LANAP San Diego & La Jolla

• La Jolla Dental Care
• Dental Services
• Lanap

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition that affects millions of Americans. Although this condition starts as gingivitis, it can quickly become more serious if left untreated. Before long, you can find yourself dealing with severe tooth pain, receding gums, loose teeth, and even bone loss. At La Jolla Dentistry, we offer an innovative procedure known as LANAP, which can be very effective in treating advanced periodontal disease.

What Is LANAP?

The LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a minimally invasive procedure performed to regenerate bone and tissue lost due to periodontal disease.

How Does LANAP Work?

During LANAP, a specialized dental laser is used to target diseased tissue while completely bypassing any healthy tissue in the area. This laser device works to eliminate the affected tissue as well as bacteria and pathologic proteins. This encourages new, healthy tissue and bone to be generated and speeds up the overall healing process.

With LANAP, advanced gum disease can be effectively treated without the need for incisions or stitches. Additionally, the procedure does not harm or remove any of the healthy gum tissue, resulting in a short recovery period, minimal pain, and minimal gum recession.

LANAP Gum Disease Treatment

Benefits of LANAP

For those dealing with advanced periodontal disease, LANAP can offer the following benefits:

• Safely eliminates diseased gum tissue
• Preserves surrounding healthy tissue
• Eliminates bacteria and pathologic proteins
• Minimally invasive procedure
• Minimal recovery downtime
• No incisions required
• Encourages the growth of new healthy gum tissue and bone

What Should I Expect During the Procedure?

Before you undergo LANAP treatment, the first step will be to have an exam and consultation with Dr. Han. He will closely examine your teeth and gums to ensure that you’re a good candidate for LANAP. He will then discuss your treatment options with you and answer any questions you have about the procedure. If you decide to move forward with LANAP, he’ll work with you to create a custom-tailored treatment plan that suits your needs.

Your LANAP will be performed as an outpatient procedure right at our office. To begin, you’ll be administered local anesthesia to prevent any pain during the treatment. Dr. Han will then use a specialized laser device to target the area between your teeth and gums. This laser will clear away the infected tissue as well as any plaque or tartar in the area. Once the diseased tissue and bacteria have been removed, a different setting on the laser will be used to seal off the pocket with a blood clot. Overall, the procedure should take approximately two hours to complete, and you should be able to return home shortly after it’s finished.

What Is Recovery Like After LANAP?

One of the great things about LANAP is that the recovery process tends to be short and relatively easy. You may experience some discomfort following the procedure, but it should be minimal. Dr. Han will provide you with detailed instructions to ensure that you heal properly. For example, you will need to avoid brushing or flossing the treatment area for 10 to 14 days, and you will also need to be on a liquid diet for a few days. After that, you can eat soft foods for four days before resuming your normal diet.

Am I a Candidate for LANAP in San Diego?

Individuals dealing with advanced periodontal disease could be good candidates for LANAP. To be an ideal candidate for the procedure, you should:

• Have symptoms of moderate to severe gum disease, such as red swollen gums, receding gums, and pain while eating or brushing your teeth
• Have the desire to treat your gum disease without surgery
• Have realistic expectations for the procedure

Why Choose La Jolla Dentistry for LANAP?

When you choose La Jolla Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry for your LANAP, you’ll be under the expert care of Dr. Michael Han. Dr. Han is a skilled dentist who takes great pride in bringing integrity, character, and top-tier dental care to his practice. He and his team understand that undergoing dental work is a major source of anxiety for many people, and they go above and beyond to provide a comfortable, stress-free experience for every single patient. Dr. Han will work closely with you to ensure that you receive personalized care and exceptional results. Contact our office today if you’d like to schedule a consultation for LANAP in La Jolla.