Kathryn Kennedy, DDS

Dentist in Westmont, IL

(630) 810-9940

331 W. 63rd St. Westmont, IL 60559

Advanced Periodontal Therapy in Westmont, IL

Gum disease affects over 75% of the adult population to some degree and is the leading cause of tooth loss. It is also linked to other health issues such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, dementia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory disease. At our dental practice in Westmont, IL, we offer advanced periodontal therapy using the PerioLase MVP-7™ dental laser, combined with the patented LANAP procedure. This minimally invasive laser treatment can help our patients regrow bone and tissue lost due to gum disease, targeting the bacteria that cause it.

What are some of the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

When teeth are dark or grey it can affect a person’s confidence when smiling. Teeth whitening options for a new cosmetic smile are available at our dental office in Westmont, IL. One of the simplest methods of getting a whiter smile is by using a mild bleaching agent such as carbamide peroxide in a tray, sitting on your teeth for several minutes to a couple hours over the period of several days.

Chronic bad breath
Red, swollen gums
Sensitive or receding gums
Shifts in the way the teeth bite together
Sensitive or loose teeth causing painful chewing
Spaces showing up between teeth
Bleeding when you brush
Or, there could be no signs at all!

How LANAP Works?

The LANAP procedure uses the PerioLase MVP-7™ dental laser to kill bacteria up to 6 millimeters beyond the surface of the laser light, helping to prevent bacteria from spreading back down into the pockets. This minimizes the need for shots or for antibiotics, limiting antibiotic resistance. The laser targets the “bad” bacteria which is causing the inflammation without harming the removing healthy tissues. Traditional periodontal therapy often requires surgery to remove pockets, as well as antibiotics to kill the bacteria. In contrast, the LANAP procedure utilizing the PerioLase MVP-7™ dental laser is highly effective, with predictable results.

Benefits of LANAP

Minimally invasive with no need for cutting tissue
Less discomfort during treatment
Typically, only mild aching or soreness for the first couple of days after the procedure
Less gum recession following treatment
Fast recovery time, typically within a few days
High success rate when patients follow suggested post-treatment guidelines
Minimizes the risk of other health issues linked to gum disease
The laser is safe to use even around dental implants

What to Expect During Treatment?

After doing a thorough medical and dental exam and reviewing your x-rays and periodontal pocket charts, we will put together a treatment plan that begins with two 2-hour visits. Typically, we will do one side of the mouth at each visit, allowing you to chew on the other side while the mouth is healing after the procedure. The treatments are usually scheduled one week apart, and our patients are able to return to normal activity quickly following each visit.

Post-Treatment Care

We will provide a protocol for our patients to follow for the first 7-10 days after treatment, which might include a soft food diet. We often suggest wearing a protective nightguard and using a special gentle gel to help keep the teeth and gums healthy. During the time when the bone is regrowing around the teeth, it is critical that the teeth are stabilized, so a nightguard is often recommended to prevent movement from any clenching or grinding at night and promote quicker healing. In addition, we will make minor bite adjustments as needed to minimize extra lateral stresses on the teeth, which could destabilize them while healing and prevent the bone from healing adequately.

Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up visits are suggested to monitor your bite and potentially make you a nightguard to minimize movement on the teeth while the bone is healing to help stabilize the teeth. Regular periodontal maintenance cleanings are scheduled, and then after one year, we will take updated x-rays to evaluate the success and continue any minor bite adjustments or retreatment in specific areas if indicated.

Minimal Discomfort and Recovery Time

We understand that patients may have concerns about pain and recovery time following any dental procedure. With LANAP, patients can expect minimal discomfort during the treatment and typically only experience mild aching or soreness for the first couple of days after the procedure. Since there is no need for cutting tissue, the recovery time following the LANAP procedure is within a few days.

To help aid in the healing process, we will provide a protocol for our patients to follow for the first 7-10 days after treatment, which may include a soft food diet. We often suggest wearing a protective nightguard and using a special gentle gel to help keep the teeth and gums healthy.

High Success Rate with LANAP

The success rate of using LANAP in conjunction with the PerioLaseMVP-7™ laser to treat periodontal disease is extremely high, particularly when patients follow our suggested post-treatment guidelines. LANAP has been shown to be effective at removing bacteria and promoting the regrowth of bone and tissue, which can help restore the health of the gums and prevent further damage.

Benefits of LANAP and PerioLase MVP-7™

Gum disease affects over 75% of the adult population to some degree, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss. The benefits of using LANAP and PerioLase to treat gum disease significantly outweigh any minor discomfort a patient might experience during the procedure. Patients with untreated gum disease are at higher risk for other health issues such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, dementia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory disease. By treating gum disease with LANAP and PerioLase MVP-7™, patients can improve their oral health and reduce their risk of other health problems.

Treatment Plan

After doing a thorough medical and dental exam and reviewing your x-rays and periodontal pocket charts, we will put together a treatment plan that will consist of two 2-hour visits. Typically, we will do one side of the mouth at each visit, allowing you to chew on the other side while the mouth is healing after the procedure. The treatments are usually scheduled one week apart, and our patients are able to return to normal activity quickly following each visit.

Follow-up visits are suggested to monitor your bite and potentially make you a nightguard to minimize movement on the teeth while the bone is healing to help stabilize the teeth. Regular periodontal maintenance cleanings are scheduled, and after one year, we will take updated x-rays to evaluate the success and continue any minor bite adjustments or areas that might benefit from additional re-treatment.

Patient Comfort and Safety

Patient comfort and safety are our top priorities. If we feel it might be more comfortable to numb up an area due to the depth of the deterioration, we can use a local anesthetic for that. Patients wear special laser safety glasses during the treatment. Mild pain medications may be needed for a few days after treatment, depending on the level of discomfort and soreness.

Expert Periodontal Care in Westmont, IL

Dr. Kathryn Kennedy in Westmont, IL is one of only a few dentists in the United States who has taken special advanced training on the PerioLase MVP-7™ laser and patented LANAP procedure. The LANAP protocol has been FDA cleared to regenerate new bone, new ligament and new cementum. With her expertise and experience, you can trust that you are in good hands when you come to our office for LANAP treatment.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing gum disease, LANAP and PerioLase™ can provide an effective, minimally invasive solution. With its ability to regrow bone and tissue, LANAP offers a high success rate and minimal discomfort and recovery time. Contact us today at (630) 810-9940 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kennedy and take the first step toward restoring your oral health.

Patient Testimonies:

“My experience with Dr. Kennedy has been very informative & painless. Dr. Kennedy & her staff go above & beyond to provide excellent service…highly recommended!!!” - actual patient S. Ortiz

“My husband suggested I go to his dentist since mine was not returning my calls. So HAPPY I did! Dr Kennedy is a very kind and knowledgeable Dr who takes her time with you and explains what is going on with your teeth/gums. Highly recommend.” – actual patient E. Garcia James