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How Much Does LANAP Cost?
I am trying to get a ballpark figure on the cost of LANAP. I know every case is different, but I need an estimate.
THANKS
Chris
Chris,
You have a very good question, on how much LANAP costs. The fee range can be anywhere from $4,000.00 to $10,000.00. This is for the 1st year of treatment. The fee depends on the severity of your periodontal disease. The only way that we can determine the type of periodontal disease that you have is to do a comprehensive dental exam. This includes a full series of x-rays, digital photos, periodontal exam, oral cancer screen and a head and neck exam. Once we have all of this information then we can determine the severity of your disease and give you the fees for your treatment. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Thanks,
Dale J. Brant, DDS
Charles Campbell, DDS
713.795.5905
888.790.0309
Labels: LANAP
Does Bone Grow Back After LANAP
I am interested in LANAP. Will the bone grow back after this procedure.
-Deborah McCown
Thanks for your enquiry. LANAP procedure creates an environment for your body to re-grow bone in areas that you have lost it. There are several things that are necessary for this to happen. First of all, a strict protocol has to be followed by the dentist when they are treating you and by the patient (home care and post operative care). Also, a sufficient amount of tissue volume needs to be present in order for the bone to regenerate. If you have had gingival recession and bone loss bone will not grow back in these areas. The most important thing that you have to understand is that the LNAP procedure gets rid of the periodontal disease and this is the most important thing. Yes, bone can and will sometimes grow in areas that you have lost it, but the disease has been eliminated.
Dale J. Brant, DDS
Charles Campbell, DDSLabels: LANAP
I would like more information on the laser used to correct pockets around the teeth. I may need to use this in the near future. Thank you, Richard SinclairRichard,
The procedure that we use to treat pockets around teeth (periodontal disease) is LANAP. You can find information in our website http://www.cosmetic-dentistry-center.com/lanap-t-48.html. LANAP effectively treats periodontal disease and the treatment is easy on the patient and there is very little post operative discomfort. If you currently have pockets around your teeth then it would be in your best interest to get treatment sooner than later. Periodontal disease is a silent disease and when you have an infection or pain that is related to it, and then this will mean that now you have a severe form of it.
Thanks,
Dale J. Brant, DDS
Charles Campbell, DDSLabels: LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, laser periodontal therapy
Ideally, jaw bones and gum tissue should fit tightly together. A good analogy would be the snug fit of a turtleneck sweater around the human neck. However, periodontal disease can destroy supporting tissue and bone if not caught quickly enough. This supporting tissue is vital to keeping the gumline snug and tight with the bone: but if it is diminished, pockets will form around the teeth.
This does not happen all at once, however, so there is hope. Periodontal disease occurs in stages. These stages are gingivitis (an early and reversible condition), mild Periodontitis, moderate Periodontitis, and severe Periodontitis.
Periodontal pockets begin to develop during mild Periodontitis. They become progressively deeper as gum disease progresses. As they increase in size, bacteria have more space to breed and thrive. As they begin to accumulate, they advance beneath the gum tissue and begin attacking the deeper tissues beneath the skin. Eventually the bacteria become so prevalent and strong they begin to attack the bone as well.
People find it hard to believe that bacteria can eat away at bone like this, but they can. Even worse, bone loss will eventually cause tooth loss. This is because the teeth become so loose in a diminishing jaw line that they cannot function properly and will experience sensitivity and pain when exposed to hot and cold, and when any amount of normal bite pressure is applied.
Once this happens, the teeth will need to be extracted, and replacing them with a bridge or dental will be very expensive. Most people opt for cheaper dentures, but these never really do the job as well as more advanced tooth replacements.
Fortunately, our team of cosmetic dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group can do a lot for patients who are facing the apparent inevitability of tooth extraction. In fact, our cosmetic dentists routinely retain teeth that a lot of dentists may otherwise extract. We are able to do this because of ultra-sophisticated laser technology, and a procedure known as LANAP that has done as much for dentistry as LASIK has done for eye surgery.
LANAP saves as much healthy tissue as possible and is much more sterile than surgery with knives. It also maximizes patient healing time and thereby creates more opportunity for periodontal pockets to heal on their own.
LANAP not only cuts away tissue, but it also addresses the problem of periodontal pockets. A calibrated probe called a periodontal probe is used to measure the depth of the pocket, and this information then enables the cosmetic dentist to better apply the laser for maximum treatment of gum disease.
In the event that we do have to extract teeth, and assuming the worst case scenario of major bone loss, we can still do full mouth reconstructions for patients with Periodontitis. By using natural teeth in combination with dental implants we can help keep a patient from losing all of their teeth and having to resort to the unpleasant use of dentures.
