Introducing LANAP®:
A guide to gentle, precision laser therapy for gum disease

As a prosthodontist, Dr. Khoda of Argyle Family Dental in Centennial, Colorado, specializes in rebuilding the structure, health, and function of the teeth and the supportive tissues surrounding the teeth. You can trust Dr. Khoda’s considerable expertise and knowledge. In addition, she has invested in the latest technologies, such as LANAP® laser surgery, to support the optimal treatment of conditions such as periodontal disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss. Furthermore, advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with various systemic illnesses, including poorly-controlled diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and COPD. 

LANAP® alternative to conventional perio surgery

LANAP® stands for “Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure.” Traditionally, procedures to treat gum disease have involved using cutting instruments, such as scalpels, cutting techniques, incisions, and sutures. These approaches are largely invasive and have greater risks of undesirable side effects and complications; for instance, pain, swelling, and excessive bleeding. Additionally, numbing anesthetic administered via needles or shots may be necessary to manage the discomfort and other side effects. 

By using the laser system, Dr. Khoda avoids scalpels. As a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional periodontal surgery, LANAP® is gentle, fast, precise, safe, and low-risk (leaves the surrounding tissues untouched). In fact, LANAP® avoids many common triggers or sources of dental anxiety and fear such as scalpels. This feature makes laser-assisted periodontal therapy an appropriate option for all patients, including adults and pediatrics.

Candidates for this No Cut, No Sew, No Fear approach

LANAP® is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe gum disease. The disease starts as inflammation (gingivitis) and can develop into early, moderate, and advanced periodontitis characterized by inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissues and varying degrees of bone loss. When directed to the diseased tissues, the laser energy selectively destroys harmful bacteria and toxins. Additionally, in Dr. Khoda’s highly capable hands, the LANAP® removes hardened plaque (calculus or tartar) from the root surfaces. 

Notably, LANAP® is the only laser-assisted protocol to be cleared by the FDA for true regeneration. It supports healing and regenerates new cementum, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone. Other systems and protocols are designed to repair diseased tissues, not to regenerate and restore them to their normal structure and function. LANAP®, in turn, rebuilds tissues without using foreign materials, which may be associated with adverse reactions or sensitivities. In fact, Dr. Khoda’s minimally-invasive, high-tech approach is:

• Biologic-free 
• Free of growth factors
• Graft-less 
• Free of foreign membranes

Additionally, it does not require the introduction of scaffolds or the closure of incisions with sutures or stitches (there is no cutting, after all!). 

The process 

Dr. Khoda will first determine your suitability for treatment. A specialized instrument (periodontal probe) may be used to pinpoint the depth of the pockets between the gums and the teeth. As gum disease progresses, these spaces or perio pockets grow larger. If you are an excellent candidate for this revolutionary periodontal therapy, Dr. Khoda will walk you through everything to expect and answer any questions you may have.

Generally, we ask that you set aside around two hours. As a full-mouth procedure, two appointments are usually necessary to complete your treatment. During the first appointment, one side of the mouth is treated. We treat the other side of the mouth during your return visit, typically scheduled no later than one week after the initial treatment. One of the many benefits of LANAP® is that it’s a “no-downtime” procedure. Side effects are typically limited to mild discomfort and soreness at the treatment site. These effects largely subside quickly, within one to two days following your appointment. We can advise on the medications and other ways to help with any discomfort in the meantime. We’ll also provide directions on what to eat and how to care for your teeth and gums as they heal and tissues are regenerated.

During follow-up appointments, your “bite” may need to be adjusted as the supportive gums heal and the teeth shift accordingly. We can suggest oral splints to aid in stabilizing the teeth. They must be worn as instructed to properly promote healing. The teeth should also be professionally cleaned at three-month intervals (instead of the “standard” six months) for at least the first year after completion of LANAP® treatment. Then, Dr. Khoda can advise on the best long-term hygiene routine to address your needs and situation.

Experience the many benefits!

LANAP® presents numerous benefits over standard tools and techniques to kill bacteria, resolve inflammation and disease, and promote healthy tissue attachment and healing. Partly, as a LANAP® patient, you can keep your teeth and restore the comfort and healthy function of your gums, and you can do so in the most efficient, fear-free, and low-stress way possible. LANAP®:

• Minimizes pain 
• Is associated with minimal bleeding and swelling 
• Eases sensitivity 
• Preserves maximal tissues 
• Requires little downtime 
• Is associated with a low risk of infections
• Is cleared for “true” tissue regeneration
• Supports fast and comfortable healing 
• Doesn’t require antibiotics (avoids antibiotic resistance)
• Safe for “medically-compromised” patients, i.e., those on blood thinners or who are diabetic 
• Is precise and highly targeted (for minimally-invasive treatment)

If you are concerned about changes to your gums and teeth, do not hesitate to contact Argyle Family Dental. With our blend of specialized expertise and cutting-edge tools, we can help! Call (720) 573-2454 to reach our kind and talented team in Centennial, CO.