Dental Implants & Periodontics, St Petersburg, FL
PHONE:
ADDRESS:
8487 Fourth Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Gum Disease
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™) is a new therapy that allows for the effective treatment of periodontal disease with no removal of tissue.
LANAP™ is a gentle, conservative, non-invasive method of treating gum disease without cutting, suturing or removing tissue. Using a precision laser, we are able to kill up to 99% of the disease causing bacteria in the periodontal pockets. Because there is no defense against the laser, the bacteria can not adapt and avoid elimination as with anti-biotic treatment.
There is no cutting or suturing as with traditional methods of treating periodontal disease. This provides a fast, virtually pain free procedure with that effectively treats periodontal disease.
Additionally, the precision of the laser allows Dr. Tesmer and Dr. Langston to avoid removing significant tissue. This allows for a faster recovery and minimal loss of tooth and bone structure after the procedure.
The Consequences of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. In its advanced stages the gums can become red and tender. They can also bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people also experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste.
Unchecked, periodontal disease becomes much more serious and deep pockets of bacteria develop. This bacteria eats away at the jawbone which supports your teeth. Periodontal bacteria also enter the blood stream and contribute to many other medical problems. Without treatment, the periodontal pockets deepen, resulting in tooth loss.
The purpose of periodontal treatment is to remove periodontal bacteria from the periodontal tissues and allow the area to heal. Until recently, bacterial removal entailed surgery and sutures.
Dr. Tesmer and Dr. Langston now offers Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™). This is a patient-friendly and minimally-invasive alternative.
The Laser Procedure
Because your resistance to disease is affected by many factors, we will begin your first visit with a review your dental and medical histories. This is followed by a thorough periodontal examination of your mouth and discussion of findings and treatment options. You may find it helpful to bring your spouse or a friend with you to this appointment. In most cases, no treatment is performed at this appointment.
On your treatment appointment, a small laser fiber is inserted between the tooth and the gum and the bacterial infection is removed. It takes just one 3 to 4-hour session. Dr. Tesmer or Dr. Langston will treat the entire mouth at once. Most patients feel fine returning to work the very next day.