Is there an alternative to gum surgery for treating advanced gum disease?
If you have been told you have advanced gum disease, you may have also been told you need surgery. That often means scalpels, sutures, and weeks of recovery. The thought is enough to make anyone hesitate.
But what if there was another way? What if you could treat gum disease without cutting or stitches?
There is. It’s called LANAP. And Dr. Robert Cain at East Tennessee Periodontics in Knoxville, TN, is a certified LANAP provider.
What Is LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive laser treatment for gum disease. Instead of using a scalpel to cut away diseased tissue, the LANAP laser targets only the damaged areas. It leaves healthy tissue completely untouched.
The laser removes bacteria and diseased tissue. Then it seals the gum tissue and stimulates your body’s natural healing response. This encourages the regrowth of healthy gum attachment and even bone regeneration.
For patients looking for alternatives to gum surgery, LANAP is a game-changer.
Why Choose LANAP Over Traditional Surgery?
Traditional gum surgery works. But it has downsides. It requires cutting, stitching, and weeks of recovery. Many patients experience significant discomfort, swelling, and bleeding.
LANAP is different. It offers real alternatives to gum surgery with major advantages:
- No sutures. No stitches to remove. No hassle.
- No cutting. The laser does the work without scalpels.
- Less discomfort. Most patients experience minimal pain.
- Less bleeding. The laser seals blood vessels as it works.
- Less swelling. Your gums heal faster.
- Faster recovery. Many patients return to normal activities the next day.
How is LANAP More Comfortable Than Gum Surgery?
With traditional surgery, your gums are cut open. That means pain. You need numbing medication, and even then, you may feel discomfort during and after the procedure.
LANAP is different. The laser is incredibly precise and only affects infected areas. Healthy tissue is left completely alone. Most patients say they feel little to no pain during the procedure.
After LANAP, the discomfort is usually mild. You might feel some soreness, like after a deep cleaning. But it is nothing like the pain that comes with traditional surgery. Many patients take over-the-counter pain medication and are fine.
Is LANAP Right for You?
LANAP is designed for patients with moderate to severe gum disease. It is especially helpful for patients who:
- Have been told their teeth are “hopeless”
- Fear traditional gum surgery
- Have diabetes
- Take blood thinners like Plavix or aspirin
- Have failing dental implants
- Want to save loose teeth
Dr. Cain has over 30 years of experience as a periodontist. He is a former president of the Tennessee Society of Periodontists. He hosts both the ITI Study Club and a Spear Study Club chapter. Dr. Cain knows how to evaluate your gums and determine if LANAP is the right choice for you.
Your Health Matters
Gum disease is not just a dental problem. It is a health problem. Research links gum disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious conditions. Treating gum disease protects your smile and your overall health.
If you have been avoiding treatment because you fear surgery, LANAP is the answer. It is one of the best alternatives to gum surgery available today.
Dentists have been using LANAP successfully for over 20 years. Thousands of patients have been treated with excellent results. It is a proven, trusted option for treating gum disease.
Schedule Your Gum Consultation Today
Do you have gum disease? Have you been told your gums are “hopeless”? There is hope. LANAP could restore your gum health without surgery.
Contact Knoxville, TN, periodontist Dr. Robert Cain to learn more about how LANAP could restore your gum health. Call (865) 276-7173 or request a consultation online.
