Gum disease is a common oral health problem that affects millions of Americans every year. Many people may think that gum disease only contributes to annoying or unpleasant symptoms, such as bleeding gums and bad breath. But the truth is that gum disease can quickly progress and lead to more serious complications, including tooth loss and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Fortunately, gum disease in Wareham, MA, is treatable. If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, LANAP® with the PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser can help restore the health of your smile quickly and comfortably. Here’s what you need to know before scheduling your appointment with Dr. James Kiehl at Southcoast Dental.
LANAP, or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is an FDA-approved dental procedure that offers a less invasive and more convenient option for treating gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. In most cases, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing or flossing thoroughly.
When bacteria and food debris are left behind along the gumline, gums can gradually pull away from the surface of the teeth, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms and more complex conditions. Some symptoms of gum disease include inflamed gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth.
If you're diagnosed with gum disease, it's important to schedule gingivitis treatment in Wareham, MA, to prevent the condition from progressing to periodontitis and leading to other health concerns. The LANAP procedure helps resolve gum disease by killing the bacteria causing it, removing damaged gum tissue, and reattaching the remaining healthy gum tissue to the tooth surface.
Even if gum disease has progressed beyond the early stages, periodontitis treatment at Southcoast Dental with LANAP offers hope for teeth that may have seemed otherwise hopeless. This process is crucial for restoring your gum health and preserving your natural teeth.
During your first visit, Dr. Kiehl will conduct an in-depth review of your oral health, including the condition of your gums, teeth, and supporting bone. Advanced diagnostics, such as digital scans and periodontal charting, enable the diagnosis of the severity of your gum infection in Wareham, MA, as well as the depth of your periodontal pockets. This thorough assessment enables Dr. Kiehl to create a treatment approach tailored specifically to your needs, supporting long-term gum stability.
The PerioLase laser is used to gently eliminate diseased tissue and harmful bacteria hidden below your gumline. Because the laser fiber is extremely fine, it can reach deep into periodontal pockets with exceptional precision—removing infected tissue while preserving healthy tissue. The laser also helps reduce inflammation and creates an ideal environment for healing.
Once the infected tissue has been vaporized, ultrasonic technology is used to carefully remove plaque and tartar (also known as calculus) from the tooth roots. This deep cleaning step smooths the root surfaces and helps discourage future bacterial buildup. The result is a clean, healthy smile foundation that supports tissue reattachment and regeneration.
The PerioLase laser is then reapplied at a different setting to stimulate the formation of a stable, protective clot in the treated area. This natural seal helps shield your healing tissues from bacteria, while supporting your body’s regenerative process. By protecting the treated site, the clot enhances tissue healing and recovery.
Following disinfection and clot formation, your gum tissue is gently positioned back against your tooth roots. This encourages reduced pocket depth and a secure reattachment—without the need for sutures. Patients typically experience less discomfort and a smoother recovery.
After treatment, mild tenderness or sensitivity may occur as your body begins to heal. In the weeks and months that follow, natural regenerative processes help restore gum tissue and support bone health. As healing progresses, your jawbone becomes more stable, enabling your teeth to regain a stronger foundation.
Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP at Southcoast Dental uses a precision dental laser to vaporize diseased tissue, resulting in less discomfort and faster healing. This minimally invasive approach selectively targets diseased tissue while stimulating your body's natural healing response to help gums and bone reattach.
LANAP is a modern, laser-based solution for patients with moderate to advanced gum disease who want to protect their natural teeth without traditional gum surgery. You may be an ideal candidate for LANAP laser gum disease treatment in Wareham, MA, if you meet any of the following criteria and are looking for faster healing and less disruption to your daily life.
Laser dentistry is considered minimally invasive, which means it typically involves removing or altering less tissue than traditional dental treatments. The lasers used during dental treatments at Southcoast Dental are very powerful yet compact, enabling them to be implemented with greater precision than conventional dental tools.
This is particularly helpful during gum surgery, as it enables the laser to target bacteria and remove dead gum tissue without damaging the surrounding healthy gum tissue. Laser periodontal disease treatment in Wareham, MA, also typically results in less pain than other procedures.
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