LANAP Treatments

LANAP Treatments Dr. Stephanie Sfiroudis DDS, MS

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure in Nassau County by Dr. Sfiroudis, a Leading Periodontist Located in Williston Park, NY 11596

Advanced periodontitis is a severe dental disease that causes the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth. The gaps created as the gums pull away allows food and bacteria to collect in the gum pockets. Over time the gums become infected, and dental decay can begin. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, and the increase in dental plaque and frequent infections can affect cardiovascular health. Signs of the problem include receding gum lines, redness and irritation in the gums, and bleeding gums when brushing the teeth.

Invasive surgical techniques were previously the only way a periodontist could treat any advanced gum disease. Today laser treatments offer a safer choice. LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) allows Periodontist Dr. Stephanie Sfiroudis, to treat periodontitis more effectively. It can even help to improve tissue and bone regrowth in many patients.

What is LANAP?

LANAP treatments use a specific laser, the PerioLase MVP-7, to treat periodontitis. The laser targets bacteria and diseased tissue but will not harm the healthy gum tissue. The advanced dental technology enables periodontists to work faster and more accurately to ensure greater patient comfort. The PerioLase MVP-7 is an FDA-approved dental laser that is safe for all patients.

How LANAP Works

Most patients will undergo a dental screening and possibly x-rays before their treatment to reveal the status of their gum disease. During the treatment, the periodontist will probe the gums to locate areas that need treatment and use the laser to target and destroy all bacteria.

Specialized scalers used during the procedure will clean the teeth and the roots to remove any plaque scaling. Plaque left on the teeth could cause another infection or prevent the gum tissue from reattaching as needed. Once clean, the laser reconnects the gum tissue to the root and seals the pockets using fibrin clots. A tight seal stops bacteria from building under the gum line, and fibrin clots stop the bleeding instantly and make sutures unnecessary.

Benefits of LANAP

LANAP offers many benefits over traditional dental surgery. Laser treatments are usually less expensive and take less time to complete than surgical techniques. The laser reconnects the tissue, so the healing begins immediately. Regrowth of bone occurs naturally without the need for additional appoints to perform bone grafts. People can expect to have less downtime for their recovery if they need any at all.

Patients that choose LANAP have a shorter overall recovery time with a much lower chance of infection following the procedure. Laser treatment is also less painful, with many patients experiencing only mild discomfort as their mouth heals. The precision possible with a laser allows the periodontist to remove only diseased tissue, so all healthy tissue in the mouth remains. Removing less tissue from the mouth can improve the look of the teeth. It will also reduce the amount of gum swelling the patient experiences.

LANAP may sound like a miracle treatment. It may even feel like a miracle to patients concerned about the invasiveness and discomfort of surgical deep pocket cleaning. However, LANAP treatments may not be enough for all patients. Advanced periodontitis can become too severe for either laser or surgical treatments. If an infection is allowed to worsen, many dental patients will need to have their teeth extracted and replaced with dentures or implants.

To avoid a worst-case scenario, try to avoid smoking, practice good oral hygiene, and make a dental appointment if any signs of a problem begin. Early detection of gum disease could prevent the need for any treatment at a dental clinic. During the gingivitis stage, the damage is often reversible through better dental care at home. Schedule an appointment for a screening with a periodontist immediately if any of the following symptoms begin.

Noticeable bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth occur even after brushing the teeth.
The gums become swollen and tender and do not improve after a couple of days.
A bite change begins where the teeth fit together differently than how they usually sit.
The teeth seem longer than before, and the gums are less noticeable when smiling.
Noticeable gaps develop between the gum tissue and any teeth.

Schedule a Consultation

Only a dental professional can determine if the cause of gum and tooth pain is due to infection or other gum-related issues. A comprehensive screening needs to occur to make a diagnosis possible. The severity of the condition will determine if LANAP is the best treatment option. Patients with gum disease can still choose to undergo traditional surgical treatments if they prefer.

Please contact the office of Dr. Stephanie Sfiroudis today to schedule a free consultation to see if LANAP is the best solution for your dental discomfort.

Contact Dr. Sfiroudis for a Free Consultation Regarding Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure in Nassau County by Dr. Sfiroudis, a Leading Periodontist in Williston Park, NY 11596

Credit Cards Accepted for Periodontal Care

Patient Testimonials

"After I quit smoking, I decided to find out how much damage there was to my teeth. I had prepared myself for the idea that at least two of my teeth would need to come out because they were in such bad shape.

LANAP treatments were a lifesaver (or at least a tooth-saver). The deep cleaning helped heal my gums, and my teeth are more stable and comfortable than before. The Emdogain treatments I received even helped with bone growth in the most damaged areas. "

-Carl S.

Flower Hill, NY

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