Hearing that you need gum surgery can be intimidating. Many people picture scalpels, stitches, bleeding, and a long recovery. Fortunately, advances in dental technology have made treating gum disease much more comfortable for many patients.
At Kakaris Family Dentistry, Dr. Arestea Kakaris is specially trained and licensed in the LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) Protocol, an advanced laser treatment for periodontal disease. For many patients, LANAP® offers a less invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery with a faster, more comfortable recovery.
What Is Traditional Gum Surgery?
Traditional gum surgery, also called flap surgery, is often used to treat advanced gum disease. During the procedure, the gums are gently lifted away from the teeth so the roots can be cleaned. Damaged tissue is removed, and the gums are sutured back into place.
Traditional gum surgery has successfully treated periodontal disease for many years, but it typically involves:
- Incisions
- Stitches
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- A longer healing period
What Is LANAP®?
LANAP® stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. Instead of using a scalpel to remove infected gum tissue, a specialized dental laser selectively targets diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue.
The laser also helps reduce harmful bacteria below the gumline and stimulates the body’s natural healing response. The goal is to help regenerate healthy attachment around the teeth while treating periodontal disease in a minimally invasive way.
Because LANAP® is minimally invasive, many patients experience a more comfortable recovery than they would with traditional gum surgery.
Benefits of LANAP®?
Patients often choose LANAP® because it offers several advantages, including:
- No scalpels
- Minimal or no stitches
- Less bleeding
- Less swelling
- Greater comfort during recovery
- Preservation of healthy gum tissue
- Faster return to normal activities
Every patient’s condition is unique, but many appreciate the gentler approach that LANAP® provides.
Who Is a Candidate for LANAP®?
LANAP® is commonly recommended for patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease. If you have been told you need gum surgery or have symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath, you may be a candidate.
A comprehensive periodontal evaluation will determine which treatment is most appropriate for your individual needs.
Why Choose Kakaris Family Dentistry?
Dr. Arestea Kakaris has completed specialized training and is licensed in the LANAP® Protocol, allowing our office to provide this advanced laser treatment for qualifying patients.
Our goal is to treat gum disease as comfortably and conservatively as possible while helping you protect your teeth and improve your long-term oral health. We combine advanced technology with personalized care to create treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or have been told you need gum surgery, you may have more treatment options than you realize.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kakaris at Kakaris Family Dentistry to learn whether LANAP® is the right solution for your smile. We’ll evaluate your periodontal health, answer your questions, and help you choose the treatment that best supports a healthier smile for years to come.