The first step in rebuilding your periodontal health is a thorough examination, including detailed digital images. This allows us to assess the severity of your condition and determine whether LANAP is the best treatment option for your specific needs.

If you need a different type of gingivitis treatment, our team provides a full range of solutions, including pocket reduction surgery, so you always get the care you need.

Next, Dr. Whitney will gently guide a thin laser fiber (about the width of three human hairs) into the space between the tooth roots and gums. The first laser application utilizes a wavelength of laser energy that targets and vaporizes harmful bacteria and diseased tissue, while sparing healthy cells.

This step disinfects the area and eliminates inflammation at its source. Most people feel little to no discomfort during this part of the laser gum disease treatment. Still, we’ll thoroughly numb the area and provide safe and effective sedation if needed.

Next, we’ll use ultrasonic instruments to break up and flush away tartar (hardened plaque) from the tooth roots.

This flushes debris out of the pocket and removes sources of inflammation that prevent healing. If necessary, we may adjust the shape of the bone socket during this step to create the best possible environment for long-term healing and recovery.

We’ll apply the laser a second time at a lower-intensity setting. This second application stimulates your healthy cells to jumpstart your natural healing capabilities.

It also produces a stable fibrin clot, which acts like a natural bandage to hold the gum tissue in place and promote faster healing.

We’ll gently press the gums back into their correct position against the tooth roots, using the sticky fibrin clot almost like glue to hold them in place.

Because there are no incisions or stitches, your gums can naturally conform to the root surface as they heal. This process closes the periodontal pockets to stabilize the area and prevent reinfection.

Once the laser periodontal disease treatment in Coeur d’Alene, ID, is complete, your body’s natural healing response takes over. Most people experience minimal discomfort and return to their normal routine with little to no downtime.

The laser energy stimulates regeneration of gum tissue and encourages new bone growth around teeth affected by periodontitis. Over the next 12 to 18 months, this bone regeneration will reverse the damage caused by gum disease, strengthening support and preventing tooth loss long-term.