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LANAP in KY

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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 inflammation 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, PAD or 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
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  • Elimination of the infection associated with gum disease
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  • A reduction in bleeding gums
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  • 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
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  • 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 to see a video of the procedure

Please be patient while the 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. Measuring 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 about results?  What is LANAP™ capable of doing?

Here are some examples.

  Before LANAP After LANAP

The above case is a very common condition for dentists to find patients.  The picture on the left is after a couple of years of "maintenance" of her gum disease following deep cleanings.  Notice the swollen, red appearance to the gums.  Certainly not the worst case, but clearly not a healthy condition.  On the right, notice how nice and coral pink the gums are, not to mention how the inflammation is GONE!  LANAP™ got her off of the roller coaster ride of getting a little better, and then getting worse. 

Most would pull this tooth due to gum disease (periodontitis)Healthy bone and gums after LANAP

The x-rays above show some pretty impressive bone regeneration following LANAP™.  Notice the tooth at the right of the two pictures.  This is one of the cases that I have to say "LANAP™ isn't magic", but I don't know of any other procedure that can deliver this type of result as often as LANAP™ does.

Bone deteriorating prior to LANAP Regeneration of Bone after LANAP surgery

The case above is one that still gets me every time I clean them at maintenance appointments.  I don't know why they are still there, but the patient is still excited they made it this far.  I told the patient they might fall out during LANAP™, but we could give it a try.  Like I said, she is still happy.  The tooth on the far left of the images was super loose to begin with, and is solid now.  The middle one was ready to flop out previously, but now is only slightly loose, but stable.

Sick gums before LANAP  Healthy Gums after LANAP

The above case is pretty extreme, but not the worst I have seen.  Is it an extreme makeover case?  Based on the health of the patient's mouth and his overall health, YES!  The scary purple, sickly gums are now beautiful coral pink.  LANAP™ allowed his body to do what it had wanted to do for a long time.  Heal itself.  LANAP™ to the rescue again!

What will LANAP™ not do?

  • It will not grow receding 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 does not cure everyone on the first treatment (Severe cases may need multiple treatments over time)

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

502-648-9448

 
 

 

Copyright © 2010 Thomas M. Wheeler, DMD, All Rights Reserved