Gum Disease and the LANAP Gingivitis Laser Treatment
Over 80% of American adults have gum disease — an infection below the gum line. Gum disease is linked to other health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and pre-term birth.
However, only a small percentage of affected adults get the needed treatment. At Full Heart Dentistry, we offer a specialized and effective gingivitis laser treatment because we believe gum disease treatment is essential. Continue reading to learn more about the LANAP® Protocol or check out our YouTube channel.
Gum Disease and the LANAP Gingivitis Laser Treatment
Over 80% of American adults have gum disease — an infection below the gum line. Gum disease is linked to other health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and pre-term birth.
However, only a small percentage of affected adults get the needed treatment. At Full Heart Dentistry, we offer a specialized and effective gingivitis laser treatment because we believe gum disease treatment is essential. Continue reading to learn more about the LANAP® Protocol or check out our YouTube channel.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease begins when plaque accumulates on the teeth, and calcium from saliva causes it to harden. This calcified plaque is called tartar or calculus. Certain germs that live in this plaque and calculus damage gum tissue.
Your body tries to fight this infection with an inflammatory attack, sending white blood cells to the area to destroy the bacteria. This inflammation causes the tissue to bleed when you brush or floss. This stage of the condition is called gingivitis.
If the infection and inflammation persist, it results in a chronic inflammatory condition that destroys ligaments and bone around the teeth. This often occurs with no symptoms. At this stage, it is called periodontitis.
Signs/symptoms of moderate to advanced gum disease include:
Gums that are red, swollen, and bleed easily
Gums that seem to have pulled away from the teeth
Bad breath or halitosis
Pus between your teeth and gums
Teeth that seem to be loose or moving away from one another
Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Change in the way your partial denture or implant-supported restorations fit
Or no symptoms at all

What Are the Risk Factors for Gum Disease?
Well-known risk factors for periodontitis include genetics, stress, avoiding the dentist, no brushing or flossing, and some medical conditions. Smokers are significantly more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.
Gum disease has been linked to numerous health problems, and new studies are emerging all the time linking oral and overall health:
Alzheimer’s disease
Heart disease
Pancreatic cancer
Stroke
Pregnancy complications
Blood cancer
Respiratory disease
Kidney cancer
Diabetes
Breast cancer
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoporosis
About Gingivitis Laser Treatment
Traditional gum disease treatment options involve cutting the gum tissue or extracting the teeth. Full Heart Dental is certified in a unique gingivitis laser treatment called the LANAP protocol. The LANAP protocol uses a special dental laser, the PerioLase® MVP-7™. A tiny fiber about the width of three human hairs is inserted between the gum tissue and teeth, where it targets and destroys bacteria deep within the pockets of the gums without affecting healthy tissue. It is the only laser periodontitis treatment protocol cleared by the U.S. FDA and is clinically and histologically proven to regenerate new gum tissue, ligament, and bone.
Because the LANAP protocol is so gentle, patients can rest easy and typically see immediate results like less bleeding when brushing and less bad breath.
LANAP Protocol Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Full Heart Dentistry Today
We are here to help you get your oral health back on track. Contact Full Heart Dentistry today and take a proactive step toward healthier gums.