certified by ALD (academy of laser dentistry), Dr. Martha Cortés has over 25 years of experience with lasers.

 

LANAP®:

(Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) - The battle against periodontal disease just got easier.

LANAP is a laser technology that gently removes bacteria and diseased tissue, while preserving the healthy tissue, which in turn allows for proper recovery. But unlike periodontal surgery, there are no scalpels or stitches, which means less pain and an easier and faster recovery! In fact, Dr. Cortés was one of the first Northeast practices to utilize the LANAP technique.


We all know that gum health is important, but how important is it really? Think of your mouth as a kitchen, your teeth and gums are the surfaces and utensils that assist in preparing and cooking your food (in your body’s case - to assisting breaking down the food to obtain its nutrients).

When your kitchen and the utensils are dirty, that bacteria builds up, and if you use those items to prepare and cook your food (ew), then you’re consuming all of that bacteria. 

Your mouth is just like that but that bacteria isn’t there just when or while you’re eating. If you don’t tend to keep good oral hygiene, that bacteria can cause periodontal disease (aka gum disease) which can travel from your mouth through the rest of your body through your gums and teeth. It’s all connected!

What is Periodontal Disease (aka Gum Disease):

Periodontal Disease is an inflammatory condition of the gum and bone.

There are two types of periodontal disease:

  • Gingivitis: inflammation of the gum at the next of the teeth

  • Periodontitis: inflammation that not only affects the gums but the tissue around the teeth and destroys the bone.

There are different factors that play into the formation of this condition, such as behavioral (ex: smoking, diet, among others), current dispositions (ex: diabetes), but the most common factor is poor oral hygiene. 

In addition to hurting your teeth and gums, studies have linked periodontal disease with:

  • Heart disease

  • Stroke

  • Diabetes

  • Pregnancy problems

  • An increased rick of pancreatic cancer by 64%

  • HIV

  • Alzheimers

  • Dementia

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Sleep Apnea

 

Laser Frenectomy:

Dr. Cortés performs and provides frenectomies (a tongue tie release procedure) with laser. Some of the benefits of using a laser, as opposed to a scalpel or scissors, include:

  • Minimized bleeding

  • Less swelling and discomfort

  • Reduced risk of infection

  • Shortened procedure time

For more information about tongue tie and release procedures, visit our page here.