Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LANAP®) in Jacksonville

Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LANAP) in Jacksonville

Our doctors use LANAP to treat gum disease effectively, quickly and comfortably.

LANAP: The minimally invasive approach to treating gum disease

Drs. Perlman and Molina use the FDA-approved Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) to treat moderate to severe gum disease. While traditional gum surgery involves the use of scalpel, LANAP treatment uses laser technology to remove diseased tissue in a minimally invasive manner.

Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LANAP)

The dental laser is used to perform Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy.

LANAP allows our doctors to use a precisely focused laser to eliminate bacteria and diseased tissue from the mouth without harming teeth, bone, or healthy tissue. The laser also uses the body’s healing ability to seal the healthy gum tissues back to the root surface of the teeth once the procedure is done.

The LANAP protocol is a gentle, conservative and non-invasive method of treating gum disease without cutting, suturing or removing tissue. It provides Dr. Perlman and Dr. Molina with an effective method to treat periodontal disease with very minimal risk of post-surgery complications.

Both doctors are highly trained and certified in LANAP. By using laser technology, they can treat gum disease effectively, quickly and comfortably.

Benefits of LANAP

Our patients really appreciate that the LANAP technique is minimally invasive. It causes much less discomfort than standard surgery, both during and after the procedure. You don’t have to worry about bleeding, stitches or post-treatment pain or infection, because there are no incisions.

Treatment with LANAP is less time-consuming than traditional gum surgery as well. It takes two 2-hour visits or one 4-hour session compared to the four to eight appointments required by traditional surgery with the scalpel. Rather than weeks, there’s less than a 24 hour-recovery period with LANAP.

LANAP is a less traumatic experience for the patient too, and LANAP is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia or those taking blood-thinning medications.

The results of laser surgery are long lasting. Studies have shown that 98% of LANAP-treated patients remained stable five years after treatment.

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    What To Expect With Your LANAP Treatment

    Gum Disease Examination and Consultation

    To see if you’re a candidate for LANAP, our doctors will perform an oral exam to evaluate the extent of the gum disease. If needed, they will take digital X-rays to get an accurate picture of the condition of your mouth. The consultation provides you the opportunity to discuss concerns, have treatment options explained and get any questions answered. We will also take the time to explain the procedure thoroughly ahead of time, so there are no surprises on the day of treatment.

    LANAP Procedure

    Treating Your Gum Disease

    When you come in for your LANAP treatment, the doctor will administer a local anesthetic to eliminate any discomfort. Sedation options are also available.

    Our doctors use the Periolase laser for the LANAP protocol. It has several modes that are used in the course of the procedure. The laser consists of a tiny laser fiber about the thickness of three human hairs, which is inserted between the tooth and gum to open up the pocket.

    The laser removes the diseased tissue and kills the bacteria surrounding the teeth. Healthy gum is not harmed in the process. Once this is done, the doctor will use an ultrasonic scaler attachment to remove the tartar from the root surfaces.

    The laser is then passed over the treated area one more time to remove any remaining bacteria and to stimulate the clotting process. The blood helps to form a sticky seal around the pocket so that new germs cannot enter the area. This creates a sanitary environment and promotes the healing process

    The procedure is quick. You can either break it up into two 2-hour sessions or schedule one 4-hour session. Most people can return to work the next day.

    Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LANAP)

    A. Deep gum pockets caused by gum disease
    B. Laser light removes bacteria and diseased tissue
    C. Ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments are used to remove root surface tarter
    D. Laser finishes cleaning pocket and aids in sealing the pocket closed so new germs can’t enter
    E. Healing of gums to clean root surface occurs
    F. Bite trauma is adjusted
    G. Healing occurs

    Patient Testimonial

    “I had gum erosion and needed resurfacing above the gum line, I also had bone loss of my teeth. Dr. Perlman was able to stop my gum erosion using a laser. I used to dread dental work. Dr. Perlman changed the way I feel about going to the dentist. He is an extremely educated man with a high level of training and experience, and he has the gentle bedside manner to go with it. I am very satisfied with the results.”

    — Sheri

    See more patient testimonials here.

    To make an appointment, call 904-900-2552 or click here to request an appointment online.