is the process where a frenulum or a small piece of tissue is removed in the mouth. “There are many reasons a frenectomy may be recommended,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Dental Practice.

You might be considered a candidate for a frenectomy if you:

·      Wear dentures: Sometimes the fit of a denture can be enhanced with the removal of tissue.

·      Have recession: Removing the tissue that is attached to the upper lip can prevent recession.

·      Have a gap between your front teeth.

·      Ankyloglossia: Otherwise known as tongue-tie, Anklyoglossia is caused by a frenum that is connected to the underside of the tongue. This can cause challenges for infants who are breastfeeding.

·      Are considering Orthodontics.

The procedure is quite simple, especially now when lasers are used to remove the tissue requiring no sutures, little discomfort and causing less bleeding.

“If you would like to know more about dental frenectomies, please contact our office,” adds Dr. Rice. 

Laser Periodontal Therapy

How the LANAP Protocol Works.

 

The first step in providing a patient with the laser surgical procedure LANAP is to make the patient comfortable. The procedure is done using a local anesthetic to numb the affected areas. Once the patient is ready, pocket depths will be determined. Then a thin optic fiber is placed inside the pockets to be treated. This step is called laser troughing and is accomplished using a short-duration pulse. This light energy selectively destroys pathogens and provides a disinfected environment for the next phase. 

Next the periodontist will remove diseased and infected tissue, while at the same time preserving healthy connective tissue. The LANAP protocol has been highly successful in treating moderate to severe gum disease.

Once the laser has removed the tissue, an ultrasonic scaler is utilized to remove calcified plaque and calculus that has adhered to the root surface of the teeth in the affected area. Once this step is completed, the laser will once again be inserted and finish the task of debriding the pocket. Next the pocket is compressed to close and stabilize the tissue against the tooth.

This procedure utilizes no sutures. Mobile teeth may be splinted. Then adjustments are made to the bite to remove interferences.

That’s it!

Read about what to expect post-operatively

Are you delaying periodontal treatment? Call today and learn about the newest in periodontal therapy.

Laser Periodontal Treatment

 With millions of Americans suffering from gum disease,  why are only a small percentage getting help? “Often the treatment of periodontal disease requires invasive surgery that involves the cutting of the gum tissue, pulling it back to remove bacteria and then suturing the tissue in place again,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside, California Periodontal practice.” While the benefits of treating the disease are huge, (gum disease is linked to a number of health conditions such as low birth-weight babies, diabetes, pancreatic cancer and heart disease) the treatment can sometimes cause patients to be fearful.

Now we have an option to treat the disease without the need of invasive surgery. It’s called the LANAP protocol and it’s the first and only FDA cleared laser protocol for the treatment of periodontal disease. “With the LANAP procedure a laser is used to remove and kill the bacteria inside the pockets around your teeth, leaving healthy tissue to reattach to the root surface,” Dr. Rice adds. What this means for patients is less pain, less discomfort, less sensitivity, less recession and more predictable long-term results.

If you are considering traditional periodontal surgery, today might be a good day to explore the alternative option and find someone who can help using LANAP.

For more information contact Dr. Rice and her team today.