Restore Your Smile After Gum Disease with LANAP Laser Gum Surgery
Have you been diagnosed with gum disease or periodontitis? Have you experienced significant damage to the gum tissue? If you have had a severe infection in the past or recently and need to remove or contour damaged or existing gum tissue, surgical treatments might not be needed. Instead, the team at Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions in Manhattan Beach, California, offers a solution known as laser-assisted periodontal therapy, or LANAP laser gum surgery.
What is LANAP?
The acronym LANAP stands for laser-assisted new attachment procedure and is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional periodontal surgery. The LANAP laser targets and removes diseased gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue untouched.
How does it work?
The LANAP laser works by targeting specific bacteria found in infected gum tissue without causing harm to the surrounding healthy tissue. It also stimulates the growth of new bone and tissue to help reattach the gums to the teeth and restore oral health.
What are the benefits?
Some of the benefits of LANAP laser gum therapy include minimal bleeding during treatment, reduced post-procedure discomfort, quicker healing time, and no need for scalpels or sutures. It can also be used in conjunction with traditional surgery to treat more severe cases of periodontal (gum) disease.
Am I a candidate for laser-assisted periodontal therapy?
If you are suffering from gum disease and are looking for a minimally invasive solution, ask the team at Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions about LANAP laser gum therapy. They can evaluate you to determine if you are a proper candidate and can benefit from this or other oral surgery procedures available in their office. In most cases, patients may be candidates for LANAP laser therapy after they have been diagnosed and treated for periodontitis. This is a treatment that can help in restoring the smile afterward to improve appearance and health.
LANAP laser gum surgery FAQ
Is LANAP covered by insurance?
LANAP is often partially covered by dental insurance, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary to treat advanced gum disease. Coverage varies depending on your provider and plan, so it’s best to confirm with your insurance company in advance. At Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions, our team can help you navigate your benefits and provide an estimate of out-of-pocket costs. Flexible financing options may also be available to help make treatment more affordable.
What is the success rate of LANAP?
LANAP has an excellent track record, with clinical studies showing success rates of up to 90% in halting the progression of periodontal disease. Many patients experience reduced pocket depths, decreased inflammation, and improved gum attachment to the teeth. The procedure also supports bone regeneration and long-term tooth stability. Dr. Don Mungcal utilizes advanced laser technology to ensure precision and maximize treatment success while promoting faster recovery than traditional gum surgery.
Can LANAP reverse gum disease?
While LANAP doesn’t “cure” gum disease, it can significantly reverse its damaging effects. By removing infected tissue and bacteria, LANAP allows the gums to reattach to the teeth and encourages bone regeneration. This process can restore much of the damage caused by moderate to severe periodontitis. Regular dental checkups and excellent oral hygiene are essential for maintaining the results and preventing future disease flare-ups.
Who is not a candidate for LANAP?
Although LANAP is suitable for many patients, it may not be appropriate for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions—such as uncontrolled diabetes or severe immune disorders—may not heal well after treatment. Patients with minimal gum disease or gum recession without active infection might benefit more from other procedures. A comprehensive evaluation at Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions can determine if LANAP is the best option based on your oral and overall health.
Is LANAP worth the money?
Many patients find LANAP well worth the investment due to its minimally invasive nature, reduced discomfort, and long-term effectiveness. Unlike traditional surgery, LANAP doesn’t require cutting or sutures, leading to faster healing and less downtime. Additionally, it can help save natural teeth and even promote bone regrowth. While the upfront cost may be higher, the benefits often outweigh the expenses, especially considering the potential costs of tooth loss or ongoing infections.
Does bone grow back after LANAP?
One of LANAP’s most impressive benefits is its ability to stimulate new bone growth. The laser targets infected pockets while preserving healthy tissue, creating conditions favorable for the body’s natural healing response. Over time, this can lead to bone regeneration around the teeth previously lost due to gum disease. Though results vary, many patients experience measurable improvement in bone density with proper aftercare and follow-up.
Do teeth shift after LANAP?
Most patients do not experience tooth shifting after LANAP. The procedure is designed to help stabilize teeth by treating infection and reducing pocket depth. However, in cases where the gums and bone have already been significantly damaged, some minor shifting may occur as the tissues heal and tighten. This is typically a sign of progress, and Dr. Mungcal will monitor your healing closely to ensure optimal alignment and comfort.
Are you looking for laser gum surgery available "near me" in the Manhattan Beach, CA, area?
If so, contact Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions to connect with Dr. Don Mungcal to learn more. The office is located at 1213 Manhattan Avenue and can be reached by calling the friendly front office team at 310-340-6663.
Talk to your Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions dentist Dr. Don Mungcal about laser gum surgery and find out what kind of smile makeover is right for you
310-340-6663
