Understanding Gum Disease Treatment: Alternatives to Osseous Surgery

Gum disease is a widespread dental issue affecting millions of people all around the world. If it’s not treated, it can result in tooth loss and other serious health problems. In these cases of gum disease, osseous surgery is usually the recommended treatment. However, it could have side effects and it’s an invasive and painful procedure.

The good news is that there are osseous surgery alternatives that are just as successful, like Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP).

We’ll discuss gum disease, osseous surgery, its risks, and the advantages of LANAP as an alternative treatment option in this article.

What is Osseous Surgery?

Osseous surgery is a surgical procedure that is used to treat severe stages of gum disease which is also known as periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a kind of bacterial infection that lasts a long time and destroys the bone and tissues supporting your teeth. It also results in your gums pulling away from the teeth which creates pockets collecting bacteria and pus, these pockets cause tooth loss and other serious health issues if they are not untreated soon.

Osseous surgery entails making incisions in the gums to access the tooth roots. Then, the infected tissue is removed. After that, the bone that is surrounding the roots is smoothed out. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and, depending on the degree, it may take several hours. Osseous surgery removes bacteria and diseased tissue from your tooth roots and leaves a smooth, clean surface. Eventually it encourages healing and the reattachment of the gums to the teeth. It surgery can be useful for treating gum diseases, however, it is considered an invasive procedure that some people consider uncomfortable. It also causes bruising, swelling, and sensitivity, among other negative effects, requiring a lengthy recovery.

Alternatives to Osseous Surgery

Although osseous surgery has long been the standard treatment for advanced gum disease, there are now less invasive options that are just as effective. The Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure is one such substitute. (LANAP). With the help of laser technology, the minimally invasive LANAP procedure can remove bacteria and infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. This procedure encourages the development of new bone and tissue all around the teeth, which reattaches the gums to the teeth and lessens the depth of the pocket.

Scaling and root planing (SRP), also known as deep cleaning, is an alternative to osseous surgery. Plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth, and the root surfaces are smoothed in order to get rid of bacteria and encourage healing. In order to maintain ongoing gum health, SRP is typically performed over the course of several appointments and is usually followed by a periodontal maintenance program.

What is LANAP?

FDA-approved laser therapy for gum disease is called the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). During the procedure, a laser that has been specially created is used to remove only the diseased tissue, leaving the healthy tissue unharmed. The laser also promotes the development of new bone and tissue, which results in the reattachment of the gums to the teeth and a reduction in the depth of the pocket.

Two sessions of about two hours each are required for LANAP. The diseased tissue and bacteria from the gums and root surfaces are removed with the laser during the first session. In order to encourage healing, the second session involves polishing the root surfaces and sealing the gums. In contrast to osseous surgery, LANAP is performed under local anesthesia and is almost painless. During and after the procedure, patients typically feel little to no pain, and they are free to resume their regular activities the following day. When treating gum disease, LANAP is a secure and efficient alternative to osseous surgery. Patients who are looking for a less invasive treatment option should consider it as well.

LANAP vs Osseous Surgery

Both LANAP and osseous surgery are options for treating advanced gum disease, but they vary in strategy and degree of intrusion. Traditional surgery known as “osseous surgery” involves making incisions in the gums to access the tooth roots, removing the infected tissue, and then reshaping the bone around the roots. It is an invasive procedure with a lengthy recovery period that may cause discomfort.

The LANAP procedure, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive technique that uses laser technology to remove only the diseased tissue while leaving the healthy tissue unaffected. It encourages the development of new bone and tissue all around the teeth, which results in the reattachment of the gums to the teeth and a shallower pocket. LANAP is done under local anesthesia and is virtually pain-free, with little to no discomfort during and after the procedure.

For patients with advanced gum disease, LANAP offers a less invasive and more comfortable treatment option. In comparison to osseous surgery, it also offers a quicker recovery. The best alternative to osseous surgery for the treatment of gum disease, in our opinion at Aria Dental Care, is LANAP.

Benefits of LANAP

There are several benefits of choosing LANAP over osseous surgery for the treatment of gum disease.

Firstly, LANAP is minimally invasive and virtually pain-free. The laser used in the procedure targets only the diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact. This means that there is less discomfort during and after the procedure, and no need for stitches or extensive post-operative care.

Secondly, LANAP promotes the growth of new tissue and bone, leading to reattachment of the gums to the teeth and reducing pocket depth. This means that LANAP can help save teeth that may have otherwise needed to be extracted due to advanced gum disease.

Thirdly, LANAP has a fast recovery time. you can return to your normal life the next day. You won’t need a lengthy and uncomfortable recovery time.

Finally, it’s a safe and effective treatment for advanced gum diseases. It has shown a high success rate in clinical studies and received an FDA approval in 2004.

Gum disease is a common, yet, serious condition that if you don’t treat it, it causes tooth loss and other health issues. Traditionally, advanced gum disease is treated with osseous surgery. Still, it is an invasive procedure with a lengthy recovery period.

The LANAP procedure is the best substitute for osseous surgery at Aria Dental Care. LANAP is minimally invasive laser treatment for gum disease that has FDA approval, and a number of advantages over conventional osseous surgery. Quick recovery period, promoting new bone and tissue growth, and pain-free procedure have made LANAP the perfect option for people with advanced gum disease.

We urge you to think about LANAP as an alternative to osseous surgery if you have advanced gum disease or are showing signs of gum disease. Aria Dental Care’s team of biological and holistic dentists is committed to offering our patients the highest quality care, and we are here to support you in achieving optimal gum health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how LANAP can benefit you.