There is nothing that can replace the feel and function of your natural teeth.Labels: LANAP, periodontal pocket, periodontal surgery
While LPT (LANAP) is much easier on mouth tissues than traditional surgery, it is still technically a form of surgery in the sense that it involves removing diseased tissue from healthy tissue. Healing generally occurs faster due to the sterilization effect the laser beam has on gum tissue, but infection is still a possibility after LPT unless certain steps are taken to give your mouth the best possible chance at healing.
Houston dentists recommend reduced activity for several hours following the surgery.
It is advisable to spit, rinse, and wash your mouth today. Rinse as directed with Peridex or Periogard in the morning and in the evening.
Houston dentists recommend rinsing gently every 3 hours with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoons of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water).
Do not chew on the side of your mouth where LANAP has been done.
Avoid tongue or cheek pressure to the area where LPT was performed.
Avoid hot and spicy foods.
Keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help the healing process. Brush, floss, and follow all home-care measures in all the areas of your mouth except for the area where LANAP was performed.
Do not be alarmed if you experience
Light bleeding
Slight swelling
Some soreness, tenderness, or tooth sensitivity
If a piece of surgical packing falls out, or if the entire pack loosens or falls out, do not be alarmed.
You may experience swelling. To minimize this, gently place an ice pack on the outside of your face for 20 minutes each hour until you retire for sleep that night. Do not use the ice bag beyond the day of periodontal surgery.
You may notice a slight oozing of blood. When the blood dissolves in saliva it will look much greatly exaggerated. Locate the oozing and apply pressure in this area. If you cannot locate it, rinse your mouth gently with iced water and apply a wet tea bag to the general area. Call your Houston dentist if you cannot get the bleeding to stop.
It is essential to maintain a healthy food and fluid intake. Eat soft and nutritious food such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc., until you can comfortably return to a normal diet.
Take all prescribed medication as directed by your Houston dentist.
Please call our office if you experience any of the following:
Prolonged or severe pain
Prolonged or excessive bleeding
Considerably elevated or persistent temperature
Do not be alarmed if teeth that were loose become sore and tender as the bone and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and firm. This is a sign of healing, but also can indicate the presence of a bite imbalance that may need adjusting. Call your Houston dentist to be on the safe side. Labels: LANAP, LPT, post operative dental care
A Houston Cosmetic Dentist Talks to Diabetics about Preventing Periodontal Disease
Dale Brandt, a Houston Cosmetic Dentist here at the Medical Center Dental Group in Houston Texas, recently answered some questions on how patients with diabetes can prevent periodontal disease.
How do you help diabetics prevent periodontal disease?
We tell them that the most important thing they can do is to control their blood glucose. Healthy blood glucose levels decreases the risk of tooth and gum problems. Persons who have diabetes, particularly individuals whose blood sugar is not controlled, are at a much higher risk of gum disease than nondiabetics.
If I have gum disease, will this make my diabetes worse?
Houston cosmetic dentists such as myself have observed a reciprocal relationship between the two. Just as poorly controlled diabetes can affect the health of gums, diseased gums can make it harder to control your diabetes. Once you get an infection in your gums, it will take you longer to heal.
Can diabetes threaten the teeth themselves?
Yes. If a gum infection lasts for too long, you could end up losing teeth. Much of what you eat requires good teeth for chewing. It is extremely important for all of us to preserve our teeth. Because bone surrounding teeth can be damaged by infection, any dentures that a Houston cosmetic dentist gives you may still not fit properly. Dentures simply cannot be perfect substitutes for your natural teeth.
What can I do to prevent this from happening?
The most important thing next to controlling your blood glucose is to take good, responsible care of your teeth and gums. You need to use a soft-bristle brush between the gums and the teeth in a vibrating motion. Place the rubber tip on the toothbrush between the teeth and move it in a circle.
My gums have been bleeding recently. Does this mean I have gum disease?
It is a strong indication that you might. See a dentist immediately for a full dental checkup. Our office will check you for Periodontitis, oral cancer, and tooth decay. We will also take a full set of X-rays while you are here. You should also notify your Houston cosmetic dentist if you notice other abnormal changes in your mouth, such as patches of whitish-colored skin.
How often should I have a dental checkup?
You should have a checkup at least once every 6 months. Be sure to tell your Houston cosmetic dentist that you have diabetes. Ask him or her to show demonstrate all hygiene and self-care procedures so you can stay on top of your dental health at home. This will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Why should a diabetic come to your office for a dental examination?
