Combatting Periodontal Disease with the LANAP Protocol for Diabetic Patients

If you have diabetes or other underlying health problems, you may be at higher risk for periodontal disease. Gum disease is common in adults, but certain health issues like diabetes can make it harder to prevent periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene. If you have gum disease, there are advanced protocols to help the fight, one of which is LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Protocol). This is the first and ONLY FDA-cleared laser protocol for the treatment of periodontal disease to help with bone regeneration. Meaning, if you have mobility in a tooth, this protocol can help restore the healthy bone. Ultimately helping you save teeth.

Gum disease affects more than 50% of adults over 30, but certain health conditions can increase your risk for this disease. Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is the leading cause of tooth loss due to the impact it has on deteriorating gum tissue and bone loss. Once gum disease has infiltrated deep into the gums, it can be difficult to stop without the proper treatment. For those with diabetes and other health conditions, LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) protocol can improve the outcome of periodontal treatment. This protocol requires no cutting or stitches, meaning there is minimal down time compared to traditional osseous surgeries.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease and diabetes have a bidirectional relationship. Not only can diabetes increase the risk of periodontal disease, but gum disease makes it harder to manage diabetes. The increased blood sugar that patients with poorly controlled diabetes experience can impact their saliva production. This results in a dry mouth, inferior saliva chemistry, and excessive bacteria production. The combination of these factors can make it harder to stop gum disease. Those with diabetes tend to have a more intense inflammatory reaction to gum infections and a slower healing response.

FDA-Cleared LANAP Protocol for Periodontal Disease Treatment

Once periodontal disease has progressed, the diseased gum tissue needs to be removed to allow the gums to heal and recover. In the past, this procedure required incisions and stitches that are invasive and painful for patients, that required a longer recovery time, especially for patients with diabetes. The LANAP protocol that is available with the PerioLase MVP-7 that we use at ConfiDENT is the most advanced option for periodontitis treatment.

LANAP is the only laser FDA-approved treatment for periodontitis. When performed with the PerioLase MVP-7 device used at our dental office, it is the ideal treatment for those with diabetes or other conditions that increase their risk for gum disease and make it harder to combat. Some of the benefits of LANAP protocols we use for periodontitis treatment include:

• No incisions or stitches
• Minimal discomfort for patients
• Shorter and fewer treatments needed
• Stimulation of tissue and bone regrowth

Since those with diabetes have more difficulty healing, less invasive treatments can enhance their gum disease treatment. Our advanced LANAP protocols are ideal for anyone fighting gum disease but are a game changer for those with high periodontal risk factors like diabetes.

If you have symptoms of gum disease and have a health condition like diabetes that is affecting your oral health, come see us at ConfiDENT. We offer the most advanced LANAP protocols, including the use of PerioLase MVP-7 treatments, at our dental center. Call our office in Alpharetta, GA to schedule a periodontal disease exam and treatment consultation.