Laser Periodontal Therapy in Salina, KS
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
Have you recently been told you have periodontal disease?
While no one wants to find out they have a gum infection, there are various treatment options that depend on how severe your condition is. Laser periodontal therapy is one option that may offer a less invasive alternative to traditional periodontal surgery for some patients.
At Great Plains Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we are excited to offer Laser Periodontal Surgery and Treatment with LANAP!
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
Scaling and root planing is a common non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. This non-surgical deep cleaning removes tartar, plaque (biofilm), and bacteria from the root surface of the tooth below the gumline. It also smooths the root surface, preventing bacterial buildup and helping the gums reattach snugly to the tooth.
In more advanced cases, Dr. Moeller may recommend a surgical approach based on the severity of your periodontal disease.
How Laser Periodontal Therapy Works
Laser therapy is not a standalone treatment but works in conjunction with traditional therapies. During treatment, the process generally includes the following steps:
1) Dr. Moeller uses a laser to access and remove the inflamed gum tissue from around your tooth's root.
2) Plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gumline are then removed.
3) The root surfaces may then be smoothed to help discourage bacteria from collecting again. This step supports healing and may lower the risk of future infection.
After laser periodontal therapy, your gums will need time to heal and regenerate. As healing progresses, the gums may begin to reattach more securely around the teeth.
Benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy with LANAP
Laser periodontal therapy offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, featuring reduced pain, bleeding, and swelling while promoting faster healing and tissue regeneration. By using precise light energy to vaporize bacteria and diseased tissue, it lowers infection risks and often eliminates the need for sutures or extensive anesthesia.
For a complete list of the benefits our Salina patients enjoy from Laser Periodontal Therapy with LANAP, please see this helpful information on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Gum Surgery
Are There Any Risks With Laser Gum Surgery?
Laser gum surgery is generally safe and minimally invasive, with risks usually limited to temporary discomfort, mild swelling, sensitivity, or minor bleeding. Although uncommon, complications may include infection or irritation to nearby tissues.
How Painful Is Laser Gum Surgery?
Most patients do not feel pain during the procedure because the area is numbed with local anesthetic. Laser gum surgery is regarded as much more comfortable than traditional surgery, resulting in minimal bleeding and allowing most patients to manage post-operative soreness with over-the-counter pain medication.
How Long Does Healing Take After Laser Gum Surgery?
Initial healing after laser gum surgery often takes about one to two weeks, although recovery time can vary from patient to patient.