Laser Periodontal Therapy

 

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis and is reversible when caught early enough. If it isn’t, it progresses to advanced gum disease or periodontitis that breaks down the bond between your teeth and gums.

As gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, pockets of bacteria form along the gumline. Your dentist or hygienist can treat gingivitis, but the deep pockets formed by advanced gum disease are impossible to reach, even with a deep cleaning treatment. 

When periodontal pockets can’t be cleaned sufficiently with non-surgical methods, our periodontist Dr. Jeffrey Hsu recommends LANAP® protocol gum disease treatment

 

 

What Is LANAP® protocol? (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure)

 

Without treatment for advanced periodontitis, bone and gum loss will continue, which puts you at increased risk for tooth loss. The LANAP protocol uses the PerioLase®MVP-7™ dental laser to regenerate the tissues and bone lost to gum disease. During the procedure, the PerioLase®MVP-7™ dental laser is used to gently remove harmful germs and diseases tissue from the gum pocket, keeping healthy tissue intact.  LANAP treatment is minimally invasive, without the need for cutting or sutures. 

 

We Ensure Your Comfort during Your Procedure

 

Our compassionate professional team understands that being referred to a periodontist for surgery creates anxiety for many people. Rest assured that your comfort and well-being are of the utmost importance to us. Our priority at Smile Again Periodontics is to create an experience where you feel safe, secure, and confident about your treatment.

Before we begin, Dr. Hsu will numb your gums with a strong anesthetic so you won’t feel anything. We also offer oral conscious sedation to help take the edge off of any anxiety you feel.

 

What to Expect after LANAP® protocol

 

It's common to experience soreness for a few days after LANAP treatment. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually sufficient to keep you comfortable.  Dr. Hsu will likely prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash and antibiotic to combat any lingering infection, and you should use both as instructed.

The tissue around the teeth may initially appear discolored.  Your bite may also feel slightly different, but the teeth will adapt quickly.  You cannot brush or floss for the first 7-10 days after treatment, and we will provide you with recommendations to follow a soft diet.

As the gums heal, the teeth will shift, and your bite will need to be adjusted several times over the coming months.  Splints and/or nightguard will be fabricated to stabilize and immobilize the teeth.  This will help promote proper healing.  We will then work with your referring dentist to determine an appropriate regimen for regularly scheduled periodontal maintenance.

 

What Are the Benefits of LANAP® protocol?

 

Our goal at Smile Again Periodontics in Temple City, CA is to help our patients avoid discomfort and finally feel proud of their smiles again.

Because pocket reduction surgery reduces inflammation and prevents bone loss, we can significantly minimize your risk for tooth loss.

 

Protect Your General Well-Being

By reducing the spread of oral bacteria, we can also help minimize your risk for serious health conditions like heart disease that have been linked to oral bacteria.

 

Prevent Additional Bone Loss and Tooth Loss

Treating advanced gum disease halts bone loss, leading to a change in your facial appearance, speech issues, and additional tooth loss.

 

Improve Your Smile's Aesthetics

Advanced gum disease creates cosmetic issues and negatively impacts your smile’s aesthetics. Treating advanced gum disease with pocket reduction leads to a healthier smile and a boost in your confidence and self-esteem.

 

Have You Been Told You Need Periodontal Treatment or Gum Treatment?

 

If your dentist has recommended advanced periodontal treatment, Dr. Hsu and the experienced professional team at Smile Again Periodontics can help you. 
You don’t need a referral to see a periodontist, either; call our Temple City professional office to arrange an evaluation, and Dr. Hsu will partner with your general dentist to ensure a seamless workflow and outstanding care.

We are pleased to serve patients throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including Temple City, San Gabriel, San Marino, Arcadia, Rosemead, Alhambra, Arcadia, South Pasadena, Monrovia, and surrounding communities.