What is gum disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is a bacterial infection affecting the gums and bone supporting their teeth. Symptoms include bleeding or inflamed gums, loose teeth, bad breath or pain when brushing.

Why should I worry about gum disease?
Left untreated, gum disease can result in gum damage and even tooth loss. Research suggests an association between gum disease-causing bacteria and other diseases and health concerns as well, such as cardiovascular disease, strokes, and low-weight, pre-term births.

What is LANAP? How does it work?
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is an FDA-approved treatment of periodontitis or gum disease. LANAP, also known as Laser Periodontal Therapy, is fast and minimally invasive. LANAP is a procedure where a laser passes between the teeth and gums to remove diseased or inflamed soft tissue.

Will Laser Periodontal Therapy be painful?
Laser Periodontal Therapy requires no cutting or stitches, making it virtually painless and bloodless.

Is it safe to put a laser in my mouth?
Yes. The laser features a very small fiber to reach only the portion of the gums requiring treatment. It gently passes between the teeth and gums, without affecting other parts of the mouth.

How long does laser gum surgery take?
It typically requires one or two visits after the initial consultation. Depending on the extent of your gum disease, we’ll typically treat one half of your mouth during each session.

How long does it take to recover from the laser gum procedure?
Recovery time varies for each patient. Following traditional gum surgery, recovery can take between 2-4 weeks during which patients can experience considerable pain and swelling. With Laser Periodontal Therapy, there is typically a less-than-24-hour recovery period. And because there is no cutting involved, there’s less possibility of post-treatment infection.

My dentist recommends traditional gum surgery. How do I know the laser periodontal therapy is right for me?
No single treatment is right for everyone. Ask your dentist or periodontist if Laser Periodontal Therapy might be a good option for you – or contact us for a no-fee consultation and evaluation.

Can people with diabetes or other health concerns take advantage of the laser gum therapy?
Yes. LANAP is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking such medications as Coumadin or Cyclosporin.

How much does the laser gum procedure cost?
Laser gum therapy is often less expensive than traditional gum surgery because it requires less visits to the doctor (typically two visits for the laser gum treatment compared to four visits - plus with subsequent visits for suture removal and additional check-ups - for traditional gum surgery).

Will the laser gum procedure be covered by my insurance?
Exact coverage depends upon your individual dental insurance. But if your insurance covers traditional gum surgery, it will cover the laser gum treatment as well. Ask us, and we will provide a predetermination of your coverage.