Before you visit Dr. Robert Franklin for laser gum disease treatment, you may wish to have a basic idea of what the operation entails. Understanding how advanced laser dentistry works will allow you to be better prepared and more relaxed during your visit. It can also help you to understand the benefits and why they occur. By following the protocol of Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®), Dr. Franklin can eliminate as much as 90 percent of bacteria and inflammation!
Basic Steps of the LANAP® Protocol
Step 1: Measuring the Loss of Attachment
The first step in LANAP® is to measure the depth of your periodontal pockets and examine how much tissue has become detached. This will tell us the severity of your condition so that we can adjust the treatment accordingly.
Step 2: Eliminate Bacteria
The next step is to remove bacteria and inflamed tissue. Advanced laser dentistry utilizes a laser, rather than a scalpel, so the procedure is therefore less invasive and incurs very little pain for patients.
Step 3: Removing Calculus
Plaque and bacteria can collect and harden, forming calculus (tartar) deposits on the teeth. The laser itself cannot remove these deposits, so Dr. Franklin will use ultrasonic scalers to remove any plaque and tartar from underneath the gum line.
Step 4: Stimulating Regrowth
One of the key benefits of advanced laser dentistry is that it is able to promote the regrowth of bone and soft tissue in areas that have been affected by gum disease. This is accomplished by using the laser to make a second pass over the area at a frequency that stimulates tissue growth. In addition, the blood will become sticky and adhere to the surface of the tooth, effectively resulting in bleeding cessation.
Step 5: Recompressing Tissue
The next step in advanced laser dentistry is to recompress the tissue against the surface of the tooth. This eliminates the need for sutures.
Step 6: Adjusting the Bite
The last and final step of advanced laser dentistry is to adjust the bite and check the teeth for signs of trauma. This is especially important for teeth that have experienced bone loss.
By following LANAP®, Dr. Franklin can effectively remove up to 90 percent of inflammation and bacteria from your gum tissue with this treatment. For information on laser gum disease treatment in Elizabethtown, KY, contact the offices of Dr. Franklin and schedule your consultation today!