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Are you afraid of gum surgery? There is an alternative to the old way of treating infected gums.

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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

©2006-8

Wheeler Family Dentistry, PLLC.     All rights reserved

For a patients perspective on LANAP click here for high speed or here for dialup, her husband had the cut and sew gum surgery, see how she thinks they compare.

 

 

 

If you would like to get a DVD and brochure about LANAP

Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

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.  Currently, Dr. Wheeler is the only general practice dentist in the state able to provide this care for his patients.  Dr. Wheeler is excited 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
  • Improve the quality, quantity and severity of Periodontal disease
  • A reduction in bleeding gums
    •
  • Decrease probing depths (easier to keep clean at home)
  • Increase in the level of tissue attachment
  • Reduce the severity of loose teeth

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

 

Link to the Periolase manufacturer's site HERE

What are the benefits to having the therapy performed?

  • EASY - LANAP™ is about as EASY as erasing a blackboard — there’s no cutting and no suturing.
  • LESS DISCOMFORT - Patients report much LESS DISCOMFORT with LANAP™ than with standard surgery -- during and after the procedure.
  • LESS TIME - It takes LESS TIME than traditional surgery. All it takes is two 3-hour visits to the office and a few shorter follow up visits.
  • FEWER TROUBLES DOWN THE ROAD- LANAP™ does not include the major loss of gum tissue that traditional surgery almost always involves.  This tissue loss can lead to more sensitive teeth, since your roots are exposed.  Also, if the treatment needs to be performed again in the future, you have not removed the bone and gums during the first treatment with LANAP™.  Typically, with LANAP™, any gum tissue loss 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. Dr. Wheeler will recommend a soft diet for a few days.  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.

 

Call us at 1-888-70 LANAP (5-2627) 

 

 

This site was last updated 04/22/08