The Science of Cementum: How LANAP Regrows What You Lost

If you’ve been told you have advanced gum disease, you’ve probably felt a bit of a sinking feeling. We’ve all been there: hearing terms like "periodontitis," "bone loss," or "surgery" can be overwhelming. For a long time, the standard solution was to cut away diseased tissue or, in the worst cases, pull the teeth and start talking about dentures.

But at Pomona Dental Group, we like to do things a bit differently. We’re big fans of keeping your natural teeth whenever possible. That’s why we’re so excited about the science of LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). It’s not just a way to treat gum disease; it’s a way to actually regrow the foundation of your smile.

Today, we’re diving deep into the "secret sauce" of dental health: a specialized tissue called cementum. We’ll explain why it’s the key to saving your teeth and how our advanced laser technology helps your body literally rebuild what was lost.

What is Cementum and Why Should You Care?

Most people know about tooth enamel: that hard, white outer layer that makes your smile sparkle. Some might even know about dentin, the layer underneath. But very few people talk about cementum.

Think of cementum as the "glue" of your mouth. It’s a specialized, calcified substance that covers the roots of your teeth. Its primary job isn't to look pretty; it’s to provide a surface for the periodontal ligaments (tiny fibers) to attach to. These ligaments then anchor your tooth firmly into your jawbone.

Without healthy cementum, your teeth have nothing to hold onto. They become loose, shift around, and eventually fall out. When gum disease (periodontitis) strikes, bacteria dive deep under the gumline and start eating away at this precious cementum. Once the cementum is damaged or gone, the connection between your tooth and your bone is severed.

For decades, dentists thought that once this "attachment" was gone, it was gone for good. Traditional treatments could stop the disease from getting worse, but they couldn't necessarily put back what was missing. That’s where the science of LANAP changes the game.

The Problem with Traditional Gum Surgery

In the past, the most common way to treat deep gum pockets was through "osseous surgery." This involved a scalpel and sutures. A dentist would cut the gums, flap them back, scrape the roots, and then sew the gums back together: often at a lower level on the tooth.

While this was effective at removing bacteria, it often resulted in:

• Receding gum lines.
• Increased tooth sensitivity.
• A "long-in-the-tooth" appearance.
• Significant discomfort during recovery.

Most importantly, traditional surgery rarely resulted in the regrowth of the original tissues. Instead, the body would heal by forming a "long junctional epithelium": essentially a long scar tissue attachment that isn't nearly as strong as the original bone and cementum.

Enter LANAP: A Biological Breakthrough

LANAP is the first and only protocol that is FDA-cleared for "true periodontal regeneration." This isn’t just a fancy marketing term; it means that we have scientific, histological proof that the body can regrow new cementum, new periodontal ligaments, and new alveolar bone.

At Pomona Dental Group, we use the PerioLase® MVP-7™, a highly specialized Nd:YAG laser. This isn't just any laser; it’s tuned to a specific wavelength that can tell the difference between healthy tissue and diseased tissue.

How the Laser Works

When we perform LANAP, the process is incredibly precise and gentle. Here is how the "magic" happens:

1. Selective Destruction: The laser light passes through healthy gum tissue without hurting it. However, it is absorbed by the dark-pigmented bacteria (P. gingivalis) that cause gum disease. It vaporizes the bad guys while leaving your healthy cells intact.
2. Biostimulation: Beyond just killing bacteria, the laser energy stimulates the living cells in your jawbone and gums. It basically "wakes them up" and tells them it’s time to start healing.
3. The "Super" Blood Clot: This is the most scientific part. After the laser cleans the pocket, it creates a very specific type of blood clot (a thrombus). This isn't just any scab; it's a seal filled with your own stem cells and growth factors.

The Science of Regrowing What You Lost

This is where the cementum comes back into play. Because the LANAP laser is so gentle, it doesn't "scar" the root of the tooth. Instead, it creates a pristine environment where your body can start the regenerative process.

Inside that specialized blood clot, your body releases signaling proteins. These proteins act like a construction foreman, directing stem cells to become cementoblasts (cells that make cementum), osteoblasts (cells that make bone), and fibroblasts (cells that make ligaments).

Over the months following your treatment at Pomona Dental Group, your body is hard at work underground. It slowly deposits a fresh layer of new cementum onto the root of the tooth. Once that cementum is in place, the periodontal ligaments can re-attach, and the bone can fill back in.

This is the "Triple Threat" of regeneration:

• New Cementum: The foundation.
• New Periodontal Ligament: The anchor.
• New Bone: The support.

Why LANAP is Better for You

We know that "regrowing bone" sounds like a long, intense process, but for you, the patient, it’s actually much easier than the old-school methods. Because we aren't using scalpels or stitches, the experience is significantly more comfortable.

1. Minimal Discomfort

Most of our patients are pleasantly surprised by how little pain they feel. We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure, and most people only need over-the-counter ibuprofen for a day or two afterward.

2. Faster Recovery

Since there are no incisions, there’s no "healing of the wound" in the traditional sense. You can usually go back to work the very next day. We’ll give you some specific instructions on what to eat (soft foods for a bit) to protect those precious new blood clots, but otherwise, your life stays normal.

3. Better Aesthetics

Because we aren't cutting away gum tissue, you don't have to worry about your gums receding or your teeth looking strangely long. We keep your natural smile intact while we fix what's going on underneath.

4. Keeping Your Teeth

The ultimate goal of everything we do at our services page is to help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime. LANAP makes it possible to save teeth that were previously considered "hopeless."

Real Results: What the Studies Say

You don't just have to take our word for it. The science behind LANAP is backed by human histological studies: which is the "gold standard" in medical research. These studies looked at tissues under a microscope and confirmed that the tissue being formed was indeed new cementum and bone, not just scar tissue.

In one landmark study, researchers found that teeth treated with the LANAP protocol showed a 100% success rate in achieving new attachment. This is why the FDA gave it that exclusive "True Regeneration" clearance. It’s a level of clinical certainty that we are proud to offer the Pomona community.

Your Journey at Pomona Dental Group

When you visit us for a consultation, we’ll start by getting a clear picture of your oral health using advanced CBCT imaging. This allows us to see exactly where the bone loss has occurred so we can plan your LANAP treatment with pinpoint accuracy.

We understand that dental work can be a source of anxiety for many. Our team is dedicated to a friendly, casual, and supportive environment. We’ll explain every step of the science to you, answer your questions, and make sure you feel empowered in your health decisions. We even offer various financing options to ensure that life-changing dental care is accessible to everyone in our community.

"The team at Pomona Dental Group made me feel so at ease. I was terrified of gum surgery, but LANAP was a breeze. Knowing my bone was actually growing back gave me so much peace of mind!" : Actual Patient Testimonial

Are You a Candidate for LANAP?

If you have noticed any of the following, it’s time to come see us:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Gums that look red or swollen.
• Teeth that feel slightly loose or are shifting.
• Receding gums.

Even if you’ve been told you need traditional surgery, we highly recommend getting a second opinion to see if you are a candidate for laser regeneration. It is often a much more effective and comfortable path forward.

Take the Next Step Toward Regeneration

You don't have to accept tooth loss as an inevitable part of aging. The science of cementum and the power of the LANAP laser mean that we can reverse the clock on gum disease. We can help you regrow what you've lost and keep your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful for years to come.

Ready to see if LANAP is right for you? Our friendly team is here to help you navigate your journey back to health.

Contact Pomona Dental Group today to schedule your consultation. Let's work together to save your smile!