More research data for the LANAP® Protocol

The results of an independent nine-month en-bloc human histological study of the LANAP® protocol will be revealed by its principal investigator, Marc L. Nevins, DMD, MMSc on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the American Academy of Periodontology Annual Session. Doctor Nevins will be joined for an in-depth discussion by Professor Peter Schüpbach, PhD, the Histopathologist for the research.

The study researches the effect of the LANAP protocol on the most extreme cases of periodontitis. Twelve teeth, with pocket depths up to 16mm, were selected from 8 patients. Four teeth were multi-rooted with furcation involvement. Each patient was treated with the LANAP protocol, a full mouth protocol. Nine months following the surgery those teeth selected for the study were taken out en-bloc.

Preliminary histology slides indicate new connective tissue attachment (CTA) and regeneration of root surface (cementum), both positive signs of the reversal of bone loss, a hallmark effect of gum disease.

“We’re excited that all teeth returned to health around otherwise completely hopeless teeth,” said Robert Gregg II, DDS, Program Director for the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry.

The current study contributes to the body of evidence supporting the LANAP protocol. Previous Human Histology on more moderately involved teeth was published in the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry by Raymond Yukna, DMD, MS.

“While this study treats extreme periodontally involved teeth, early histology reports indicate bone regeneration can be an expected outcome. This supports the fact that the LANAP protocol is effective in obtaining regeneration,” said Delwin McCarthy, DDS, Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry Executive Director. “Regeneration of the periodontal pocket is where there was once periodontal disease we now have new cementum, new periodontal ligaments and newly formed alveolar bone. As more clinicians adopt the LANAP protocol, patients will have greater access to this wonderfully successful procedure. The improved health of more patients is our ultimate goal.”

Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and has been closely linked to major health problems including heart disease, strokes, pre-term, and stillborn births, as well as certain cancers. It is often painless and can go undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction catches the individual’s attention. Even when detected, patients often choose not to undergo traditional surgery due to fear, poor esthetic outcomes and associated pain.

The LANAP protocol, a patient-friendly, laser gum disease surgery, was developed by clinicians for clinicians as a treatment patients would accept. The protocol’s strict operating parameters ensure consistent, reproducible, positive results. The LANAP protocol continues to be adopted by specialists as the preferred laser gum surgery, on the basis of its clinical results and treatment acceptance rates.

Additional university-based, prospective studies continue. More information on ongoing research is available at http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01282229.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LASER DENTISTRY (IALD): The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry is a non-profit educational and research center dedicated to providing evidence-based clinical training in advanced laser dentistry therapies. Formed in 1999 by dentists Robert H. Gregg II and Delwin K. McCarthy, the IALD is both ADA CERP and AGD PACE accredited, and is nationally recognized for its continuing education (CE) programs. With more than 20 certified instructors who train dental professionals in laser dentistry techniques including the LANAP^® protocol, the IALD aims to reach more underserved patients with gum disease who have avoided therapy out of fear. To that end, the organization provides free treatment to qualified patients who can benefit from the no-cut, no-sew, no-fear LANAP® protocol — providing about $750,000 in free dental services each year. The IALD’s ultimate goal is for the percentage of patients seeking treatment for periodontitis to reach the percentage of patients seeking general dental care. For more information, please visit www.theiald.com.

ABOUT MILLENNIUM DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Headquartered in Cerritos, Calif.,Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc. is the developer of the LANAP^® protocol for the treatment of gum disease and the manufacturer of the PerioLase® MVP-7™ digital dental laser. By providing a simple and comfortable experience with unique bone-building clinical results, MDT’s FDA-cleared LANAP protocol removes the fear from gum disease treatment, offering a vastly less painful and less invasive regenerative treatment alternative to conventional scalpel/suture flap surgery; its PerioLase^® MVP-7^™ is a 6-watt free-running variable pulsed Nd:YAG dental laser featuring digital technology and 7 pulse durations — the most available on the market — giving it the power and versatility to perform a wide range of soft- and hard-tissue laser procedures. Established in 1990, the company’s founding clinicians, Robert H. Gregg, II, D.D.S. and Delwin K. McCarthy, D.D.S., continue to operate the company with a shared vision and purpose: To create better clinical outcomes in periodontal disease patients — and to remain true to the guiding principle — “It’s all about the patient.” For more information, visit www.lanap.com.