The Periolase at Glacier Dental for periodontal disease

LANAP, also known as laser assisted new attachment procedure, is a in-house procedure Dr. Steckbauer performs in office at Glacier Dental.

Often times patients come in for their routine cleaning and exams and are not familiar with why the hygienist calls out numbers. The numbers stand for your gum's pocket sizes. A smaller pocket size, 1-4, indicates healthy gums, usually due to excellent flossing and brushing. Larger pocket sizes indicates 5 and up means  not-so-healthy gums and loose teeth.

If your pocket sizes range from 5-8, scaling and root planing is highly recommended. At this point, the patient has periodontal (gum) disease. Scaling and root planning is performed by our hygienists, Kara, Ashley or Amanda, and they remove calculus (build up) and plaque from the teeth. The hygienist also cleans the pockets as well to get them back to health. In addition, each hygienist at Glacier Dental is certified to use the Periolase for help remove bad bacteria throughout the patient's gums. The results from the procedure are phenomenal. Patients return for their next cleaning appointment and are thrilled to find their pocket sizes have reduced to normal numbers.

Sometimes it is too late to have scaling and root planning performed and LANAP is the only option available. Dr. Steckbauer's office was one of the first to have the periolase and perform laser gum surgery in office. This laser is a light that removes harmful bacteria from under the gums, and does not cut the gums. Traditional gum surgery does require cutting of the gums as well as stitches. The healing process is much quicker as well. When Dr. Steckbauer uses the laser, the intention is for the laser to get bone regeneration to help with tooth stability. This reduces gum disease and also the risk of losing teeth because they are loose.

Throughout both procedures, scaling and root planing and LANAP, the patients entire mouth is numb, and the patient will only feel pressure throughout. Afterwards, the first 24 hours, the patient may feel the most tender, however with the amazing results that come from both treatment options, the minor pain is definitely worth the gain!

Call Glacier Dental to set up your consult and have Dr. Steckbauer look at the health of your gums today! Consult appointments are limited so call today in order to ensure your spot is reserved, 920-235-3251.