Gum disease is caused by bacteria living under the gums that produce toxins. The body responds to these toxins by destroying the bone structure that supports the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to the point where teeth become mobile and may be lost. Periodontal intervention is imperative, since there is no cure for this condition. The effects of gum disease can be far reaching and can include heart problems, breathing problems, strokes, and diabetes. Since this condition can affect other areas of your overall health and can occur at any time, it is important to maintain regular dental visits and be screened for this condition. Gum disease can be arrested and controlled, however, preventing further progression of bone loss. If your situation has moderately to severely progressed, Dr. Smith and Dr. Cole may recommend a periodontal (gum) therapy known as the Laser-Assisted-New-Attachment-Procedure (LANAP®).
LANAP® is often preferred over traditional periodontal surgery in the treatment of moderate to severe periodontal disease, or gum disease. LANAP® employs a digital dental laser called Periolase® MVP-7 that gently removes the infected portions of the soft tissue within the space between the teeth and gums. A local anesthetic is provided for comfort, but no cutting of the gums occurs, as with traditional periodontal flap surgery. Dr. Cole and Dr. Gentry are LANAP® certified and have treated many patients successfully with this method.
If you believe that you may have gum disease and are seeking gum disease treatment in New Braunfels, TX, contact Dr. Cole and Dr. Gentry today to see if you are a candidate for LANAP®.
Yes, both Dr. Michael Cole and Dr. Adam Gentry are LANAP certified. This certification ensures that they are trained in the advanced techniques required to safely and effectively perform LANAP laser gum treatment. At Cole & Gentry Dentistry, we’re proud to offer this advanced periodontal procedure right here in New Braunfels, TX.
Our experienced team is dedicated to providing precision care for gum health, leveraging the latest technology to deliver comfortable and efficient treatment. If you’re curious about whether LANAP is the right fit for your needs, give us a call at (830) 629-1954 to learn more or schedule a consultation.
No. While both LANAP and scaling and root planing are aimed at addressing gum disease, they are different procedures. Scaling and root planing (also called a deep cleaning) uses dental instruments to manually remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.
This is done using metal tools to scrape away bacteria, tartar, and damaged tissue. This process is relatively invasive, requires numbing injections, and typically must be done in two separate visits, with one half of your mouth being cleaned during each trip to the dentist.
LANAP, on the other hand, uses a specialized laser technology to target and remove diseased gum tissue and destroy bacteria while leaving more of your healthy gum tissue intact. This makes LANAP a less invasive option with reduced discomfort and quicker healing times. If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, our team at Cole & Gentry Dentistry can help determine the best approach during your visit.
LANAP laser gum treatment cannot entirely “cure” gum disease. In fact, once your gum disease passes the first stage (gingivitis), it can’t be completely cured by any gum care procedure. The effects can be managed to keep your mouth healthy, but you can’t completely eliminate it. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to get treatment early.
That being said, LANAP offers a very effective, minimally invasive way to manage and control it. The procedure removes infected gum tissue and also encourages the regeneration of healthy tissue and supporting bone, helping to stop the progression of gum disease.
With regular follow-ups and excellent oral hygiene, many patients experience significant improvements in their long-term gum health after LANAP. Remember, early detection is key, so don’t hesitate to take the first step by scheduling an evaluation with our team in New Braunfels.
Regular dental screenings are essential for catching gum disease in its earliest stages when it’s more manageable and less invasive treatments may suffice. Gum disease often develops silently, with symptoms like redness, swelling, or bleeding gums going unnoticed at first.
During checkups at Cole & Gentry Dentistry, our team closely evaluates your gum health and overall oral condition, allowing us to identify potential issues early. Early intervention, including treatments like LANAP if needed, can save your natural teeth, protect your health, and reduce the likelihood of more complex procedures in the future.