If you have Type I or Type II diabetes, you are more susceptible to a number of oral health problems. You will need more dental care. You also will take longer to heal, so coming to a facility such as ours that provides both general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry services gives you access to better technology and more options for advanced treatment, such as LANAP. Labels: dental care for diabetics, LANAP, periodontal disease, periodontal disease and diabetes
For the first three days after Laser Therapy, Houston cosmetic dentists advise you to follow only a liquid- like diet to speed up healing. Anything that you can put in a blender and liquefy will work. In fact, liquefying some of your favorite foods is the ideal way to create a healthy and palatable post-LANAP diets.
The reason why Houston cosmetic dentists advise their patients to do this is to protect the clot that is acting as a “band-aid” between the gum and the teeth. We do not want you to drink through a straw, however. The suction of drinking through a straw will create a vacuum in your mouth that will disturb the “band-aid”. Just drink from a class, and be sure to also take daily vitamins.
For the following four days after LANAP treatment, you can begin to eat foods with a “mushy” consistency such as those listed below
Anything you can liquefy in a food blender
You can eat cream of wheat, oatmeal, malt o meal
You can have mashed potatoes or baked potatoes – ok with butter/sour cream
Mashed banana mashed avocado, applesauce or any mashed/blended fruit except berries with seeds are also healthy and safe food choices.
Broth or creamed soup is a good, nutritious, and liquid food choice.
Mashed, steamed vegetables are good for blood, tissue healing, and easy on the teeth.
Mashed yams, baked sweet potato or butternut squash are good sources of carbohydrates.
Cottage cheese cream or soft cheese are ideal snacks.
Creamy peanut butter without solid pieces is another ideal snack.
Eggs any style, with or without melted cheese are good protein sources.
Omelets can have cheese and avocado.
Jell-o, pudding, ice cream, yogurt are great desserts.
Milk shake/smoothies – ok to blend with fruit except no berries w/ seeds, along with Ensure, slim fast -nutritional drinks are great meal substitutes and taste great as well.
NEVER: Chew gum, candy, cookies, chips, nuts, anything hard or crunchy, anything that has seeds or hard pieces, meat that shreds and can lodge under the gum and between teeth, raw vegetables/salad.
After seven to ten days following LANAP, it is ok to start eating soft foods. These are foods that have the consistency of pasta, fish, chicken or steamed vegetables. You may then, under the supervision of your Houston cosmetic dentist, gradually ease back your regular diet choices.
Please remain aware of the fact that even 10 day after your LANAP procedure, your gums are not completely healed. You need to continue making smart food choices, and when in doubt, always err on the side of soft foods.Labels: diet, Houston Cosmetic Dentists, LANAP
Laser Periodontal Therapy is a highly sophisticated dental procedure that is approved by the FDA It is used primarily for the treatment of periodontal disease and bone regeneration.
LPT can help eliminate infection and heal diseased gum tissue which, if left untreated, can lead to early tooth loss. Research suggests that dental infections may also be associated with hardening of the arteries, heart attack, stroke and premature births.
Laser periodontal therapy (LPT) represents a true technological revolution in the treatment of periodontal disease, analogous to the advance that LASIK brought to the world of ophthalmology. LPT takes some of the most effective treatment methodologies that have been used for decades and improves them with the conservative use of a laser.
This very unique blend of treatments now proves to be just as effective as surgery for the treatment of periodontal disease.
Houston cosmetic dentists prefer to use the LPT procedure as often as possible because it allows us to preserves as much of the healthy gum tissue as possible. It also better maintains the height of the gums around the teeth, and it minimizes the amount of discomfort felt by the patient.
The laser generates a tiny beam of concentrated light energy. This energy sterilizes the area, removes diseased tissue only, and it facilitates the scaling and root planing that is also critical to the procedure.
The LPT procedure is basic enough, with the advanced Periolase™ laser doing the majority of the work that more primitive, metal cutting tools once did.
A Perio probe reveals exactly how much excessive pocket depth is present.
B The dentist uses the laser to remove bacteria and diseased tissue.
C The dentist then cleans root surface tartar using an ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments.
D The dentist uses the laser to finish cleaning the pocket and to also seal the pocket closed so new germs cannot enter.
E The healing of gums to now clean root surface occurs.
F Any bite trauma is adjusted.
G Healing occurs.
Benefits of LPT: - Because laser periodontal therapy involves no cutting of tissue, it results in faster healing.
- Also, because there is not cutting of healthy tissue, there is also minimal post-operative pain. What discomfort there is can easily be managed with Motrin®.
- Because the laser cauterizes blood vessels as it cuts away diseased tissue, there is less bleeding both during the procedure and after the procedure.
