Non-Invasive Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment
It’s reasonable to be anxious if you’ve been diagnosed with advanced periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Gum disease can create several unpleasant symptoms, making you self-conscious and worried about the future. Not just for the sake of your smile but also your overall wellness. FORTUNATELY, the LANAP procedure (Laser-assisted new attachment procedure) is a quick and painless way to treat gum disease.
You can see your dentist or periodontist, have treatment, and then return to your daily routine with LANAP. However, before you consent to the procedure, you must have a complete grasp of gum disease, how it progresses, and all of your treatment options. A thorough understanding of the subject will enable you to make the best, most informed decision for your oral and general health.
What Is Gum Disease, and How Does It Affect You?
Gingivitis, often known as gum inflammation, is the most common stage of gum disease. This condition is typically caused by a lack of proper oral care, although it can also be caused by:
- Changes in Hormones
- Illness
- Medication
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Apnea (sleep deprivation)
The most common cause, however, is poor dental hygiene. Plaque accumulates on the teeth when patients fail to brush, floss, and visit their dentists for professional cleanings. Over time, this plaque irritates the surrounding tissue, causing the gums to swell and bleed somewhat.
If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis (gum disease). In the early stages of gum disease, plaque hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing. Tartar, in essence, creates a bacterial colony that irritates the surrounding tissue and bone. As a result, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming so-called “pockets.”
These pockets develop deeper as they become more polluted. As a result, the bone and gums pull away from the teeth, producing bone loss and tooth loosening. As the body fights the infection, enzymes eat away at the gum tissue and even attack the surrounding bone. If left untreated, the gums and bones deteriorate to the point that they can no longer support the teeth. These misaligned teeth will fall out eventually.
While gingivitis can manage at home with primary dental care, periodontitis needs the services of a dentist.
What are the Symptoms and Signs of Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an illness that might be difficult to recognize. While there are evident signs of illness development, the symptoms can be mild and painless. You may have gum disease if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Breath that stinks: microorganisms on plaque and tartar produce unpleasant odors.
- The infection may cause the patient’s tongue to taste terrible.
- Sensitive gums: Gum disease causes inflammation, irritating and making the gum tissue susceptible.
- Plague and tartar irritate and inflame the surrounding gums, resulting in bleeding. Brushing and flossing aggravate the sensitive area, resulting in bleeding.
- Receding Gums: As pockets form, the gums move away from the teeth.
- Loose Teeth: As the bags expand, less tissue and bone surround the tooth, keeping it in place. They shift around and, as a result, may fall out.
What Exactly Is a LANAP Procedure, and How Does It Work?
The traditional method of gum surgery is no longer an option. Instead, during a Laser-assisted New Attachment Treatment, your periodontist will use a laser to target and remove diseased tissue (LANAP). As a result, you won’t have to bother with scalpels or painful gum tissue removal. On the other hand, LANAP is a far less invasive approach with a shorter recovery time.
