Introducing LANAP®: a Gentle, Precise, and Effective Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease can be alarming, but treating it doesn’t have to be. At Potomac Periodontics & Dental Implants, Dr. Chris Drennen is dedicated to providing minimally-invasive laser gum therapy using the LANAP® protocol. This groundbreaking treatment eliminates the need for traditional cutting, stitches, or painful surgical techniques, ensuring your experience is comfortable and anxiety-free.

Illustration of a dental laser treating inflamed gum tissue between teeth.
LANAP® uses gentle, focused laser energy to precisely remove infected gum tissue and bacteria, leaving healthy tissue unharmed and significantly reducing recovery time.

What Exactly is LANAP®?

LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive laser gum treatment designed specifically to combat periodontal disease and stimulate natural regeneration of gum tissue. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP® uses gentle, focused laser energy to precisely remove infected gum tissue and bacteria, leaving healthy tissue unharmed and significantly reducing recovery time.

Advantages of LANAP® over Traditional Gum Surgery:

  • Minimally Invasive: No scalpels or sutures, significantly reducing trauma and discomfort.
  • Minimal Pain and Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience significantly reduced discomfort both during and after the procedure.
  • Rapid Healing: LANAP® promotes faster healing, allowing you to resume normal activities quickly.
  • No Cutting, No Stitches: The procedure avoids the use of scalpels or sutures, resulting in minimal bleeding and reduced swelling.
  • Preservation of Gum Tissue: Targets only diseased tissue, leaving healthy gum intact.
  • Proven Results: Clinically tested to effectively regenerate gum and bone tissue naturally.
Illustration depicting the LANAP protocol steps for treating gum disease, showing sequential stages involving laser treatment around a tooth.

Step-by-Step LANAP® Protocol

The LANAP® Protocol is a meticulously designed, step-by-step approach ensuring optimal results:

  1. Comprehensive Examination: Dr. Drennen carefully evaluates your oral health, including detailed periodontal charting and digital imaging, to precisely diagnose the severity of gum disease.
  2. Initial Laser Application (Selective Removal of Diseased Tissue):
    • Utilizing the specialized PerioLase® MVP-7 laser, Dr. Drennen gently targets infected areas, selectively removing bacteria and diseased tissue without affecting healthy gums.
  3. Deep Cleaning of the Roots: Ultrasonic instruments and specialized hand instruments gently remove calculus deposits and infected tissue from beneath the gumline.
  4. Second Laser Application (Clot Formation): The laser is reapplied to form a stable fibrin clot around the tooth root, sealing the treatment area and promoting a clean, disinfected environment for healing.
  5. Compression and Adjustment of Gum Tissues: Dr. Drennen gently adjusts the gum tissues against the tooth root to promote quick and accurate healing.
  6. Bite Adjustment: Dr. Drennen evaluates and adjusts your bite to reduce excessive pressure on your teeth, ensuring optimal conditions for gum regeneration and tooth stability.
  7. Healing and Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups are scheduled to monitor your progress, ensuring successful healing and long-lasting periodontal health.
An image of a radiograph demonstrating before and after images with the LANAP technique. The before image has very severe bone loss, and the after image shows successful regeneration of the bone surrounding the tooth.

Benefits of LANAP® Therapy at Potomac Perio

Choosing LANAP® with Dr. Drennen means choosing advanced periodontal care delivered by an expert clinician committed to your comfort and exceptional results:

  • Minimal Pain and Maximum Comfort: The precision of laser technology greatly reduces anxiety and pain.
  • Preservation of Healthy Tissue: LANAP® targets only infected tissues, preserving your healthy gum tissue.
  • Stimulates Natural Regeneration: Promotes the body’s ability to regenerate lost bone and gum attachment naturally.
  • Reduced Swelling and Bleeding: Patients experience significantly less swelling, bleeding, and discomfort compared to traditional gum surgery.
  • Proven Clinical Outcomes: Backed by extensive clinical research, LANAP® offers predictable, durable results.

Is LANAP® Right for Me?

LANAP® is ideal for patients experiencing:

  • Gum inflammation or bleeding during brushing or flossing
  • Receding gums or teeth appearing longer than usual
  • Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste
  • Loose teeth or shifting bite alignment

Dr. Drennen provides thorough assessments to determine if LANAP® is the best treatment for your periodontal needs, ensuring personalized care tailored specifically to your oral health goals.

Logo reading "LANAP Certified Clinician" in bold blue lettering, accompanied by a stylized blue laser graphic.

LANAP® Certified Clinician

Dr. Drennen is certified in LANAP® therapy, demonstrating advanced training and commitment to providing the highest standard of minimally invasive periodontal care.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Experience gentle, precise, and effective periodontal care at Potomac Perio. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Drennen to discuss how LANAP® therapy can restore your gum health comfortably and effectively.

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