- Patients spend less time in the dental chair than they do in traditional surgery.
- The heat of the laser sterilizes the periodontal pocket, so the risk of infection is minimized.
- Laser periodontal therapy also decreases sensitivity both during and after the treatment.
- There are other benefits besides treating gum disease. These include:
-Removing the stinging sensation of Aphtous ulcers.
-Performing frenectomy and gingivectomy procedures.
Labels: LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, laser periodontal therapy, LPT
Although you may be nervous about going to the dentist, the good news is, pain-free dentistry is not just a fantasy, it is now a reality. When you work with your dentist from a perspective of intelligent cooperation, your dentist can present to you a number of options to reduce both your anxiety and your discomfort.The most important thing to do is to see what your dentist can do to calm any phobias you may have about dentistry by discussing his or her methodology for pain-free dentistry. Contrary to some misconceptions, dentists are very sensitive to the fears that people have about having their teeth worked on and labor earnestly to devise strategies for pain-free dentistry and patient comfort.If you do encounter a dentist who appears unconcerned about your misgivings, or dismisses them out of hand, then it is time to call another dentist. Such people are rare in the world, but a few exist, and we are always here to provide something better to people who may not have had the best of experiences in the past.It is important to understand that the most important aspect of pain-free dentistry is overcoming the fear of the unknown. The more mysterious and spooky a procedure seems to you, the more you will pull back in fear, and the more your mind will magnify the pain. Having a clear understanding of both the procedure and the tools the dentist will be using in your mouth will go a long way toward alleviating your anxiety. We believe that every patient has a right to know this information, and are always willing to explain our methodologies to our patient to whatever extent is necessary to calm their fears. But it takes more than knowledge of procedures to provide truly pain-free dentistry to patients. The tools of dental science also have to be designed to minimize discomfort. No doubt you have heard the old cliché that a dull knife will cut you worse than a sharp one. In a roundabout way this is true about dental tools. Some of the more traditional tools and techniques have since proven either outdated or simply outright uncomfortable to patient comfort zones.For example, periodontal surgery used to be performed with sharp cutting tools and local anesthetic. The risk of infection was always present, and post-operative pain was often unbearable to some patients with sensitive mouths. Then LANAP was developed as an alternative to periodontal surgery. LANAP uses a laser to cut away diseased tissue and minimize bleeding. It is one of the many examples of how superior technology has helped to further evolve the science of truly pain-free dentistry.New orthodontic solutions have also been developed that are much more comfortable than the obtrusive metal braces of yesteryear. Invisalign retainers, for example, can be worn like mouthpieces that gradually realign teeth without the twisting and pain of metal brackets and wires. Again, this is due to advances in cosmetic dental technology that have made pain-free dentistry not only of medical benefit to patients, but also an aesthetic benefit as well.Labels: invisalign aligners, LANAP, new dental technology, pain free dentistry
Ask The DentistThe Cosmetic Dentistry Center in the Houston Medical Center Dental Group offers the full range of cosmetic dentistry procedures and general dentistry practices. Every patient is treated as a genuinely unique individual with his or her own set of unique and specific needs. We like to say that no two smiles are exactly alike, so when you come to our office, you can be confident we provide your smile with a restorative or cosmetic solution that is specifically created just for you.____________________________________________________________________________I would like to know the cost of a fullmouth gingivectomy and how soon a appointment for this procedure can be scheduled.Thanks, Shawna____________________________________________________________________________Shawna,
We would have to see you to determine exactly what is needed. There are times that gingivectomy is minimal and easy -- and there are times that gingivectomy is a major project and complicated. Your medical history is important in this – patients on anti-convulsant medicines commonly have this need, and we need to know all about that history if it is your situation.
There are other times that gingivectomy surgery is not needed, that laser periodontal treatment will solve the problem without surgery.
Read through this information about non-surgical laser treatment. It may answer some questions.
http://www.cosmetic-dentistry-center.com/lanap-t-48.html
Bottom line is that we need to see you and your x-rays to understand the problem and the needs you have. If you will call our office, you will find that we can see you quite quickly for an exam and conversation about what we feel your needs are. Prices can be discussed when we understand the problem.
Chuck Campbell, DDS
Dale Brant, DDS
713-795-5905Labels: gingivectomy, LANAP
Ask The Dentist:I have very healthy teeth. (No Cavities) But I have advanced Pereodontal disease. I was told that I will have to have my healthy teeth pulled. Does this treatment increase my chances of keeping my teeth and how will it increase the chance of new bone growth? Also are there other cities where this procedure is performed? I assume that you are asking about the laser periodontal procedures for periodontal patients. The new LANAP procedure is an excellent alternative for periodontal treatment. There are certainly situations that are beyond any type of treatment, but this conservative perio treatment has a place as a treatment option for you. You will have to have a comprehensive dental exam with radiographs and periodontal pocket depth probing to be able to give you an opinion as to what your situation is.
