LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment: A Minimally Invasive Solution for Periodontal Disease

April 13, 2025

Gum disease affects millions of Americans, often progressing silently until it causes serious damage to gum tissue and the supporting bone structure of your teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to serious health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers advanced solutions like LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment that can effectively treat gum disease without the discomfort and extended recovery associated with traditional surgery.

Laser gum treatment, such as LANAP®, is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure that uses laser technology to target and remove infected tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue. This procedure offers several advantages, including reduced pain, minimal bleeding, and a faster recovery time compared to conventional surgical methods. The precision of the laser also ensures that the surrounding healthy tissue remains unharmed, making it a highly effective and comfortable option for patients seeking to restore their gum health.

Don’t Let Gum Disease Progress

Speak with a certified LANAP® provider to learn if this minimally invasive treatment is right for you.Find a Certified LANAP® Provider

What is LANAP laser gum treatment Treatment?

LANAP® stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It’s an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive laser treatment for moderate to severe periodontal disease. Unlike traditional gum surgery that requires cutting and suturing of gum tissue, LANAP® uses a specialized PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental laser to target and remove only the diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue.

This revolutionary approach is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared laser procedure with scientific evidence supporting true bone regeneration. The LANAP® protocol can effectively treat gum disease by removing harmful bacteria and infected tissue while stimulating the body’s natural healing processes to regenerate bone and tissue attachment.

LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment procedure being performed by a dentist

The PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser used in LANAP® treatment targets diseased tissue with precision

How the LANAP® Procedure Works

The LANAP® protocol utilizes laser physics and the unique interaction between oral tissues and the variable pulsed wavelength of the PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental laser. The procedure is typically completed in two 2-hour sessions and follows a specific sequence:

Step-by-step illustration of the LANAP® procedure showing the laser removing diseased tissue

The LANAP® protocol follows a precise sequence to treat gum disease and promote healing

  1. Pocket Depth Measurement: The dentist measures the depth of the periodontal pockets to assess the severity of gum disease.
  2. First Laser Pass: The PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser selectively removes diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact. The laser’s 1064 wavelength targets only the diseased tissue containing melanin and hemoglobin.
  3. Calculus Removal: Ultrasonic scalers and specialized instruments remove root surface accretions (tartar).
  4. Bone Modification: If necessary, the bone around the tooth root is modified to promote better healing.
  5. Second Laser Pass: The laser is used again to form a stable fibrin clot containing stem cells from bone and periodontal ligament.
  6. Bite Adjustment: The bite is adjusted to eliminate occlusal trauma that could impede healing.
  7. Healing and New Attachment: The stable environment created allows for new attachment to form without the need for sutures.

The laser’s ability to penetrate 4mm beyond the tissue surface effectively eliminates bacteria while creating an ideal environment for healing and regeneration. This process allows for true periodontal regeneration—new cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone—on previously diseased root surfaces. CEREC 3D: Revolutionizing Modern Dental Restorations

Benefits of LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment

Patient experiencing minimal discomfort during LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment

Minimal Pain and Discomfort

LANAP® treatment is significantly less painful than traditional osseous surgery. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, often requiring only over-the-counter pain medication if any.

Comparison of recovery time between LANAP® and traditional gum surgery

Faster Recovery

Unlike traditional gum surgery that may require weeks of recovery, LANAP® patients typically return to normal activities within 24 hours. There’s minimal bleeding, swelling, and post-operative pain due to the laser’s precision.

Before and after images of gums treated with LANAP® showing tissue regeneration

Preserves Healthy Tissue

LANAP® selectively targets only diseased tissue, preserving healthy gum tissue. This results in less gum recession and better aesthetic outcomes compared to traditional surgery.

Microscopic image showing bone regeneration after LANAP® treatment

Promotes True Regeneration

LANAP® is the only scientifically proven protocol that results in true periodontal regeneration, including new bone growth and gum tissue reattachment without using biologics, growth factors, or artificial membranes.

No scalpels or sutures are used in LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment

No Scalpels or Sutures

The LANAP® procedure doesn’t require cutting or stitching of the gums. This minimally invasive approach reduces anxiety for patients who fear traditional dental surgery and eliminates the discomfort of suture removal.

Patient smiling after successful LANAP® treatment showing saved teeth

Saves Teeth

LANAP® can often save teeth that might otherwise require extraction. Clinical studies show a decrease in pocket depth by 50% in more than 90% of patient pockets through regeneration rather than amputation of tissue.

Ready to Explore LANAP® Treatment?

Take the first step toward healthier gums and a stronger smile with this advanced laser therapy.Find a Certified LANAP® Provider

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Who is a Candidate for LANAP® Treatment?

LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment is suitable for most patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease. The procedure is particularly beneficial for:

  • Patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis (stages II-IV)
  • Those who fear traditional scalpel surgery
  • Patients with medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or those taking blood thinners
  • Smokers (who typically have poorer outcomes with traditional surgery)
  • Those who have previously undergone unsuccessful traditional periodontal surgery
  • Patients wanting to save teeth that might otherwise require extraction

Your periodontist will evaluate your specific condition to determine if LANAP® is right for you. The procedure is not recommended for patients with certain types of periodontal disease or those with specific medical contraindications.

Dentist consulting with patient about LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment eligibility

A thorough consultation will determine if LANAP® is the right treatment for your specific condition

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis: Early stage with gum inflammation, bleeding during brushing/flossing

Early Periodontitis: Pocket formation begins (4-5mm), slight bone loss

Moderate Periodontitis: Deeper pockets (5-7mm), moderate bone loss, tooth mobility may begin

Advanced Periodontitis: Deep pockets (7mm+), significant bone loss, loose teeth, potential tooth loss

Recovery and Aftercare Following LANAP® Treatment

Patient receiving post-LANAP® care instructions from dental professional

Following proper aftercare instructions is essential for optimal healing after LANAP® treatment

Timeline showing LANAP® recovery process over several weeks

The LANAP® recovery timeline shows significant advantages over traditional surgery

What to Expect After LANAP® Treatment

Recovery from LANAP® is typically much faster and more comfortable than traditional periodontal surgery. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 24 hours of the procedure. Here’s what to expect during recovery:

Immediate Post-Procedure (1-3 Days)

  • Minimal discomfort managed with over-the-counter pain medication if needed
  • Some minor bleeding or oozing from the treatment sites
  • Slight swelling that typically resolves quickly
  • Diet restrictions (soft foods, avoiding extremely hot or spicy items)

Short-Term Recovery (1-2 Weeks)

  • Gradual return to normal diet as comfort allows
  • Special oral hygiene instructions to protect the treated areas
  • Avoidance of brushing directly on the treated sites initially
  • Use of prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse

Long-Term Care

  • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing
  • Maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months
  • Diligent home care routine to prevent reinfection
  • Smoking cessation strongly recommended for optimal results

Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment?

Is LANAP® treatment painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after LANAP® treatment. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and many patients require only over-the-counter pain medication, if any, following treatment. Compared to traditional gum surgery, LANAP® typically results in significantly less post-operative pain, swelling, and bleeding.

How long does the LANAP® procedure take?

The LANAP® protocol is typically completed in two 2-hour sessions, with each session treating half of the mouth. This is considerably faster than traditional surgery, which often requires multiple longer appointments. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 24 hours after each session.

Is LANAP® covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover LANAP® treatment similarly to how they cover traditional periodontal surgery, as it is an FDA-cleared procedure for treating gum disease. Coverage varies by provider and plan. Most dental offices can help you verify your benefits and may offer financing options to make treatment more affordable.

How effective is LANAP® compared to traditional gum surgery?

LANAP® has been scientifically proven to be as effective as traditional surgery for treating periodontal disease, with the added benefits of promoting true regeneration of bone and tissue. Clinical studies show that LANAP® can decrease pocket depth by 50% in more than 90% of patient pockets. It’s the only FDA-cleared laser procedure with scientific evidence supporting true bone regeneration.

Is LANAP® a permanent solution for gum disease?

LANAP® can effectively treat existing gum disease and create an environment for healing and regeneration. However, maintaining the results requires diligent home care and regular professional maintenance. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, the results from LANAP® treatment can be long-lasting. Factors like smoking, diabetes, and genetics can influence long-term outcomes.

Scientific Evidence Supporting LANAP® Treatment

Scientific research results showing effectiveness of LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment

Human histological studies confirm true periodontal regeneration with LANAP® treatment

LANAP® is supported by extensive scientific research, including human histological studies that confirm its ability to promote true periodontal regeneration. The procedure has been documented in:

  • 25+ peer-reviewed scientific publications
  • Two prospective human histology studies
  • Multiple randomized controlled clinical trials
  • Over 650 documented positive patient outcomes

This scientific validation sets LANAP® apart from other laser treatments for gum disease. The PerioLase® MVP-7™ used in the LANAP® protocol is the only laser with FDA clearance for true periodontal regeneration based on human histologic studies.

Take Action Against Gum Disease Today

Don’t let periodontal disease progress and threaten your oral health. LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment offers a comfortable, effective solution with proven results.Find a Certified LANAP® Provider Near You

1-800-123-4567

Conclusion: A Revolutionary Approach to Treating Gum Disease

LANAP® Laser Gum Disease Treatment represents a significant advancement in periodontal care, offering patients a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. With its ability to selectively target diseased tissue while preserving healthy gums, promote true regeneration, and provide faster, more comfortable recovery, LANAP® has transformed the treatment experience for those suffering from moderate to severe gum disease.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, or loose teeth, don’t wait until the condition worsens. Consult with a certified LANAP® provider to determine if this revolutionary treatment could help save your teeth and restore your gum health. With proper treatment and maintenance, you can overcome periodontal disease and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

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