Clover Dentistry
Bringing Life to your Smile
A laser fiber probe about the width of two human hairs is gently inserted between your tooth and gum tissue. As the laser light energy is transmitted through the fiber probe harmful bacteria causing gum disease are eliminated
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is an FDA approved patented protocol for the treatment of gum Disease. LANAP is an effective, proven treatment of periodontitis through regeneration rather than resection (surgery).. In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the LANAP protocol for the treatment of periodontal disease6. The formal definition developed for LANAP is “ cementum mediated new attachment to the root surface in the absence of long junctional epithelium”. Patterned after the Excisional New Attachment Procedure (ENAP), LANAP is designed to remove diseased and necrotic tissue selectively from within the periodontal sulcus. However LANAP utilizes a free running (10-6 secs) pulsed Nd: YAG laser in place of a scalpel. Orginally referred to as Laser- ENAP, LANAP has involved to provide a minimally invasive alternative to flap surgeries.
HOW DOES LANAP WORKS?
A laser fiber probe about the width of two human hairs is gently inserted between your tooth and gum tissue. As the laser light energy is transmitted through the fiber probe harmful bacteria causing gum disease are eliminated. Once the bacteria is selectively removed using the laser light energy, your gum can successfully reattach to your tooth root thereby protecting the bone beneath and permitting the bone to regenerate.
Clinical Advantages
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Precision
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Deeper penetration–kills bacteria beyond the tip up to 1.5mm into dentin tubul
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Selective photo-thermal ablation of red inflamed tissue
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Bactericidal especially to black pigmented bacteria
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Effects calculus so it’s easier to remove
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Neutralizes endotoxins in root and tissue
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Biostimulation of stem cells in the periodontal ligament to promote regeneration
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Hemostasis
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Less recession
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Much less sensitivity
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Quicker healing overall Minimal postoperative discomfort by reducing prostaglandins
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Reduced stress for doctor, staff, and patient
Patient Acceptance of the LANAP Protocol
Even patients who have traditionally avoided dental treatment or have experienced traditional surgery in the past accept LANAP treatment. They are seeking an alternative to traditional surgery and are familiar and comfortable with the use of lasers for LASIK treatment for their eyes. Thus, they consider laser treatment for periodontal disease a viable alternative. Clinically, what immediately becomes apparent is that post operatively there is minimal discomfort, shrinkage of swollen, puffy gums and reduction of bleeding. After the procedure, the patient can see that the tissues feel and look healthier. Since LANAP treatment is not a cut-and-sew procedure, no native tissues are injured; the recession associated with traditional surgery is not present. Consequently, the patients do not have the root sensitivity or longer-appearing teeth.