Painless laser treatment for gum disease

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Oct. 2, 2014 - PRLog -- LANAP Press Release

Minneapolis, Minnesota

October 2, 2014

DR ANDRES SANCHEZ OFFERS MINIMALLY-INVASIVE LASER TREATMENT FOR GUM DISEASE

Dr. Andres Sanchez is one of the few periodontists in Twin Cities area that has been Board-Certified by the American Board of Periodontology on the Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of the Most Common Chronic Medical Condition in the U.S.

Eden Prairie, Minnesota - October 2, 2014 – Dr. Andres Sanchez is excited and privileged to announce the offering of a simple, quick and safe outpatient treatment for gum disease (clinical term: periodontal disease). The American Dental Association (ADA) defines gum disease as an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the condition affects 85 percent of the American population and moderate to severe forms of gum disease affect 74 percent of the adult population. The Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure™ (LANAP™) is an FDA-cleared treatment developed to clear away diseased tissue without cutting or sutures.

"With the availability of LANAP, I can now treat patients in my office with a highly effective, well established and scientifically proven procedure. LANAP eliminates many of the reasons that so many patients hesitate to seek treatment for periodontal disease by reducing post-operative pain, the number of sessions required and the recovery time. Knowing this helps me ensure that my patients get the best possible dental care with very little discomfort and side effects." said Dr. Sanchez, of PerioWest Dental Implants and Laser Periodontics Center located in Eden Prairie, MN.

Experts agree that gum disease is one of the most common medical infections in the United States. 50 out of 100 adult Americans have moderate to severe gum disease, 40 out of the 50 do not even know it, and fewer than two of them will get treated before it is too late. In the initial stages of periodontal disease, gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. As the disease progresses, the gums and bone around the teeth are slowly destroyed, many times with no awareness or symptoms at all. LANAP therapy can intervene before the disease progresses too far.

Usually the patients who are diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease are treated with traditional periodontal surgery.  The surgery is a more invasive procedure which involves gum cutting, reshaping and repositioning of a bone and stitches.  It is followed by a lengthier recovery period where gum and teeth can become more sensitive for several months. The surgery can take up as many as four appointments versus two appointments for LANAP.  However, it is important to note that LANAP is not a complete replacement for the traditional surgery and certain conditions will still require a traditional method.

LANAP is less painful, less invasive and less complications following the treatment than the traditional surgery. LANAP is performed in a periodontal office with local anesthesia. Prior to the procedure, the periodontist preforms a thorough oral examination and takes X-rays, if necessary, to determine the extent of the periodontal disease. During LANAP therapy, a tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three human hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum. The infection and disease are cleared away without cutting the gums. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned of tartar and plaque, and the laser is used again with a different setting to seal the gum pocket. Therapy is completed in only two appointments. The periodontist treats one half of the patient's mouth at each session and patients are able to drive themselves back to work or home following the procedure. Periodontists typically recommend a soft diet for as few days.

A current peer-reviewed study published in the esteemed International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry demonstrates positive, consistent results of new root coating (cementum) and new connective tissue attachment (collagen) suggesting that the best possible type of healing can be obtained with LANAP for the treatment of moderate to severe gum disease.

All periodontists and general dentists who perform LANAP are required to complete a 12-months extensive clinical and hands-on training at the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD). Over the course of a year, periodontists hone and refine their techniques.  The IALD is the only active laser training institute in the United States recognized by the American Dental Association's Continuing Education Program (ADA CERP).

ABOUT PERIOWEST
info@periowestmn.com
800 Prairie Center Drive Suite 220
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
(952) 567-7457
periowestmn.com