The LANAP® Laser Gum Treatment Protocol Helps Victoria Maintain Healthy Smiles
Your gums play an important part in the overall health of your mouth. They support and seal your teeth, keeping them in place. However, gum disease is a fairly common ailment among Canadians. At Dr. Crapo & Associates, we offer several remedies for gum disease at our clinic in Victoria, including the LANAP® laser gum treatment procedure. Using modern technology in our fight to keep your gums healthy is how we serve you best!
Gum Disease in Adults
Did you know that nearly 65% of Canadians may suffer from gum disease? However, very few adults actually get the treatment they need. If you’ve ever seen blood in the sink while brushing your teeth, that can be an early sign of gum disease.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common gum issues faced by patients.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest and most mild form of gum disease. It begins with a build-up of plaque on your teeth. Bacteria in your plaque will use with sugar from your food to produce acids, enzymes, and alcohols. These will eat away at the surface of your teeth and cause inflammation and infection in your gums. Signs of gingivitis include:
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Pain in your gum area when you brush and floss
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Persistent bad breath
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Red and swollen gums
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Blood on your toothbrush or floss
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more serious gum disease that affects the bones and gums that support your teeth. It is an inflammatory response to anaerobic bacteria that cannot be removed with brushing and flossing. It leads to gum loss, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Symptoms of periodontitis include:
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Loose teeth
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Persistent bad breath
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Bleeding (can be spontaneous)
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Pus or a bad taste from your gums
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Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
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Deep probing pockets that are uncleanable
Gum disease can be linked to further health problems, such as heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Very few adults actually get the treatment they need, however. Traditional gum treatment tends to involve cutting the gum tissue or extracting teeth, but the LANAP® protocol provides another way.
What is LANAP®?
LANAP® laser gum treatment is a laser-based treatment for gum disease. It’s a process that doesn’t require any cutting or suturing, which means patients experience less pain and discomfort during and after the procedure when compared to traditional periodontal surgery.
It’s a patient-friendly option that helps you get healthy again without fear and discomfort. In general, the LANAP® protocol is much less invasive than traditional surgery and can help you maintain that beautiful smile of yours.
The LANAP® protocol is a patented periodontal treatment that was cleared by the FDA in 2004. It can only be done with the PerioLase® MVP-7. This laser operates at a specific wavelength that attacks the bacteria that contribute to gum disease while leaving your healthy tissues intact.
Issues that can follow traditional gum surgery, such as post-surgical tooth recession and tooth sensitivity, are greatly reduced.
Benefits of LANAP® Laser Treatment
The LANAP laser gum treatment is growing in popularity in Victoria due to the many advantages it has over traditional gum surgery. These benefits include:
Quicker Healing Time
As LANAP® is a less invasive procedure than traditional gum surgery, it allows you to recover and heal much more quickly.
Less Pain and Discomfort
Due to the less invasive nature, you’ll find that you’ll experience less pain and discomfort during and after the surgery.
Shorter Recovery Time
Many patients find that they can immediately return to their daily routine with no recovery time needed.
Little to No Gum Recession
Due to the lack of cutting in the procedure, there is less risk of recession, which means your beautiful smile is left intact.
Reduction in Gum Inflammation and Bleeding
The PerioLase® MVP-7™ targets inflammatory bacteria without injuring your healthy tissue.
Saves Your Teeth
You can keep your natural teeth, even in cases where the teeth may have been deemed to be “hopeless” with traditional treatments. Keeping your natural teeth has been linked to a longer lifespan.
Safe for Patients with Health Concerns
The LANAP protocol is safe for patients with other health concerns, such as diabetes, HIV, or hemophilia, and for those who are taking medications such as Plavix or aspirin.
Call Us for an Appointment at Our Victoria Clinic
Dr. Crapo & Associates operates within the Victoria area, helping our patients achieve the best smile possible. Using modern methods, such as the LANAP® laser gum treatment protocol, helps us in our fight against gum disease.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, it’s best to take care of it as quickly as possible. Contact us to book an appointment, and we will put you on the road to health right away.