To answer your question, there are several doctors around the country that have the Nd:YAG laser that allows for this treatment. It was developed originally in California.
Please communicate with us and we will try to help you understand your options.
Chuck Campbell, DDS
713-795-5905Labels: LANAP, LPT, Pereodontal Gum Disease, Pereodontal Treatment
Ask the Dental ExpertsOur philosophy is to help our patients achieve and maintain exceptional dental health. We work hard to make sure that our level of care is deserving of our patients’ respect and confidence. Our tradition of preventive dentistry is the basis for all service and care in our practice. We welcome all questions and comments regarding dentistry in the hope that we increase your dental "IQ" and help you make better dental health decisions. DR Campbell:My dentist wants me to have periodontal laser treatment. My gums have always been red at the gum line. The spaces are only 3mm and I have no bleeding. I have all veneers and crowns in my mouth. The hygienist will be performing the procedure and has only been doing it for 8 months. Does it sound like I need this procedure?Thanking you in advance,Ellen
Thanks for the question, Ellen. It is hard to tell you what we would recommend without seeing you, but let me tell you that laser treatment for periodontal issues is very conservative and current therapy. Red gum lines that you describe are not what we want – we try to achieve pink, non-bleeding tissue as our ideal. We use the Millenium Laser in our office to perform LANAP, an FDA-approved procedure with a lot of science behind it. Again, it is a very conservative and minimally-invasive procedure for periodontal problems, whether those problems be early or advanced.
There is some discussion on our website that might help you with your understanding of what a laser does.
http://www.cosmetic-dentistry-center.com/lanap-t-48.html
Thanks for the question. Feel free to contact our office if you would like to discuss it further.
Chuck Campbell, DDSLabels: LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, laser periodontal therapy
Cosmetic Dental Implants Used in Full Mouth Reconstruction for Patient with 50 Percent Missing Teeth
A patient by the name of Kim came to us, quite distraught about her severe case of missing teeth. She was 47 when we met her, and she had suffered tremendous dental problems since she was 12 years old. She had crashed her bicycle one day, and had broken off her front teeth. Since that time, she reported, she not only experienced missing teeth, but suffered from constant infections in her mouth.
She had been through many episodes in her mouth where a variety of dental ailments afflicted her. Severe swelling would arise in her mouth, accompanied by intense pain. She would develop toothaches that were so sudden, and so severe; she would have to be rushed to the emergency room at midnight. Dental emergency treatment almost always ended with teeth being pulled because of the degree of pain and infection in her teeth and gums. This only resulted in more tooth loss, and seemed to never resolve the root cause of the infections which appeared mysteriously linked to her childhood accident.
By the time more than half of her teeth were gone; Kim had all but given up on dentistry. The heartache of being young and attractive, but having so many missing teeth, made her shy about smiling, or even opening her mouth at all in front of people. Years went by, and she never went to a dentist, believing nothing at all could be done to restore so many missing teeth or cure the infections that kept developing in her mouth.
Then, by some strange twist of serendipity, Kim learned of the Medical Center Dental Group through a newspaper ad we ran in the Houston Chronicle. She read about our commitment to patient care and comfort, and how we have helped so many people with complex and challenging problems, including severe cases of missing teeth. This gave her enough hope and courage to schedule an appointment with us.
We used a combination of treatments to restore Kim’s lost teeth and remedy the constant bouts with infection. Our intraoral camera revealed advanced periodontal disease, which appeared to have been the cause of so many teeth becoming infected to the point they had to be pulled. Whether or not this periodontal disease resulted from her bicycle accident as a child remained a mystery. Nevertheless, were able to successfully treat her periodontal disease with LANAP. We also performed a series of root canals to ensure that all diseased and dying nerve and tooth root tissue were completely removed from Kim’s mouth.
Once her mouth had completely recovered, and there were no remaining symptoms of toothaches or periodontal disease, we then began the cosmetic phase of dental treatment. We used a total of 5 cosmetic dental implants to replace missing teeth in key areas of her jaws that needed strength and support. (Sometimes, advanced periodontal disease and deterioration of the bone limits the number of implants we can use.) The remainder of her full mouth reconstruction was done with fixed porcelain bridges and crowns, creating a new, healthy, natural looking smile she had not enjoyed since childhood.
