LANAP® Therapy
LANAP® therapy is a laser-assisted treatment option for gum disease that targets infected tissue while helping preserve healthy gum tissue. This minimally invasive approach can support healing with less discomfort and downtime than traditional surgical methods. LANAP® may be recommended for patients with more advanced periodontal concerns who want an effective, modern treatment option. At Sonshine Family Dental, we use this technology to help improve gum health and support long-term stability.
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About This Service
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. It begins as plaque — an opaque, sticky film that forms on the teeth and gums and eventually hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus builds up, it harbors harmful bacteria that attack the soft tissue around the gums (gingivitis). Left untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontitis, which destroys gums and the supporting bone structure of the teeth.
Common signs of periodontal disease
- Bleeding while flossing or brushing
- Receding gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Gum tissue missing between your teeth
- Swollen, red, and/or painful gums
- Shifting or loose teeth
Benefits of LANAP therapy
Less discomfort — Significantly less discomfort and pain than standard surgery, both during and after the procedure.
Less time — LANAP is less invasive, with no cutting or sutures. After a couple of two-hour visits and a few follow-up visits, treatment is complete. Traditional periodontal surgery requires four sessions of about one hour each, plus visits for suture removal and check-ups.
Fewer troubles down the road — LANAP does not involve a major loss of gum tissue. Less gum loss means less tooth sensitivity from exposed roots, and if treatment ever needs to be repeated, no bone or gum was removed during the first procedure.
Short recovery — Many LANAP patients feel fully recovered in less than 24 hours. We recommend a soft diet for several days following treatment, but most patients feel better almost immediately. Following traditional periodontal surgery, recovery can take two to four weeks, often with considerable pain and swelling.
Safe and effective — LANAP is safe — even for those who have HIV, hemophilia, or diabetes, or who take medications such as cyclosporine or Coumadin. LANAP achieved the first ever FDA clearance for "true regeneration" of the attachment apparatus (new cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone) on previously diseased root surfaces when used in the LANAP protocol.
Steps in the LANAP procedure
- A perio probe indicates excessive pocket depth.
- The laser light eliminates diseased tissue and bacteria.
- Hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler remove calculus from the tooth roots.
- The laser finishes sterilizing and cleaning the pocket and aids in sealing it so no new germs can enter.
- Connective gum tissue is reattached to the clean root surface with a gingival crest and stable fibrin clot to create a "closed" system.
- Bite trauma is adjusted.
- A new attachment is regenerated; as healing occurs, new bone and ligament form.
Contact us to learn more about LANAP therapy in Avon, Indiana and schedule your appointment.
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We're proud to provide care that makes a lasting impact, and our patients' experiences reflect that commitment. Hear from the families who trust Sonshine Family Dental with their smiles.
Sonshine dental has been my son's dentist for many years. They are very friendly and care very much for the patients! The dental care that they provide has always been top notch! Unusual but a dentistry where we actually enjoy going!
Love everyone at Sonshine Family Dental! Christian and family based — your care and concerns come first in their practice. All employees to the doctors are very sweet and easy to talk to. Highly recommend!
Sonshine Dental is the best! I've been a patient here for many years. Receive great care and very friendly staff. I highly recommend both Dr. Driggers, a father and son team.
At my dental cleaning today, as usual, all the staff were friendly, helpful, and excellent in the work they did. I highly recommend Sonshine Dental. I have been a patient there for over ten years.