Laser dentistry with LANAP in Tamarac, FL

When treated in the early stage of gingivitis, gum disease is completely curable. As it progresses, however, it can only be treated, it can't be cured. LANAP, a relatively new laser treatment for advanced periodontal disease, is minimally invasive and doesn't require scalpel surgery like traditional treatments. It also promotes faster and more comprehensive healing so some of the damage from periodontal disease may be reversed.

How to Know If You Have Gum Disease

Although many people have periodontal disease but are unaware of it, if you have any of these symptoms, you may be in one of the stages of periodontal disease and should seek immediate treatment:

• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
• Chronic bad breath
• Loosened teeth
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Swollen or red gums

If you have one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment with one of our LANAP dentists in Cooper City. Periodontal disease won't go away without treatment and the sooner you detect it and seek treatment, the better the prognosis.

Gingivitis – the first stage of gum disease – can be cured if caught early. If not and it escalates to periodontal disease, then it can be treated but not cured. Any damage that's been done can only be reversed through cosmetic or reconstructive dentistry, which can be expensive and time consuming.

What's the Procedure for Getting LANAP Treatment?

LANAP laser treatments use a special laser to excise the infection that's damaging gum tissue and causing inflammation. Due to the pinpoint accuracy of a laser beam, the surrounding tissue remains undamaged and only the diseased tissue is removed.

The laser beam is about the diameter of three human hairs and can remove the infection, plaque, and tartar that's problematic. Then, the laser is set to a frequency that will cauterize the incision and promote clotting.

Pain and discomfort are minimal and are usually managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Patients usually resume their normal routine shortly after their appointment.

Aftercare instructions are as follows:

• For the first seven to 10 days, avoid brushing and flossing on the treated side
• Maintain a soft or liquid diet as recommended by your dentist
• Avoid smoking

Smoking will inhibit your body's ability to repair the tissues, so your healing process will take longer. Come to our Cooper City office once each quarter for the next year for cleaning and a checkup. Your dentist may recommend additional orthodontic or restorative treatments depending on the damage caused by the periodontal disease, and many patients wear splints during the first year to help stabilize their teeth. Be sure to call our Cooper City office if you have additional questions or want to schedule a consultation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for LANAP?

Each patient must be evaluated by one of our LANAP dentists to determine if they're a good candidate for the procedure. Usually, those who are in a later stage of periodontal disease are good candidates, but your dentist will make that determination during your initial consultation.

How Long Do LANAP Treatments Take?

Not including your initial consultation, your LANAP treatment will require two office visits of two hours each. We'll treat half of your mouth during each session. Patients usually resume their daily routine soon after they leave the office, subject to their aftercare instructions of course.

What Is the LANAP Aftercare Procedure?

Normally, the area will be somewhat tender after the procedure and it may also be somewhat discolored. This is a normal reaction to the laser. You'll be on a restricted diet and you shouldn't smoke since that will impair your healing process. Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions, but if you have any questions or problems, be sure to call our Cooper City office. The good news is that the LANAP procedure is less invasive than other gum surgery.

What's the LANAP Cost And Does Insurance Cover It?

Your LANAP cost will be unique to you and will depend on the amount of work you need, your insurance coverage, and any additional treatments your dentist deems necessary or advisable. During your initial consultation, we'll provide you with a detailed estimate of your LANAP cost.

Many insurance companies will cover all or part of the treatment cost for periodontal disease but check with your provider to determine the extent of your coverage. If you still have questions, call our Cooper City office and we'll be happy to help you.

Are LANAP Dentists Specially Trained?

Each LANAP dentist must be a licensed dentist and undergo additional classroom and practical training to be certified for the LANAP procedure. Only LANAP-certified dentists can perform the LANAP procedure.

What Do the LANAP Reviews Say?

Both patient and dentist LANAP reviews have been very positive regarding LANAP results. Healing is more rapid, the procedure is less invasive than the traditional scalpel surgical procedure, and it promotes healing beyond the surgical procedure so that some of the damage done by the gum disease may be repaired.

Looking for LANAP in Cooper City?

If you're looking for LANAP in Cooper City, then call Towncare Dental of Cooper City at (954) 719-6278 and schedule an appointment or a consultation. If you have any stage of gum disease, it's vital that you treat it promptly. Otherwise, it can have serious health ramifications. Call our Cooper City office today. You'll be glad you made the call.