LANAP® Laser Treatment - Fairfax, VA
No Cut, No Sew, No Fear
Complimentary Exams and Second Opinions
X-Rays not included
What is LANAP®?
Every year, millions of Americans develop gingivitis that progresses to periodontal disease but only a small percentage end up seeking the treatment they need. Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, has been linked to a number of health issues including diabetes, pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and premature births. It is an epidemic around the United States and around the globe, but the majority of treatment options have been limited to procedures that involve cutting the gum tissue to access the infection. Now, patients have more options with the advancements in laser dentistry. The introduction of the PerioLase® MPV-7™ and LANAP® allows us to remove and kill bacteria that is residing deep under the gum line. The laser targets only the infected tissue and leaves healthy tissue behind. This means that patients enjoy less gum recession, minimal discomfort, and little to no sensitivity following the procedure. LANAP® is an FDA cleared laser treatment and is backed by extensive research and scientific studies. It offers the highest standard of care for patients with moderate to advanced stages of periodontal disease! The top benefits of LANAP® include:
- Fast healing and recovery times
- Minimal discomfort compared to traditional gum surgery
- Less downtime
- Little to no gum recession
- Reduced inflammation and bleeding
- Can save the teeth
- Helps to regenerate bone tissue
- Zero contraindications
Gum Disease and Your Health
Gum disease has been linked to a number of complications including low birth weight babies, diabetes, and heart disease. If you have gingivitis that progresses to periodontal disease, you may be a good candidate for the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) in Fairfax, VA. This is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require Dr. Withers to place any stitches or make incisions!
Patients Speak About Laser Gum Surgery
Laser Gum Surgery - Fairfax, VA
The Procedure for Laser Gum Surgery
The Stages of LANAP®
The Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) allows Dr. Withers to save loose teeth that might need to be extracted otherwise in Fairfax, VA.
The stages of LANAP® for gum disease treatment include:
- Pockets Measured
- Laser Used to Get Rid of Bacteria
- Calculus Removal
- Laser Creates a Clot
- Gum Tissue Compressed
- Bite Adjusted
Procedure for Laser Gum Surgery in Fairfax, VA
A) Periodontal pockets are measured
The first step of the procedure involves measuring the depths of your periodontal pockets with a small dental ruler. This allows Dr. Withers to determine how much loss of attachment may have occurred up to this point.
B) Bacteria removal
Dr. Withers will use the pulsed laser light to get rid of diseased tissue and kill bacteria that have caused your gum disease. Healthy tissue remains untouched, making this a minimally invasive procedure.
C) Calculus removal
Calculus, or tartar, is removed from the surface of the teeth using ultrasonic scaling instruments. The laser helps to denature calculus for easy removal with the ultrasonic device.
D) Clot formation
The laser is passed over the area a second time to create a sticky seal of blood around the tooth. This creates a very clean environment for the healing process.
E) Tissue compression
Tissue is recompressed against the surfaces of the teeth and stitches are not necessary.
F) Bite adjustment
Dr. Withers will adjust your bite to make sure that certain parts of the mouth are not under pressure and causing any type of damage.
Fix Bleeding Gums - Fairfax, VA
Explore the difference between Traditional vs. Laser Dental
Why Choose the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®)?
Osseous Surgery vs. Treatment with Laser for Dental in Fairfax, VA
If Dr. Withers determines that you have periodontal disease and need surgery, it is helpful to know the difference between traditional gum surgery and laser surgery in Fairfax, VA. Traditional surgery typically involves using a scalpel to pull back the gum tissue and clean out the periodontal pockets. In some cases, bone grafting may be necessary. Still, most patients find that laser gum surgery, or LANAP®, is a much more comfortable and minimally invasive option for the treatment of periodontal disease. LANAP® does not require any cutting of the tissue which means that there is little to no gum recession resulting from treatment. The laser can detect the difference between healthy and diseased tissue, making it an extremely safe alternative to traditional surgery for treating periodontal disease!
Differences between Traditional Gum Surgery and LANAP®:
Discomfort
- Traditional surgery can be painful and typically requires some downtime and pain medication. LANAP® involves only minimal discomfort and most patients return to their regular activities the same day!
Gum Recession
- Traditional surgery requires lowering the gum line anywhere from two millimeters up to 15 millimeters. This can cause a significant change to the look of your smile! LANAP® is minimally invasive and much more selective, which means you enjoy little to no gum recession.
Healing Time
- The healing and recovery process is much faster for LANAP® because it is a new technology that does not involve incising tissue. The laser kills bacteria in the pockets which results in less inflammation and healthier tissue.
Long Term Results
- LANAP® provides more predictable results than traditional surgery and stimulates the bone to encourage tissue regeneration. This makes it possible to save teeth that might have been extracted otherwise.
Contact us today!
Laser dentistry has significantly enhanced the way in which we treat periodontal disease. For more information about options with laser for dental in Fairfax, VA or to determine whether you need treatment for periodontal disease, set up your consultation with Dr. Withers today! Dr. Withers is a Periodontist in Fairfax, VA. Dr. Withers and his team are here to serve you and meet your dental needs as comfortably as possible. It is our goal to make your experience in our Fairfax VA Dental office a pleasant visit and restore your dental health quickly and professionally.
