How LANAP Treats Gum Disease Without Scalpels or Sutures

Gum disease can progress quietly, causing inflammation and damage to the tissues and bone that support your teeth. At Bita Farhoumand, DDS, we offer LANAP laser gum treatment as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional periodontal surgery. Using advanced laser technology, LANAP targets harmful bacteria and diseased tissue without scalpels or sutures, helping create a healthier environment for the gums to heal.

How Does LANAP Laser Gum Treatment Work?

Periodontal disease creates pockets between the teeth and gums where harmful bacteria can accumulate. As the disease progresses, these pockets can deepen and contribute to inflammation, gum tissue damage, and bone loss.

During LANAP treatment, a specialized dental laser is carefully directed into periodontal pockets. The laser energy selectively targets bacteria and diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue largely undisturbed. The tooth roots are then thoroughly cleaned to remove deposits that contribute to infection.

The laser is used again to help create a stable seal around the treated area. This process encourages the body's natural healing response and creates conditions that may support healthier attachment between the gums and teeth.

Why LANAP Does Not Require Scalpels or Sutures

Traditional periodontal flap surgery may require incisions so the periodontist can access areas beneath the gumline. The gums are then repositioned and sutured following treatment.

LANAP takes a different approach. The laser can access and treat periodontal pockets without cutting away healthy gum tissue. Because traditional incisions are not required, sutures generally are not needed.

Potential advantages of LANAP include:

•          No scalpels or traditional surgical incisions

•          No sutures

•          Less bleeding during treatment

•          Reduced disruption of healthy gum tissue

•          Less swelling and discomfort for many patients

•          A more comfortable recovery compared with conventional periodontal surgery

Can LANAP Help Save Natural Teeth?

One of the main goals of periodontal treatment is to control infection and preserve the structures supporting your natural teeth. Untreated gum disease can gradually destroy gum attachment and supporting bone, eventually increasing the risk of loose teeth and tooth loss.

LANAP focuses on removing diseased tissue and reducing bacteria while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. By creating a cleaner environment around the teeth, treatment can support periodontal healing and help protect teeth that may otherwise continue to lose support.

Who Is a Candidate for LANAP?

LANAP may be recommended for patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease, but treatment should always begin with a comprehensive periodontal evaluation. We examine gum pocket depths, inflammation, bone levels, tooth stability, and other factors before determining the most appropriate treatment.

Some patients may benefit from LANAP alone, while others may need additional periodontal therapies as part of a customized treatment plan. Ongoing periodontal maintenance is also important because gum disease requires long-term management to help prevent infection from returning.

Schedule a LANAP consultation with Bita Farhoumand, DDS to learn whether laser gum disease treatment is right for you. Contact our office in Encinitas, CA, by calling (760) 470-4664 to book an appointment.