According to the CDC, nearly half (46%) of adults over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease. With gum disease affecting almost half the adult population, it’s important to understand what gum disease entails and what options you have for treatment. Below, we discuss what gum disease is, what causes it, and what solutions there are for treating it.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, sometimes referred to as periodontal disease in its later stages, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease manifests as red, swollen and tender gums that can sometimes be painful or bleed. Typically, gum disease is caused by poor brushing and flossing habits. As gum disease progresses, it can lead to gum recession and, eventually, tooth loss. The unfortunate part of gum disease is that once the tissue around the teeth begins to deteriorate and recede, it will take more than diligent brushing and flossing to cure it. Luckily, the professionals at Elkhart Periodontics have a solution to gum disease: laser dentistry.
What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is a noninvasive technique that cures gum disease. This type of dentistry is lauded for being innovative and pain-free for patients. Laser-assisted new attachment procedure, or LANAP for short, is a modern method that periodontists, like the ones at Elkhart Periodontics, are performing to remove dead gum tissues and treat gum disease.
How LANAP Treats Gum Disease
LANAP stops the progression of gum disease by killing the harmful bacteria with the laser. By killing these harmful bacteria, the healthy bacteria can work their magic to maintain the natural balance of your mouth and eventually promote new bone growth. Over time, the tissue around the roots of your teeth regrows and becomes stronger. This process allows your body to naturally regenerate the bone around your teeth that hold them in place, thus curing gum disease!
Benefits of Laser Therapy
If you are suffering from moderate to severe gum disease, you may qualify for LANAP at Elkhart Periodontics. When considering this treatment option, some of the benefits of LANAP include:
- Less swelling & sensitivity post-procedure
- Non-invasive treatment
- Pain-free process
- Faster healing time compared to conventional gum surgeries
- Cures gum disease
If you are interested in learning more about LANAP, contact Elkhart Periodontics to get your laser therapy consultation to see if you apply. If you are interested in additional dental services, call Elkhart Periodontics at 574-266-6107 to discover how they can help with all your oral health and gum health needs.
