Treat Gum Disease for Your Summer Smile
June 28, 2018
Dealing with gum disease in Springfield, MO? Don’t let it get you down. With gum disease treatment like LANAP®, you can get your smile ready for the summer with Dr. Tokarczyk.
It’s important to address gum disease. This condition is painful and can have long-term health impacts. It has been associated with difficulty controlling diabetes symptoms, pregnancy complications, and an increased risk of heart disease. Any time a part of your body is unhealthy, the entire system suffers.
If you are noticing gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding, or receding, it’s a good reason to come see periodontist, Dr. Tokarczyk. Chronic bad breath, and shifting, loose, or sensitive teeth are also potential signs of gum disease.
Sometimes people are reluctant to seek treatment for gum disease because they have heard that scalpel and suture surgery is painful, or that recovery can be time-consuming. With summer fun around the corner, don’t let this be the reason you avoid fixing your gum disease.
Using a treatment like Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), your gums will be healthy and normal again, with healing that is much faster than traditional gum surgery. Smile your way through summer without having to take time off to heal.
How Does LANAP Work?
LANAP is an exciting technological advancement for patients with gum disease. Your periodontist will let you know if you are a candidate for this non-surgical procedure. If you are, this is what you can expect.
A laser passes over the inner surface of pockets in your gums created by gum disease. The diseased part of the tissue is destroyed along with bacteria and other pathogens. The periodontist creates a clot that seals the pocket. New, healthy gum tissue will grow back, and attach itself to your tooth, completely eradicating the empty pocket.
Your periodontist will perform this procedure under local anesthesia. Typically, one half of a patient’s mouth is treated per appointment.
Benefits of LANAP
Perhaps the best part of LANAP is the minimal amount of pain. There is no cutting or sewing involved, so for patients who are anxious, or simply want a less invasive process, LANAP is well worth discussing with your periodontist.
Most patients can get back to day-to-day activities right away, as compared to traditional gum surgery which requires several weeks of healing.
Periodontist, Dr. Tokarczyk in Springfield, MO is trained in performing the LANAP procedure and is here to help you get your smile summer-ready. Call today!