LANAP®, which stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a minimally invasive treatment for periodontal disease. Instead of cutting gum tissue with a scalpel, it uses a specific laser wavelength to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the periodontal pockets around teeth. No incisions, no sutures, and a much shorter recovery than traditional gum surgery.
Key Takeaways
LANAP® treats gum disease with a laser instead of a scalpel. No cutting, no stitches, and most patients return to their normal routine within a day.
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, affects the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Left untreated, it progresses and causes bone loss that’s not reversible. LANAP® is one of the treatment options for moderate to severe cases.
How LANAP® Works
The procedure uses a specific laser frequency designed to selectively target diseased tissue and bacteria while passing through healthy tissue without harming it. The laser is a thin fiber inserted into the periodontal pocket alongside each tooth.
The laser removes the infected lining of the pocket and eliminates the bacteria living there. Ultrasonic scaling removes calcified deposits from the root surface. The laser is then used a second time to create a stable clot in the pocket that seals it and creates the biological conditions for tissue regeneration around the tooth.
The result is clean pockets and a sealed environment where new attachment between the gum and root surface can develop.
LANAP® vs Traditional Gum Surgery
Traditional periodontal surgery involves cutting the gum tissue, pulling it back to directly access the root and bone, removing diseased tissue manually, and then suturing the gum back. Recovery takes several weeks. The procedure is effective but involves significant tissue handling.
LANAP® achieves similar clinical goals without the scalpel. No tissue is cut. No sutures are placed. The laser does the work through the small natural opening of the pocket. Most patients return to work or normal activities the following day.
Both approaches aim to eliminate the infection, reduce pocket depths, and stop bone loss. LANAP® has the additional aim of stimulating regeneration of the bone and connective tissue that were lost to the disease.
Is LANAP® Better Than Traditional Gum Surgery?
For many patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease, LANAP® delivers comparable outcomes with significantly less discomfort and a faster recovery. It isn’t appropriate for every case. Patients with very advanced bone loss or specific anatomical situations may still be better candidates for traditional surgical approaches. The periodontist evaluates both options at the consultation and recommends based on the clinical picture.
Recovery After LANAP®
Recovery is shorter than traditional gum surgery by a significant margin. Most patients experience some tenderness and mild gum sensitivity for a few days. Soft diet for the first several days is recommended. Normal activities can typically resume the following day.
Follow-up appointments are important. The periodontist monitors pocket depth measurements and tissue healing to confirm the treatment is achieving the intended results. If you’ve been told you have gum disease and want to understand your treatment options, schedule a consultation with our team at Image Dental in Stockton. We handle LANAP® in-house with no outside referral needed.