Besides the obvious cosmetic improvements, Kim can now eat more comfortable, speak with more confidence, and be proud of her smile instead of holding her hand over her mouth all the time.Labels: alternative to dental surgery, cosmetic dental crowns, cosmetic dental procedures, full mouth reconstruction, LANAP, missing teeth, root canal
 PerioLase® MVP-7 is a very popular ND: YAG laser used in periodontal surgery. It allows for precision removal of diseased tissue in a manner that is far less invasive than traditional methods of cutting tissue away with metal tools. Because of this, it keeps pain and the risk of infection to a very low minimum, and has become equally popular with dentists and with patients throughout the United States and Canada.
There are many benefits that the PerioLase® MVP-7 offers to patients besides minimized discomfort:
-Laser heat acts to cauterize gum tissue and thus minimize bleeding. It also helps prevent damage to surrounding healthy mouth tissues.
-Healing time is much shorter as a result.
-Gums tend to be less sensitive when treated with the PerioLase® MVP-7 as opposed to being cut with surgical tools.
-LANAP takes less time and thus is better for busy professionals who need to minimize time spent in the dental chair. Less, if any, post-procedural medication is ever required after treatment with a PerioLase® MVP-7.
Although it only weighs 43 pounds, the PerioLase® is one of the most sophisticated and precision instruments used at the Houston Medical Center Dental Group. Its range of settings allows it to be used for any number of soft tissue dental procedures in addition to its regular use in LANAP.
A tilting, touch-screen monitor allows the dentist to monitor the accuracy of the device. The dentist can select any setting for the treatment he or she is performing through a procedure-driven menu displayed on the touch screen. For LANAP, a special mode has already been hard-wired into the PerioLase® MVP-7 and can be further adjusted through a joule counter that allows the dentist to fine tune the heat output of the laser.
The PerioLase® can be used while mounted on its mobile cart during LANAP, or it used while stationed on a tabletop. The infrared pulses of the laser periodontal probe causes the tip to glow a very warm read color, which provides the dentist with a guide light for precisely cutting tissue and cleaning off root surface tartar. When the laser is emitting infrared pulses, its tip glows a warm red color, giving the dentist both a light and a guide for the precision cutting of diseased pockets and the cleaning of root surface tarter. Learn more about LPT here:LANAPLaser Periodontal TherapyGum DiseaseLANAP Post Operative Instructions
LANAP is the preferred method of treating periodontal disease at the Cosmetic Dentistry Center. Call today to see if this new technology can help restore the health and beauty of your smile. Labels: LANAP, ND: YAG laser, periodontal treatment, The PerioLase® MVP-7 Dental Laser
Dentistry and gum disease go hand and hand back to the beginnings of recorded history. Both Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote about Periodontis in their writings. They recommended certain painless remedies for it, such as ointments, and also mentioned some rather harsh and painful remedies, like the use of a hot wire laid across the gums to sterilize them. During the Middle Ages, gum disease treatments were similarly crude and barbaric, inflicting more discomfort than true healing on the patient.
In the 1800s Dentistry began to advance, yet gum disease treatments still remained primitive by comparison. Many dentists would try to prevent it by cleaning teeth with scrapers or by fixing cavities with oddly-shaped and painful dental tools.
20th-century dentistry treated advanced stages of gum disease by cutting away diseased tissue and grafting healthy tissue in its place. Other method involved removing bacteria from tooth surfaces through the practices of root scaling and planing. It has been proven that a cleaner tooth surface will result in more healthy gums surrounding that tooth.
Twentieth-century general dentistry typically treated gum disease with several types of surgery. One type of surgery was cutting away the diseased portion of the gum and grafting healthy tissue in its place. Another solution used by general dentistry to treat gum disease is root scaling and planing. This involves removing bacteria from the surfaces of teeth that touch the interior of the gums. Creating a more healthy tooth surface contributes to the healing of the gums themselves.
Today, gum removal is more a function of cosmetics than periodontal treatment. It helps make excessively large gums look more proportional to the teeth. In terms of medical treatment for both moderate and advanced Periodontitis, LANAP has proven to be the most effective.
LANAP is done with a sophisticated ND: YAG laser called a PerioLase® MVP-7 that emits an infrared beam that removes diseased tissue and sterilizes gums in the process. An ultrasonic scalar and other very unique hand instruments are then used to remove root surface tartar. This makes LANAP the least invasive of all dental treatments for gum disease, and also the least painful.
