Dealing With Gum Discomfort? How the LANAP® Procedure Can Restore Your Oral Health

Swollen gums make eating and brushing your teeth uncomfortable. Discover how LANAP® may help ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Keep reading to learn how our providers can help.

Gum discomfort is a common symptom of periodontal disease, a condition that nearly half of United States adults experience. However, without diagnosis and treatment, gum disease can increase the risk of more serious oral health issues, such as tooth and bone loss.

The good news is that gum disease is treatable, and one popular option is the laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP®). At Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants, Caesar Sweidan, DDS, and Cyrus Mansouri, DDS, offer LANAP to people who qualify.

This article explains common causes of gum discomfort and how LANAP may help ease symptoms and support good oral health.

Why periodontal disease can cause gum discomfort

Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria and plaque — a sticky film made of saliva and food particles — collect on your teeth and beneath your gums.

There’s no way to prevent this buildup entirely, but if you don’t brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly, it can cause inflammation and other uncomfortable symptoms, including:

Redness
Swelling
Bleeding when brushing and flossing
Gum recession
Persistent bad breath

Improved oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of issues such as tooth loss, but professional treatment is often necessary to keep gum disease from progressing. That’s where LANAP comes in.

Understanding the LANAP procedure

LANAP is a minimally invasive type of laser therapy that treats gum disease and helps prevent it from worsening.

During treatment, we use a handheld laser to target inflamed gum tissue and oral bacteria. This lets us remove any diseased tissue and kill the bacteria associated with gum disease. Together, this helps support healthy gum tissue and improve your oral health.

Treating diseased gum tissue with LANAP makes it easier for your gums to reattach to your teeth. It also protects your gums and the bones that support your teeth, reducing the risk of more serious issues later on.

Because LANAP is minimally invasive, it typically doesn’t require sutures or the traditional incisions used in other periodontal procedures. After treatment, many people can return to work and other activities within a day.

How to tell if you’re a candidate for LANAP

The best way to tell if you’re a candidate for LANAP is to undergo a comprehensive oral exam. After a review of your dental records, a discussion of your symptoms, and a dental exam and X-rays, we can make personalized treatment recommendations.

That said, many people with moderate to severe gum disease qualify for this procedure.

Ready to see if LANAP is right for you?

If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontal disease, you’re probably weighing your treatment options. LANAP offers a safe and effective alternative to other procedures and has a proven track record of success.