Oral health is an integral part of overall wellbeing and should not be trivialized, particularly when considering the pervasiveness of various oral conditions. In the United States, periodontal disease is alarmingly common, with 80% of adults displaying signs ranging from mild gum line recession to severe periodontitis. When periodontal treatment becomes essential, especially in cases where periodontitis necessitate traditional surgery, understanding the nuances between laser gum surgery (LANAP) vs traditional gum surgery becomes imperative.

Traditional periodontal surgery has various methods, with Gingival flap surgery being prevalent in addressing gum disease. This traditional surgery involves using a scalpel to push back the gum line, facilitating a clearer view and access to pockets. Once the gums are retracted, the dentist or periodontist can thoroughly clean and manage pocket depth, often involving the removal of diseased tissues without compromising healthy gum tissue. As a part of this dental surgery, bone graft augmentation may be required to stimulate bone regeneration. Post-treatment, the gum tissue is stitched back to its original position. It's clear that traditional periodontal surgery requires certain invasive steps that can result in pain, typically managed with anesthesia. Furthermore, potential complications such as bleeding or inflammation might arise.

LANAP periodontal surgery presents a contemporary alternative. LANAP periodontal surgery is a comprehensive treatment, usually split into two sessions, each not exceeding two hours. The FDA-certified LANAP® procedure stands out for its ability to foster regeneration of tissues and bones compromised by periodontal disease, achieving optimal periodontal health. This laser surgery holds an edge due to its precision, addressing inflammations directly without risking healthy tissue. It targets and laser removes diseased tissue, supporting healthier tissue growth in its wake. Unlike traditional and laser treatments, LANAP minimizes gum line recession and curtails attachment loss while diminishing pocket depth. The omission of stitches, a common element in traditional gum surgery, fast-tracks the healing phase.

In comparing gum surgery LANAP vs traditional, LANAP undeniably offers numerous advantages. These include reduced discomfort and a remarkably shortened recovery window. If you're weighing the pros and cons of veneers and lumineers or considering your best options for achieving optimal periodontal health, contact Smile Savers Dentistry in Columbia, MD at 410-730-6460 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stewart today.