Laser Periodontal TherapyGum Disease CureGingivitis TreatmentGum Disease SymptomsThe Cosmetic Dentistry Center specializes in all kinds of dentistry and focuses on making patients both look better and feel better. If you have bleeding gums, or feel soreness around your teeth, call toll free 1-888-790-0309 to schedule an appointment. Gum disease caught early is much easier to treat and alleviate than the more advanced stages of Periodontitis.Labels: general dentistry, Gum Disease, LANAP, laser periodontal therapy
Dentists estimate that more that 80 percent of the American population has a form of gum disease. However, it is also estimated that only 3% of these people ever seek professional help. Many people assume that gum disease is really not big deal. In reality, there are a number of complications it can lead to that are very severe, or even possibly life threatening.
- The bacteria that cause gum disease can get into the blood and infect internal organs. This can increase the risk of coronary disease, stroke, and infective endocartitis.
- Breathing these bacteria can affect the lungs and cause diseases like obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.
- These bacteria can also affect increase production of prostaglandins (hormones that trigger labor) in pregnant women, leading to premature birth.
There are several stages of gum disease, each being more severe than the other. The sooner you get help, the easier Periodontitis is to treat.
Gingivitis
This first stage of gum disease, characterized by gums that are inflamed, red in color, and that frequently bleed. This stage is completely reversible, and presents no risk of bone loss, if it is caught in time.
Mild Periodontitis
At this stage of gum disease, tissues begin to separate from teeth, resulting in gum recession and deep pockets characterized by probing depths of 3-4 mm.
Moderate Periodontitis
This next phase of gum disease is more severe, and can result in bone loss between 4-6mm. Bad breath, loose teeth, and sore gums also appear at this point. Moderate Periodontitis is irreversible with hygiene alone, but it can still be managed.
Advanced Periodontitis
Deep pockets at this stage of gum disease can be 6mm or more in depth and can only be treated by surgery or LANAP.
Refractory Periodontitis
Bone loss and impending tooth loss are inevitable at this point. However, even this stage of Periodontitis can be reversed with cosmetic dentistry. Tooth splints can be used, and some teeth can be extracted and replaced with bridges. Selective teeth can be extracted if need be and replaced with bridges. The best option, however, is a combination of LANAP (also known as Laser Periodontal Therapy) and cosmetic dental implants. LANAP is less invasive than previously preferred forms of surgery, and offers the benefits of speedier recovery time and less damage to healthy tissues.
LANAP
Laser Periodontal Therapy
PerioLase Laser Treatment
LANAP Post Operative Instructions
Gum disease is nothing to take lightly. If you have any of the symptoms described above, you should call our office and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If we can catch Periodontitis soon enough, only minimal treatment will be needed to restore a bright and healthy smile to you. Labels: Gum Disease, LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, laser periodontal therapy, periodontal surgery, periodontal treatment
LANAP is a minimally invasive periodontal surgery whose potential simply cannot be emphasized enough. While it is far less intense than other surgical methods, it has its share of postoperative instructions like every other major dental procedure. Following these postoperative instructions faithfully will minimize your comfort and contribute to a full and speedy recovery during the days and weeks that follow LANAP.
1. Minimize activity after LANAP.
2. Rinse as directed with Peridex. Periogard and warm salt water every day. Ask your dentist for specific instructions on how many times to do so.
3. Do not chew on the side of your mouth where you have had LANAP performed.
4. Avoid hot and spicy foods during the postoperative period following LANAP.
5. During the immediate postoperative period, avoid brushing the area where LANAP was performed.
6. The following conditions are normal during postoperative recovery from Laser Periodontal Therapy: - Light bleeding
- Slight swelling
- Minor soreness
7. If the surgical pack the dentist uses to treat your gum line with falls out, do not be alarmed.
8. Soft and nutritious foods, and particularly high protein foods, are the best diet to eat during this time.
9. Take all your medication that the dentist may give you as proscribed and in the full dosage instructed.
10. It is normal for teeth to be sore during the postoperative stage following LANAP. This occurs because previously loose teeth are now reattaching themselves to the gums and bones.
11. Very intense pain, fever, or severe bleeding is NOT normal after LANAP. Call us immediately if you experience either one of these. LANAP
Laser Periodontal Therapy
PerioLase Laser Treatment
Gum Disease The Cosmetic Dentistry Center recommends the quick and relatively painless LANAP procedure for busy Houston area professionals. Both the procedure and the recovery time take much less time than standard surgery takes. We routinely service business owners and executives from Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Clear Lake, Katy, and from other cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. Call 713.795.5905 today for an appointment. Labels: LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, laser periodontal therapy, ND: YAG laser, periodontal surgery
The Cosmetic dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group in Houston are some of the world’s best doctors. They are equally concerned about the emotions of their patients as they are concerned about their medical needs. Our cosmetic dentists want every person to feel comfortable while undergoing treatment at the center. Pain is something we strive to eliminate, and expectations are things we aim to exceed. Our professionals have spent years training in both general dentistry and the advanced procedures and technology of cosmetic dentistry. Two have served as dentists in the US Navy, and all have studied special procedures and treatments such as Advanced Anterior Aesthetics, Comprehensive Aesthetic Reconstruction, Practical Occlusion in the Progressive Practice, and Neuromuscular Dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Procedures.
