LANAP Laser Periodontal Procedures

How does it work?

A recent development in periodontal treatment is the use of laser-assisted treatment to regenerate tissue. Utilizing the body’s own natural ability to “heal itself”, Dr. Sobhani or Dr. Almaghrabi utilizes the PerioLase™ for the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™) or Laser Assisted Peri-implantitis Procedure (LAPIP). Performed without a scalpel or sutures, LANAP™ creates an environment for regeneration of the tissues around your teeth (gum, bone, cementum, ligament) that are lost due to periodontal disease.

The laser therapy works by targeting only diseased gum, which it discerns by the color. Diseased gums are darker than healthy gums. The laser is then used to agitate the healthy tissue, encouraging it to reattach to the bone. Because of the regrowth of this connective tissue, there is also a much lower chance of gum disease returning than with traditional surgery.

Due to the ability of the laser to target and remove only diseased tissue, Drs. Sobhani or Almaghrabi is able to help restore your periodontal health with less post-operative pain and fewer side effects than traditional surgery. This is in conjunction with a detailed postoperative oral hygieneand diet program that is described below.

How do I care for myself after my LANAP procedure?

• Anti-microbial rinses and antibiotic medications may be prescribed for you. Take any prescribed medications according to directions and continue taking the prescribed antibiotic until gone.
• Reduce physical activity for several hours following surgery.
• Periodontal laser procedures usually result in little or no discomfort following surgery.
• For the first 24 hour period immediately following surgery, take two (2) Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen) every 4-6 hours even if you do not have any pain.
• For the first 24 hour period immediately following surgery, stay on a liquid diet only. For the following 3-7 days after surgery, a soft diet is recommended. Try to eat soft but nutritious foods such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc. Stay away from spicy and “chippy” foods. It is also important to maintain good fluid intake during this period.
• Carefully avoid chewing food in the areas of the mouth where the laser has been used for at least one week following surgery. One of the most important results of laser surgery is the blood clots that form following surgery. It is extremely important not to dislodge the tiny clots that form in and around the gums.
• Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of tissues following laser therapy.  Tissues can be gray, yellow, red, blue, purple, “stringy” and reflect normal response to laser treatments.
• Do not spit, rinse or wash your mouth today.  Use a Q-tip saturated with the chlorhexidine oral rinse morning and night.  In between, it is OK to apply the Q-tip every three (3) hours with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8oz. glass of warm water).  Do not brush or floss your teeth until instructed to do so (see Treatment and Home Care sequence sheet).
• Try to keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help the healing process.  Brush, floss, and follow other home care measures in all the areas of your mouth except for the surgery area.
• Do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the surgery area.

Do not be alarmed if one of the following occurs:

• Light bleeding
• Slight swelling
• Some soreness, tenderness, or tooth sensitivity
• Medicinal taste, from the chlorhexidine rinse

Please call the office at Fredericksburg Periodontist Phone Number 540-548-2605 if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Prolonged or severe pain, swelling
• Prolonged or excessive bleeding
• Considerably elevated or persistent temperature