Laser Gum Surgery...who needs it?

At Glacier Dental we are leaders in technology because we are the only general dentist in the area to have a cone beam (3D x-ray), the first in Wisconsin to get an E4D machine (makes crowns in 1 day!) , and one of the first offices in Wisconsin to have a periolase (used for gum surgery).

To start out, what is laser gum surgery?

LANAP, better known as laser gum surgery, is used to help reduce periodontitis, which is an infection of the gums. According to Millennium Dental Technology's website, "The laser fiber, which is only about as wide as three human hairs, is inserted between the gum tissue and your tooth, where it painlessly removes the [harmful] elements that cause gum disease". 

Often times, patient's who have very "loose" teeth need to have LANAP surgery. After the treatment, the patient's gums will actually start to reattach to the bone around them, in return reducing gum pocket size. Patients who are recommended to have LANAP usually have gum pocket sizes of 8mm+, and they should be somewhere between 1-3mm. After LANAP, the patient can usually expect to have smaller pocket sizes as long as post-ops are followed. Smaller pocket sizes means less chances for getting bacteria and disease in the gums.

Why is using the periolase better for the treatment of gum disease?

• There is no cutting and no stitches involved.
• There is much less discomfort with laser gum surgery than with standard surgery- during and after the procedure.
• It gives better, long-lasting results. 
• The procedure takes less time than traditional surgery and there is less recovery time so you don’t have to miss extra time from work. 
• Laser gum surgery is safe for individuals with health concerns such as diabetes and those taking medications such as Plavix or aspirin. 
• Saves teeth from extractions.

Above is an animation of what the periolase looks like when used on some gum tissue. Picture A shows the laser between the tooth and the gum, picture G shows the gums reattached to the bone and tooth.

If you or someone you know needs laser gum surgery, please call our office for a consultation! 920-235-3251.