In addition to their dedication to the care and comfort of their patients and ongoing pursuit of more advanced medical knowledge, our cosmetic dentists also use some of the most advanced technology found anywhere in the world of dentistry. Dental examinations are performed with an intra-oral camera that allows the dentist to look anywhere inside the mouth without any pain or discomfort to the patient. The camera sits on the end of a flexible tube that can look anywhere in the mouth, examining teeth up close and rendering high-resolution images of enamel and gums on a full color monitor. Patients much prefer this to the old-fashioned mouth mirror that the family dentist once used to poke around the mouth and cheeks with.
An even more advanced tool at their disposal is the ultra-sophisticated ND: YAG laser which is used to perform laser assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP). This new form of treatment promises to replace periodontal surgery with a healthier, precision method of treating gum disease. Rather than cutting away diseased tissue with a knife and damaging surrounding healthy tissue in the process, the laser removes only the diseased tissue. No anesthetic is needed, and long-term recovery is statistically higher even in the more severe cases of periodontal disease.
Cosmetic dentists of Houston also use more advanced materials than most general practices employ. For example, we do not use metal amalgams to fill teeth. Metal simply does not belong in a human mouth and will often cause problems later on down the line when the tooth ages. Cosmetic dental bonding is used instead of metal amalgams to provide a more bio-friendly means of filling teeth, and to provide a more cosmetic solution that more accurately mimics the color of teeth. Metal braces are not used in our practice, either. Instead, Invisalign cosmetic dental braces are used instead to unobtrusively correct teeth alignment problems painlessly and discreetly a little bit at a time. People with embarrassing and inefficient dentures can have them replaced with dental implants.Labels: cosmetic dentists Houston, dental bonding, dental imlplants, LANAP, ND: YAG laser
What is LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure and is a synonym for LPT, also known Laser Periodontal Treatment. The use of the specialized ND: YAG crystal laser has revolutionized the treatment of gum disease by making it possible to target both soft and hard tissues suffering from bacterial infection. Most of the 66% of Americans suffering gum disease never do anything about it because of misgivings about dental surgery. LANAP offers them a virtually painless and much more convenient alternative.
Is the laser painful?
It is hot, but not painful. The ND: YAG emits a stream of cool water or air to prevent the gumline from being damaged by its heat. Its precision focus and bright red beam make it very easy for the dentist to target only the diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue alone and minimizing discomfort to the point that the procedure requires no anesthetic.
What steps are involved in LANAP?
First, a probe is used to determine excessive pocket depth and the amount of infected tissue. The dentist then removes the diseased tissue with the laser, killing bacteria in the process. Prior to closing off the pocket, the dentist also removes tartar from the tooth root with special instruments and an ultrasonic scaler. Finally, the pocket is cleaned with the laser one more time and sealed to prevent future infections from developing.
What advantages and benefits do LANAP offers over traditional surgery, and is it truly as effective?
Yes, it is just as effective as traditional surgery. In terms of its advantages and benefits, there are several. First, patients can expect a much quicker recovery time because laser dental treatment minimizes damage to healthy tissue. Also, because the laser does not cut tissue gum height is better preserved around the teeth, resulting in considerably less post-operative stress to the mouth. Minor pain that patients sometimes experience is easily treated without a prescription with over the counter pin medicine. The NG: YAG laser also causes minimal bleeding, and the patient feels little pain during or after the procedure.
How long does LANAP take?
Generally, it only requires two, 2-hour visits followed by two short follow-ups. Since there are no stitches to remove, a typical recover, in many cases, can take less than 24 hours. People with busy schedules can get back to work much more quickly with laser assisted new attachment procedure.
Is there any possibility of tooth loss afterwards?
No. Tooth loss will actually be prevented by this procedure. The treatment is so friendly to healthy hard and soft tissues that it actually encourages the formation of new cementum and collagen on the roots. This strengthens them further inside the newly-treated periodontal pocket and solidifies their position within the gumline.Labels: alternative to dental surgery, LANAP, laser assisted new attachment procedure, LPT
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