While it is true that LPT (LANAP) is much easier on the mouth than surgery with cutting instrumeants, it is nevertheless still a form of surgery in the sense that it involves removing diseased tissue from the gumline.
1. While it is true that LPT (LANAP) is much easier on the mouth than surgery with cutting instruments, it is nevertheless still a form of surgery in the sense that it involves removing diseased tissue from the gumline.
Healing generally occurs faster due to the sterilization effect the laser beam has on gum tissue, but infection is still a possibility after LPT unless certain steps are taken to give your mouth the best possible chance at healing.
2. Houston dentists recommend reducing activity for several hours after surgery.
3. Dentists advise patients to spit, rinse, and wash their mouths every day. Rinse as directed with Peridex or Periogard in the morning and in the evening.
4. Rinse gently every 3 hours with warm salt water. Use one-half teaspoon of salt that has been dissolved in an 8 ounce glass or warm water.
5. Patients should avoid chewing any kind of food on the side of their mouth where LANAP was performed.
6. Avoid applying any tongue or cheek pressure to the area where LANAP was performed.
7. Avoid eating any kind of hot or spicy foods.
8. Keep the mouth as clean as possible in order to speed up the healing process. Brush, floss, and follow all home-care measures in every part of the mouth except for the area where LPT was performed.
9. Patients should expect the following and not be alarmed:
a. Light bleeding
b. Slight swelling
c.
Some soreness, tenderness, or tooth sensitivity
d. Loss of part or all of the surgical pack that was placed over the treated area.
10. A patient may experience swelling. To minimize this, gently place an ice pack on the outside of the face for 20 minutes each hour until going to bed that night. However, do this only on the day of Laser Periodontal surgery. Do not use the ice bag after that.
11. Again, expect a slight oozing of blood. Understand that when the blood dissolves in saliva, its actual amount will appear greatly exaggerated. Locate the bleeding and apply pressure in this area.
If the origin of the bleeding cannot be located, rinse out the mouth gently with iced water and apply a wet tea bag to the general area. Call a Houston dentist if the bleeding does not stop at this point.
12. It is necessary to maintain a healthy food and fluid intake throughout the time of the healing process. Eat soft and nutritious foods like eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc.
13. Take all prescribed medication as directed by the Houston dentist.
14. Please call the office if any of the following symptoms appear
a. Prolonged or severe pain
b. Prolonged or excessive bleeding
c. Considerably elevated or persistent temperature
15. Do not be alarmed if teeth that were previously loose become sore and tender as bones and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and firm. This is a sign of healing, but it also can indicate the presence of a bite imbalance that may need adjusting. Call your dentist to be on the safe side.
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