Periodontitis gum disease is a common ailment that affects millions of Americans. It can hugely impact a patient’s overall health and even cause or exacerbate symptoms of systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease. It can even cause strokes and pregnancy complications. People who have this often need to find a periodontist gum disease specialist. If you are looking for gum surgery in Key West FL, we can help you.
Patients often feel apprehensive towards gum surgery due to potential pain, discomfort, and surgical complications. LANAP® (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) or Laser Periodontal surgery is an alternative, less invasive treatment. It also has a higher success rate than conventional gum surgery. It is both FDA-cleared and completely safe.
Gum Surgeon in Miami and Key West, FL
Dr. Mark I. Gutt is a gum surgeon in Miami and Key West, FL, who offers LANAP® treatment for periodontitis patients. Contact him to book an appointment online or by phone.
Benefits of LANAP®
LANAP® has proven benefits such as decreased pain, bleeding, sensitivity, gum loss, and swelling compared to conventional gum surgery. It also has extremely short clinical downtimes and reduces the risk of post-op infections. LANAP® directly targets the source of inflammation without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. It is the only device in all medicine and dentistry that successfully regenerates bone and gum tissues. Regeneration occurs both in areas surrounding natural teeth and dental implants. The procedure can also be performed on anyone, including people on medications. Patients who are not good candidates for traditional gum surgery can also have LANAP® because it is minimally invasive. It also does not require scalpels or sutures, which are used in traditional gum surgery.
The Procedure
Dr. Gutt offers laser gum surgery in Key West, FL, and Miami, FL. Here is the general procedure that you can expect when you have LANAP®.
- The patient receives local anesthesia to numb the surgical area, and a probe assesses the extent of the intrabony defect.
- The periodontist uses a pulsed laser to target and remove calcified plaque, bacteria, and diseased tissue. Only the infected area will absorb the laser, and it does not affect healthy gum tissues.
- The laser creates a blood clotting effect that minimizes bleeding.
- The periodontist presses the gum tissue to the tooth surface to create a firm clot. This closes the wound and allows it to heal without using sutures or surgical glue.
The recovery period is much simpler than that with conventional surgery. However, patients will have to follow a specific diet and oral hygiene routine and return to the dental office for follow-up appointments.
Signs of Periodontitis
Typical signs of periodontitis include red, swollen gums, bleeding after brushing or flossing, loose teeth, bad breath, receding gums, and changes in your bite. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a dentist or periodontist immediately for a screening. Periodontitis is much more common than people realize, but it can be effectively treated if detected in its early stages. If you believe you may have gum disease, contact Dr. Gutt. He offers oral surgeon services in Key West, FL, and Miami, FL, including LANAP®