After receiving LANAP, you cannot brush or floss for 7 to 10 days.
Dr. Girgis will examine your mouth and take x-rays to look for signs of oral health problems.
After assessing your symptoms and your oral health, Dr. Girgis will speak to you about your treatment options and explore the possibility of laser treatment.
A beam of light will cut into the targeted area of your tooth or soft tissues.
For soft tissues, we will go over the area again with the laser to seal the wound. The laser cauterizes the wound as it cuts, so you will not require stitches. Dr. Girgis will discuss aftercare instructions with you.
At Heartwell Dental, our Long Beach dentists use a Waterlase laser which uses water, air, and laser energy to cut through both soft and hard tissues in the mouth. This is a painless and minimally invasive alternative to oral surgery.
Lasers preserve more of the existing tooth structure by removing decay as compared to a dental drill. The Waterlase laser is precise, which helps us perform root canals, treat tooth decay, remove impacted teeth, treat tooth sensitivity, remove cysts, perform frenectomies, and treat gum disease with better accuracy and increased comfort.
Lasers remove the need for drills to remove tooth decay.
Yes, dental lasers reduce inflammation, bleeding, and the risk of infection. This helps patients speed up their recovery time because the precision of the dental laser doesn’t damage the surrounding tissues.
Laser dentistry is the most effective way to treat gum disease. We can sterilize and reshape the gums using lasers instead of long, invasive surgical procedures such as bone grafts or open-flap surgery. Overall, dental lasers perform dental treatments with better accuracy, less swelling, and a shorter treatment time.
Yes, dental lasers reduce inflammation, bleeding, and the risk of infection. This helps patients speed up their recovery time because the precision of the dental laser doesn’t damage the surrounding tissues.
Laser dentistry is the most effective way to treat gum disease. We can sterilize and reshape the gums using lasers instead of long, invasive surgical procedures such as bone grafts or open-flap surgery. Overall, dental lasers perform dental treatments with better accuracy, less swelling, and a shorter treatment time.
The effects of LANAP treatment are long-lasting, provided you maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings. With proper care, the results of LANAP can last for many years. However, it's important to note that gum disease is a chronic condition, and regular maintenance is crucial to prevent its recurrence.
Yes, one of the key benefits of LANAP is that it promotes the regeneration of healthy gum tissue. The laser treatment stimulates the body's natural healing process, allowing the gums to reattach to the teeth and regenerate lost bone and tissue. This results in a tighter and more aesthetically pleasing gum line.
The LANAP laser treatment is generally well-tolerated by patients with minimal discomfort. Unlike traditional gum surgery, which involves cutting and suturing, the LANAP laser is minimally invasive. Most patients report feeling only slight pressure during the procedure and experience very little swelling or bleeding afterward. Your dentist may provide a topical anesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment.
The duration of the LANAP procedure varies depending on the extent of your gum disease and the number of teeth involved. On average, the treatment can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours per quadrant (quarter) of the mouth. Your dentist may choose to treat one quadrant at a time or multiple quadrants in a single visit, depending on your specific situation.
One of the significant advantages of LANAP is the relatively short recovery time compared to traditional gum surgery. Most patients can resume their normal activities within 24 hours after the procedure. You may experience some minor discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Your dentist will provide you with specific post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Many dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of the LANAP laser treatment, as it is considered a standard procedure for treating gum disease. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and the details of your policy. It's essential to check with your insurance provider beforehand to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.
LANAP is a suitable treatment option for most patients suffering from moderate to advanced periodontal disease. However, your dentist will evaluate your specific condition and medical history to determine if LANAP is the best course of action for you. Factors such as the severity of your gum disease, bone loss, and overall oral health will be taken into consideration.
Laser dentistry can be used to whiten teeth.