San Jose Laser Periodontal Therapy
One of our most popular treatments is the LANAP Procedure. This laser-assisted new attachment procedure allows our team to provide a less painful, more effective alternative to treating gum disease. With extensive training and high tech equipment, our laser periodontal surgery allows individuals to take advantage of this newer, cost effective gum treatment option at our San Jose office location.
The LANAP® Procedure is an amazing breakthrough in periodontal treatments. If you have been told you need scalpel and suture gum surgery, there's a laser alternative you need to learn about.
If you're like 100 million other Americans, you could be one of 50% of Americans who have periodontal disease, the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal disease starts off as plaque, an opaque film which eventually hardens, forming tartar or calculus.
Calculus deposits harbor bacteria which infect the gums. In early stages, this is called Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well. Unchecked, Gingivitis progresses to Periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, resulting in tooth loss.
The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets. Until now, that meant surgery and sutures. But today, many dentists offer the LANAP® Protocol, a patient-friendly, minimally-invasive procedure that's a great improvement over standard gum surgery.
In most cases, oue dentist will schedule a complimentary consultation to explain how the laser works and give you a demonstration. Next, the dentist will take X-rays to make a definitive diagnoses and determine the extent of the infection. When you return for your first LANAP® Procedure treatment, you'll receive a local anaesthetic to eliminate any possible discomfort. A general anaesthetic isn't necessary, because the LANAP® Procedure is much less traumatic. A tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum, and the infection is cleared away. The procedure is fast: It takes just two 2-hour sessions. Our dentist will treat one half of your mouth at each session...and you'll probably feel good enough to go right back to work afterwards.