LANAP Treatment for Gum Disease in Knoxville, TN
Please note we may not offer this treatment. Call (865) 687-8670 to learn more.
Our Knoxville Periodontist Can Help Reverse Symptoms of Gum Disease
Are you searching for a dentist near you who specializes in advanced gum disease treatment? Our Knoxville dentist explains how LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) can help you, the world’s first and ONLY dental laser procedure FDA cleared and scientifically proven to regenerate bone and tissues lost to gum disease. Unlike traditional gum surgery, this revolutionary laser gum treatment provides a “no cut, no sew, no fear” approach to treating periodontal disease.
Ready to save your natural teeth? Call (865) 687-8670 to schedule your LANAP consultation with our experienced Knoxville dental professionals. Our dental practice near you proudly serves patients throughout East Tennessee, including Amherst, Marble City, West Knoxville, and surrounding communities.
What Makes LANAP Different from Traditional Gum Surgery?
LANAP laser therapy represents a breakthrough in periodontal treatment that’s changing how dental professionals approach severe gum disease. This FDA-cleared laser procedure targets diseased gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue, offering patients in Knoxville a more comfortable alternative to conventional gum surgery.
The Science Behind LANAP Success
LANAP goes a long way toward improving your dental health by reducing bleeding, swelling, and gum pocket depths. The treatment utilizes the PerioLase MVP-7 laser, which operates at a specific wavelength that:
- Eradicates harmful bacteria that cause periodontal disease
- Preserves healthy gum tissue while removing diseased tissue
- Stimulates bone regrowth and new tissue attachment
- Creates a sealed environment that promotes natural healing
Many dental professionals in Knoxville recommend laser gum surgery because studies show positive results, such as less tooth loss after laser surgery compared to traditional surgery, and increased new tissue attachments between gum and bone.
Advanced LANAP Technology: The PerioLase MVP-7 Difference
Our Knoxville practice utilizes the most advanced laser technology available for periodontal therapy. The PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser features:
- Variable pulse durations: Seven different settings for customized treatment
- 4mm penetration depth: Reaches bacteria below the gum line effectively
- Selective tissue removal: Targets diseased tissue while preserving healthy areas
- Thermal effects: Promotes blood clot formation and tissue sealing
- Mild warm sensation: No harsh cutting or burning
- Reduced bleeding: Laser energy seals blood vessels during treatment
- Minimized swelling: Less tissue trauma compared to conventional surgery
- Faster healing: Enhanced cellular response to laser energy
How LANAP Laser Gum Treatment Works
Our Knoxville periodontist follows a precise LANAP protocol that ensures optimal results for patients with moderate to severe gum disease:
Here’s a step-by-step LANAP procedure:
- Comprehensive Assessment: We measure periodontal pocket depths using specialized probes to determine the extent of gum disease
- Local Anesthesia: Gentle numbing ensures your comfort throughout the laser procedure
- Laser Therapy Treatment: The PerioLase laser removes diseased gum tissue and eliminates bacteria below the gum line
- Root Surface Cleaning: We remove calculus and tartar from tooth roots using ultrasonic instruments
- Tissue Regeneration: The laser stimulates bone regrowth and healthy gum tissue attachment
- Natural Healing: The treated area seals naturally, promoting faster recovery
Each LANAP session typically takes two to three hours, allowing your dental professional to provide thorough treatment while ensuring patient comfort.
Benefits of Choosing LANAP Over Traditional Periodontal Surgery
Minimal Pain and Faster Recovery
Unlike conventional gum surgery, which requires cutting and stitching, LANAP laser therapy offers:
- Reduced discomfort: Most patients experience minimal pain during and after treatment
- No cutting or suturing: The laser seals nerve endings, reducing post-operative sensitivity
- Quick return to activities: Most patients resume normal routines within 24-48 hours
- Less swelling and bleeding: The precise laser technology minimizes tissue trauma
Superior Tissue Preservation
LANAP’s targeted approach means:
- Healthy tissue remains intact: Only diseased tissue is removed
- Natural gum line maintained: No gum recession from tissue removal
- Reduced need for soft tissue grafts: Preservation of existing healthy gum tissue
- Better long-term periodontal health: Supporting natural healing processes
Proven Regeneration Results
What sets LANAP apart from traditional periodontal therapy is its ability to:
- Regenerate bone loss up to 6 mm deep
- Create a new attachment between the gums and the tooth roots
- Reduce periodontal pocket depths significantly
- Prevent future tooth loss through tissue regeneration
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for LANAP in Knoxville?
