Gum laser treatment can refer to several different procedures, but a well-known and FDA-cleared treatment is called the LANAP® protocol (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure).
Understanding LANAP®
The LANAP® protocol is a minimally invasive laser treatment specifically designed to address moderate to severe periodontal disease (gum disease). It offers a regenerative approach, aiming to help the gums reattach to the teeth, unlike traditional surgery which often involves cutting and sutures.
Key Benefits of LANAP®
- Minimally Invasive: LANAP® uses a laser to target and remove diseased tissue without cutting or stitching the gums.
- Regeneration: It aims to regenerate healthy gum tissue and bone.
- Reduced Discomfort: Patients generally experience less pain and discomfort compared to traditional gum surgery.
- Faster Recovery: The recovery period is typically shorter than with conventional surgical methods.
Other Gum Laser Procedures
While LANAP® is a prominent gum laser treatment, it's important to recognize that other laser procedures exist for various dental purposes, such as:
- Gum Contouring/Reshaping: Lasers can be used to reshape the gum line for cosmetic purposes.
- Frenectomy: Lasers can release tongue-tie or lip-tie.
Therefore, while "gum laser" often implicitly refers to LANAP® when discussing periodontal disease treatment, always clarify the specific laser procedure being discussed with your dental professional.
