Laser Therapy (LANAP)
Lasers have transformed from science fiction to essential medical tools, and in modern dentistry, they offer precision and comfort that traditional methods simply cannot match. For Seattle patients seeking advanced treatment for gum disease and periodontal conditions, laser therapy provides a minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgical procedures.
At Dental Specialties Northwest, our team offers state-of-the-art laser therapy along with many other dental services in Seattle using the FDA-certified LANAP system. Dr. Tom Sweeney and Dr. Rhys Spoor provide this advanced periodontal treatment from their Columbia Tower practice, helping patients experience faster healing and reduced discomfort compared to traditional gum surgery.
What Is Laser Therapy in Dentistry?
Laser therapy uses concentrated light energy to precisely target and remove diseased gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue. Traditionally, advanced treatment for periodontal disease is gum surgery. Using a scalpel, the dentist cuts the diseased gum tissue away, removes any infected pockets, and then sews up the gums. How sutures are placed determines the final shape of the gums and your lasting comfort. It also affects recovery. With LANAP laser treatment in Seattle, the dentist can very precisely target the diseased tissue, leaving the healthy tissue completely alone. This treatment can significantly speed up healing and reduce discomfort.
How Does LANAP Laser Treatment Work?
The LANAP protocol uses a specialized laser wavelength that targets diseased tissue without damaging healthy gums or bone. During your laser therapy procedure in Seattle, the laser removes bacteria and diseased tissue from periodontal pockets, sterilizes the area, and stimulates regeneration of gum and bone tissue. This FDA-certified system has been proven to facilitate bone regeneration, offering a regenerative approach rather than simply removing tissue.
Benefits of Laser Therapy for Gum Disease
Another advantage of laser therapy is that it does an outstanding job of sterilizing the treated area. The lasers reduce the risk of infection, creating a perfect environment for the regrowth of your gums and bone. Patients choosing laser therapy in Seattle experience several key advantages over traditional periodontal surgery: minimal bleeding, reduced discomfort, faster recovery times, and preservation of healthy tissue.
Reduced Discomfort and Recovery Time
Because laser therapy targets only diseased tissue, patients typically experience less pain and swelling compared to traditional gum surgery. Many Seattle patients return to normal activities within 24 hours of their LANAP procedure, whereas conventional surgery may require several days of downtime.
Precision and Tissue Preservation
The LANAP laser can differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue with remarkable accuracy. This precision means that our Seattle laser procedures preserve more of your natural gum tissue, maintain better gum contours, and support long-term periodontal health without the need for sutures or scalpels.
Is Laser Therapy Right for You?
Laser therapy is particularly effective for treating moderate to severe gum disease, periodontal pockets, and patients who want to avoid traditional surgery. It’s not a fix-all for all dental treatment, but it is a powerful tool we have for your treatment. Working with lasers requires extensive training and experience. Not only are Dental Specialties Northwest dentists skilled with the laser, but they also have extensive training in traditional periodontal treatments, and they know how to identify what will work best for you.
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your periodontal health, discuss your treatment goals, and recommend whether laser therapy or another approach is best suited to your needs. Our team will explain all aspects of the LANAP laser system and how it can address your specific gum disease concerns.
Laser Therapy for Periodontal Disease in Seattle
Our LANAP laser system is especially good at treating gum disease. At our Columbia Tower location, we’ve helped countless Seattle-area patients restore their periodontal health using advanced laser technology. The LANAP protocol has been extensively studied and offers a scientifically-validated approach to treating periodontal disease without the invasiveness of traditional surgery. You can learn more about gum disease by clicking here. You may also be interested in learning about our comprehensive periodontics services available in Seattle.
Schedule Your Laser Therapy Consultation
When you come in for your consultation, we’ll fully explain the treatment options and recommend what will work best for you. You’ll build a relationship with Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Spoor, and you will know you’re getting the highest quality periodontal care available in the Seattle area. Our practice in the Columbia Tower combines world-class dental care with spa-caliber amenities, creating a comfortable environment for your laser therapy treatment.
If you’re experiencing gum disease symptoms or want to explore laser therapy options, contact Dental Specialties Northwest to learn how LANAP can help restore your periodontal health. Our Seattle team is ready to answer your questions and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Our LANAP laser system is especially good at treating gum disease. You can learn more about gum disease by clicking here.