Our Knoxville dental professionals evaluate each patient to determine LANAP candidacy. You may benefit from laser gum therapy if you have:
- Early to Moderate Gum Disease Signs, such as bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, swollen, red, or tender gum tissue, persistent bad breath (halitosis), and gum pocket depths between 4 and 6 mm.
- Symptoms of advanced periodontal disease include loose or shifting teeth, a receding gum line exposing tooth roots, pus between teeth and gums, and changes in bite alignment.
- Challenges included ongoing periodontal disease despite regular scaling and root planing, seeking alternatives to traditional flap surgery, concerns about conventional surgical recovery time, and a desire to avoid tissue grafts when possible.
Note: Patients with extremely advanced gum disease (pocket depths exceeding 6 mm) may require additional treatments before LANAP candidacy.
Comparing LANAP to Traditional Gum Surgery
- Invasiveness: LANAP is less invasive and involves no cutting or stitching.
- Pain and Discomfort: Patients typically experience less pain with LANAP.
- Recovery Time: LANAP offers a faster recovery period.
- Tissue Preservation: LANAP targets only diseased tissue, preserving more healthy gum tissue.
- Outcome: LANAP promotes natural tissue regeneration, which is not a feature of traditional surgery.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
Proper healing after LANAP laser gum treatment ensures optimal results. Our Knoxville patients receive detailed post-operative instructions:
- For the first three days post-treatment, eat soft foods, avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy items. Rinse with warm salt water two to three times daily. Use over-the-counter pain relief and avoid strenuous exercise.
- During the healing period, from days 4 to 14, refrain from brushing the treated areas to allow for natural healing. Continue with gentle rinsing to maintain oral hygiene. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, and please contact our office if you have any concerns.
- For long-term periodontal health, professional cleanings are advised every three to four months initially. Maintain a consistent home care routine, utilizing interdental cleaning tools and proper brushing techniques. Lifestyle modifications, such as addressing smoking, are also crucial. Ongoing periodontal maintenance is essential for regular monitoring.
Insurance Coverage and Investment in Your Oral Health
Many patients wonder about the cost of LANAP compared to traditional treatments. Most dental insurance plans cover LANAP laser therapy, and it’s normally lower in cost than conventional surgery, though coverage varies among providers and locations.
Here are some financial considerations:
- Insurance verification: Our team helps verify your benefits
- Flexible payment options: Multiple financing solutions available
- Long-term value: Potential to avoid more expensive treatments
- Health investment: Prevention of systemic health complications
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. Local anesthesia ensures a pain-free experience, and post-treatment sensitivity is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
LANAP is most effective for moderate to severe periodontal disease. Early-stage gingivitis may not require such extensive treatment, while extremely advanced cases might need additional procedures.
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for LANAP as a periodontal treatment. Our team will verify your specific benefits and help maximize your coverage.
While laser technology is becoming more prevalent, not all dental professionals in Knoxville offer LANAP.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums
Don’t let gum disease compromise your oral health and overall well-being. LANAP laser therapy offers a proven, comfortable solution for treating periodontal disease while preserving your natural teeth.
Ready to learn if LANAP is right for you? Contact our Knoxville dental office today at (865) 687-8670 to schedule your comprehensive periodontal evaluation. Our experienced team is here to help you achieve optimal periodontal health through advanced laser therapy.
Serving patients throughout Knoxville, TN, and surrounding communities, including West Knoxville, Amherst, Marble City, Farragut, Powell, Halls, Corryton, and Fountain City. Transform your gum health with LANAP—the gentle, effective alternative to traditional periodontal surgery. Call today to begin your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile.