In a recent interview, Dr. Shalom Mintz of Rockland Dental Specialists answered questions about the LANAP procedure and the Periolase (the specific laser used to perform the procedure). In it, Dr. Mintz shares why he believes so strongly in the LANAP procedure and its ability to provide the best periodontal outcomes for his patients. One of the foundational factors forming the basis of this belief is that “The tissue tells the story.”
What is “The Tissue”?
There are many different types of tissue in the oral cavity. As a periodontist, “the tissue” that Dr. Mintz is referring to is the periodontal tissue. Periodontal tissue is the supporting structure surrounding each tooth in the mouth. It consists of the jawbone, the covering gum tissues (the gingiva), and the periodontal ligament which connects the roots of the teeth to the bone. The visible tissue that specialists, dentists, and dental hygienists can quickly assess is the gum tissue. We can easily spot unhealthy, diseased tissue.
Gum disease is an inflammatory disease. The bacteria in dental plaque cause an inflammatory response in the tissues because they produce toxins that penetrate into the surrounding gums. Inflammation changes the appearance of gum tissue from a healthy pale pink color to a bright red color. It also causes a puffy, swollen consistency in the tissue instead of the flat, orange-peel texture of healthy gums.
What Does LANAP Do?
The LANAP procedure performs a variety of functions in fighting gum disease. The laser energy kills all bacteria and sterilizes the pockets that develop between the roots and the supporting tissues. Lasers also have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect to stop the disease process.
The goal of LANAP is to promote new attachment between the surrounding tissues to the roots of the teeth. This stops the worsening of the disease and adds stability to the teeth for chewing.
What Does the Tissue Tell Us about LANAP?
When a patient undergoes the LANAP procedure to treat active gum disease, we closely monitor their healing and long-term success of the procedure through follow-up visits. At this point, we scrutinize “the tissue,” looking for signs of recurrent disease. What we love about LANAP is that the tissue continues to tell us a story of health.
Areas of gum disease treated with the LANAP procedure maintain a healthy status for years afterward. Typical follow-up care after a LANAP procedure includes periodontal maintenance cleanings by our dental hygienists. During these maintenance visits, our hygienists remove any current bacterial buildup and evaluate the state of the periodontal tissues. They consistently report stable, healthy tissues in areas that received LANAP therapy.
What Effect Does the Tissue Have on Our Overall Health?
“The tissue” actually has an impact on overall health. Those who suffer from inflammation in the gums have an increased risk for a variety of serious health conditions. Research has linked gum disease specifically with cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as diabetes. Recent studies show a link between chronic periodontal disease and the plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Because gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, it affects the overall health of a person. Scientists have connected chronic inflammation in the body with the conditions we’ve already discussed as well as others such as cancer, depression, and autoimmune disorders. It can be tempting to think that gum disease isn’t a serious problem because it doesn’t cause many noticeable or life-altering symptoms. It’s important to understand the seriousness of gum disease and its effect on your overall health! LANAP fights the inflammation of gum disease successfully.
LANAP isn’t just good for your mouth; it is good for your overall health!
More Questions about LANAP? Contact the Specialists at Rockland Dental
Call Rockland Dental Specialists today to schedule a consultation with our periodontal team. We are proud LANAP providers, caring for hundreds of patients each year with this wonderful technology. We would love to help you, too. Call us at (845) 259-2500 or complete our online contact form today!