LASER – LANAP

The LANAP protocol is the only laser treatment of Periodontitis scientifically and clinically proven to regenerate soft tissue and bone. Dr. Fiandaca received intensive training in the LANAP and LAPIP protocol by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry. The surgery is performed with the sole laser specifically designed for the LANAP protocol, the PerioLase MVP-7. There is no cutting or needing stitches with the LANAP protocol. Compared to traditional periodontal surgery, patients typically report less pain and discomfort during and after the procedure. This patient friendly procedure helps get their gums healthy again comfortably and without fear.
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Overview of the LANAP Protocol

LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a procedure that treats periodontal (gum) disease with the use of a highly specialized Nd:YAG laser. This laser is used to remove the infected and dead tissue of the gums around the roots of the teeth, while not only leaving the healthy, live tissue safe, but also stimulating it to regenerate.

The LANAP protocol is the only laser periodontitis treatment protocol that has the US FDA clearance for periodontal regeneration ( true regeneration ) of the attachment apparatus around teeth. This procedure is clinically and histologically proven to regenerate new root surface (cementum), new ligament, and new bone.

The drawings below illustrate the steps taken during the LANAP protocol laser periodontal treatment:

Patient Benefits from the LANAP Protocol

Faster Healing – LANAP® treatment is minimally invasive and allows the body to recover and heal more quickly.
Less Discomfort – Patients report less discomfort during and after surgery.
No Cut, No Sew, No Fear – the LANAP protocol uses laser light energy to eliminate the bacteria that cause gum disease, and help your mouth recover faster
Minimal Recovery Time – Most patients can immediately return to their daily routine.
Little to No Gum Recession – Because the procedure doesn’t require cutting the gums, there is less risk of recession and your beautiful smile is maintained.
Reduction in Gum Inflammation and Bleeding – The PerioLase® MVP-7™ targets inflammatory bacteria without injuring healthy tissue.
Saves Teeth – Patients can keep their natural teeth sometimes even when the teeth have been deemed ‘hopeless’ with traditional treatments. Keeping your natural teeth has been linked to a longer lifespan!
Safe for patients with Health Concerns – LANAP® protocol is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as Plavix or aspirin.

Post care Instructions following Laser

1. Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of gum tissue following laser therapy. Gum tissue that turns white, gray, yellow, red, blue, purple, and/or “stringy” reflects a normal response to laser therapy. Soreness and/or tooth sensitivity is also a normal response to laser therapy.

2. Swelling may also occur. To keep this at a minimum, gently place an ice pack on the outside of your face for 15 minutes then rest for 15 minutes. Repeat this cycle as much as possible for the first 24 hours.

3. Some oozing of blood may occur and will appear to be greatly exaggerated when it dissolves in saliva. Determine the area of oozing and place pressure on it. If you cannot locate the origin of the bleeding, rinse your mouth gently with iced water and apply a wet tea bag to the general area.

4. Please take Over-the-Counter pain medications to prevent inflammation, swelling, and pain. For the next 4-5 days, we suggest taking 400mg-800mg of Ibuprofen every six hours to reduce swelling and pain and quicken healing. DO NOT take more than 2400mg in a 24-hour period. If you experience excessive pain or discomfort, take the narcotic that has been prescribed to you. If you do not have one, please call our office and the doctor will call in a prescription to your pharmacy. Please take as directed along with the Over-the-Counter pain medication. If you’ve been prescribed an antibiotic, please take as directed. We ask that you finish the entire dosage. If any medications are causing you extreme nausea, itching, or a rash; discontinue its use and call our office immediately.

5. Rest with your head elevated when you arrive at home after the procedure. We ask that you please limit your physical activity and keep moving to a minimum for the first 24-hours.

6. Keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help the healing process. Only brush and floss the untreated area of your mouth. Do not brush or floss the laser treated area for at least the first 10 days.

7. You may gently rinse your mouth the day of treatment. Rinse your mouth gently 3 times a day with an antiseptic mouthwash. In between the antiseptic mouthwash rinses, rinse your mouth gently 3 times a day with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8oz. glass of warm water). For the next several days rinse as previously mentioned but with a little more vigor.

8. You will be on a liquid diet for 3 days (avoid spicy or excessively hot foods during this time), then a diet of “mushy”/soft foods for 7 days, and then a diet of smart food choices for the remainder of the month. It is very important to maintain a good food and fluid intake. Try to eat soft but nutritious food such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc., until you can comfortably return to a normal diet. Please refer to the Post Laser Treatment Diet Instructions on the reverse side.

9. When eating, do not chew on the laser treated side of your mouth. You also do not want to apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to this side.

10. Do not be alarmed that as early as 2 weeks after laser treatment and extending as long as 1 year or more, your teeth may become sore and tender as the bone and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and become more firm. This is a sign of healing, but also indicates the presence of a bite imbalance that may need to be adjusted. Please notify my office if you are experiencing a tender area.

11. “Spaces” between your teeth can result from reduction of inflammation, swelling, and the removal of diseased tissue after the Laser treatment. These spaces usually fill in over time, and again, bite adjustment is critical to making sure your teeth and gum between your teeth is not traumatized and can regrow.

Post Laser Treatment Diet Instructions

The first three days following Laser Therapy, follow only a liquid- like diet to allow healing. Anything that could be put into a blender to drink is ideal. The purpose of this is to protect the blood clot that is acting as a “Band-Aid” between the gums and the teeth. Do not drink through a straw, as this creates a vacuum in your mouth that can disturb the blood clot or “Band-Aid”. Take daily multi-vitamins.
Next seven days after treatment, foods with a “mushy” consistency such as those listed below are recommended.
Starting at ten days after treatment, soft foods may be allowable. The time to start on soft foods is dependent upon the loss of the white material that appeared around your teeth following laser treatment. You were introduced to this material by your doctor or doctor’s assistant during your follow-up visit immediately following your initial treatment session. It was explained to you that you must leave this material alone until it naturally heals and disappears. Once the white material has disappeared, then soft foods can be introduced. Soft foods have the consistency of pasta, fish, chicken or steamed vegetables. You may then gradually add back your regular diet choices.
Please remember that even after ten days, healing is not complete. The first month following treatment you should continue to make smart food choices. Softer foods are better.

“Mushy” Diet Suggestions

DAILY MULTI-VITAMINS!
Anything put through a food blender
Mashed Potatoes, Baked Potatoes – OK with butter/sour cream
Mashed Banana or any mashed/blended fruit – no seeds
Mashed Yams, Baked Sweet Potato or Butternut squash
Creamy peanut butter without solid pieces
Jell-O, Pudding, Ice Cream, Yogurt
Milk shake/smoothies – no seeds or straws

Mashed steamed vegetables
Cottage cheese Cream or Soft cheese
Broth or Creamed Soup
Mashed Avocado, Applesauce
Cream of wheat, Oatmeal, Malt O Meal
Eggs any style, with or w/o melted cheese
Omelets can have cheese and avocado
Ensure, Slim Fast - nutritional drinks

DON’T - Chew gum, candy, cookies, chips, nuts, popcorn, anything hard or crunchy, anything that has seeds or hard pieces, meat that shreds and can lodge under the gum and between teeth, raw vegetables, and salad.