Post Operative Instructions for LANAP Patients

The potential of LANAP to replace all other forms of periodontal surgery cannot be overemphasized. As a minimally invasive treatment with little risk of infection, postoperative care for this procedure is not as intense as it is for other forms of surgery.

However, as there is with any dental procedure, there are some postoperative instructions that LANAP patients need to follow in order to maximize recovery time, facilitate healing, and minimize post-procedural discomfort.

1. After LANAP, you should keep physical activity to a minimum.

2. Rinse as directed with Peridex or Periogard in both the morning and at night time. It is recommended as well that you rinse with a warm salt water solution. Generally, two teaspoons of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water is all you need.

3. You may be tempted to chew on the side of the mouth where LANAP was performed. Do not. Postoperative instructions also call for keeping all tongue and cheek pressure off the area as well.

4. We also instruct patients to avoid eating spicy or very hot foods during the postoperative period after LANAP.

5. Do not brush the surgerized area, but do brush and floss all other areas of your mouth. Keep your mouth as clean as possible during the postoperative period.

6. If any of the following occur during the postoperative phase following laser periodontal treatment, do not be alarmed:

a) Light bleeding- Some bleeding may occur and will appear to be greatly exaggerated when it dissolves in saliva. Find the origin of the bleeding and apply pressure. If you cannot find the point of origin, rinse your mouth gently with iced water and apply a wet tea bag to the area. If this does not stop the bleeding, call the office.
b) Slight swelling-This is normal and can be kept to a minimum by using an ice pack for 20 minutes just before going to bed. You should not have to use the ice pack beyond the actual day of the surgery.
c) Minor soreness-Some soreness in the gums and tooth sensitivity is to be expected after any dental procedure.

7. Dentists sometimes place a surgical packing over surgerized tissues in order to prevent food, trauma, and smoke from irritating the gums. If this packing falls out do not worry. If a piece of the pack falls out or if the entire pack loosens or falls out, do not be alarmed.

8. Eat soft and nutritious foods as part of your postoperative diet. High protein foods like eggs, cottage cheese, and ground beef are always good. Yogurt, malts, and ice cream are good snacks as well. Do this until your gums feel comfortable returning to a normal diet.

9. If the dentist instructs you to take medication during the postoperative period immediately following LANAP, please take it as prescribed, and please take it all.

10. Do not be alarmed if teeth that were previously loose before laser therapy suddenly become sore. This soreness is actually a sign that they are healing and becoming more firm. While the discomfort may last as long as a year in some patients, the long term health results far outweigh the slight pain. However, if you feel you are developing a bit imbalance, call us so we can adjust your teeth accordingly.

11. If you experience very intense pain, excessive bleeding, or run a fever, call our office at once. After hours calls will be treated as priority by our 24-hour answering service.

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