Feel free to call us with any questions

502-409-9191

Where to go for cosmetic, laser and family dentistry in the Shepherdsville Louisville Elizabethtown Radcliff Mt Washington Hopkinsville area

HomeNew PatientsCosmeticGum DiseaseLANAPTestimonialsRestoring teethLocationContact UsSpecial OffersOur TeamOffice HoursEmergencyInsuranceFor You

 

 

 

Common Questions

Question 1

My dentist has a laser and says they can do the same thing, why would I need to come to your office?

Answer-

Unfortunately, many dentists have been told by laser sales people that other lasers can do the same thing as the Periolase.  Only a dentist who has received specific LANAP training can perform LANAP.  If someone tells you they can do the same thing, ask when and where they received their training in LANAP.  If they say they use another technique, you need to find out what the research says about the specific protocol they use. (most will say, "What research?")

More-

For those that like to hear a more technical description of what the LANAP procedure is used for, here it is.

 "cementum-mediated new periodontal ligament attachment to the root surface in the absence of long junctional epithelium"

That may not mean much to anyone but a dentist, but basically, it means it helps your body do what it currently can't, but would love to do.

Question 2

What will this treatment do for me?

Answer

First it gives you the chance to treat the your gum disease much earlier than most dentists would subject their patients to the traditional surgery.  Many dentists will typically wait until their patient has a SEVERE case of periodontitis before they suggest surgery.

 Second, it helps relieve the inflamation that often times you don't even realize is present.  Inflammation is associated with numerous health conditions that some many suffer from.  These include  Heart Disease and Stroke, peripheral arterial disease, Diabetes, Pancreatic Cancer, Low Birth Weight Babies and many others

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW WOULD I KNOW IF I WOULD BE A CANDIDATE FOR LANAP??

Click here for Questions that you can ask yourself

LANAP™ (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a patented treatment used with the Periolase laser system.  This specific protocol has obtained FDA approval for gum disease treatment.  Dr. Wheeler was the first dentist in Kentucky to provide this care for his patients.  It is exciting to be able to make this treatment available to gum disease sufferers throughout Kentucky.

What does LANAP™ do for you?

If you are one of the millions of adults that suffer from periodontal disease there are a number of benefits that you will likely find. 

  • A decrease in the inflammation in your mouth
    •
  • Elimination of the infection associated with gum disease
    •
  • A reduction in bleeding gums
    •
  • Decrease probing depths (easier to keep clean at home)
  • Reduce the severity of loose teeth

Listen to Kerry tell about how he felt after LANAP™

 

DO YOU HAVE DIABETES?

If so click here

What is Periodontal Disease?
It's an infection of the gums. It starts out as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form calculus or tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria which attacks the soft tissue around the gums. This early stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis. Symptoms include red swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath and, sometimes, an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Untreated, Gingivitis becomes Periodontitis. At this severe stage, bacteria destroys both the gums and the supporting bone structure.  Pockets form where teeth are separated from the gums and surrounding bones. Left untreated, Periodontitis often results in tooth loss.

Signs that you may have periodontal disease

  • Bleeding while brushing or flossing
  • Receding gums
  • Shifting teeth, bite is different
    •
  • Swollen, red, painful gums     
  • Chronic Bad breathe
  • Gum tissue missing between your teeth

Methods Dr. Wheeler uses to determine your current condition. 

  • Periodontal probings (pocket depths)
  • Radiographic images (x-rays)
  • Family history
  • Medical condition

Now, for the treatment.  Click on the picture for high speed connections to see a video of the procedure

Please be patient while the high speed file loads

Lanap,procedure,gum,disease

 

What are the benefits to having the therapy performed?

  • EASY - LANAP™ isn't magical.  But it creates an environment that allows your body to finally heal itself. 
  • LITTLE TO NO DISCOMFORT - Patients typically tell us that they have little to no pain, during or after LANAP™.  
  • ONLY TWO DAYS - It only takes two appointments to complete LANAP™.  There are weekly follow-up appointments, but those take only a few minutes to check on your healing progress.
  • CONSERVATIVE - LANAP™ does not include the major loss of gum tissue that traditional surgery has often involved in the past.  This tissue loss can lead to more sensitive teeth and there is less bone to work with if retreatment is needed later.  With LANAP™, if you need retreatment in the future, no bone has been removed.
  • Typically, with LANAP™, any gum recession is actually reduced swelling of the area from the inflammation being relieved.
  • SHORT RECOVERY - Many patients find that they have less than a 24 HOUR RECOVERY period, so you won't lose time from work. In most cases, patients feel fine right after the procedure.
  • SAFE - LANAP™ with the Periolase is SAFE for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Coumadin or Cyclosporine.

A. Perio Probe indicates excessive pocket depth.

B. Laser light kills bacteria and diseased tissue.  (Dotted line shows gum tissue cut away with traditional surgery.)

C. Ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments are used to remove root tartar.

D. Laser finishes cleaning and sterilizing pocket which aids in sealing the pocket closed so new germs cannot enter

E. Reattachment of connective tissue to the clean root surface, with a stable fibrin clot and gingival crest to create “a closed system”

F. Bite trauma is adjusted

G. New attachment is regenerated.  New bond and new ligament is formed and healing occurs.

What will LANAP not do?

  • It will not grow gums back.

(you may need grafts)

  • It will not allow you to avoid daily care at home.

  • It will not allow you to avoid cleanings every 3 months.

  • It is NOT magical.

  • It will not walk and feed the new puppy;-)

Please do not make a decision about your future until you learn about all your options.

 

 

Call us at

502-409-9191 

 

 

This site was last updated 11/18/09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Copyright © 2009 Thomas M. Wheeler, DMD, All Rights Reserved