LANAP Laser Periodontal Therapy: What You Need to Know
Pros & cons
What to expect
How long healing takes
Fast facts
Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) is a nonsurgical alternative to periodontal surgery. It treats gum disease—an infection of the gums that’s usually caused by poor oral hygiene—using PerioLase, a YAG laser, to remove diseased tissue and kill bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact.
The LANAP protocol is an FDA-cleared laser treatment that offers a less painful alternative to conventional surgery—and it’s often more successful. LANAP with laser-assisted regeneration (LAR) is the only scientifically proven methodology that results in true periodontal regeneration, the growth of new bone and gum tissue. They are performed with a special laser called a Nd:YAG, which has variable speeds and frequency of pulses for different types of tissue.
The success of LANAP in treating gum disease is due to its ability to target the source of the inflammation without hurting or removing healthy gum tissue. It can also slow or stop the gum tissue from detaching from the teeth and decrease the pocket depth between the gums and teeth, allowing the body to recover from infection without the need for additional surgery. A shallower pocket, as Miami Beach dentist Dr. Mauricio Tijerino explains, “leaves a healthy environment, which is maintainable by the patient.” “LANAP,” he explains, “cleans and disinfects the pockets, kills specifically pathologic bacteria, loosens tartar under the gum, targets the diseased gum tissue and leaves a fresh healthy gum to reattach to the tooth.”
Pros
- Less pain, bleeding, swelling, and sensitivity than surgery
- Promotes regeneration of supporting gum tissues
- Very little downtime after treatment
- Low chance of a post-op infection
- Faster and more comfortable than conventional surgery
- Periodontal disease treatment is covered by most dental insurance plans
Cons
- Most patients require two treatment sessions
- Some pain following treatment
- Restrictions on diet and oral hygiene routines following treatment
The procedure can usually be completed in a pair of two-hour visits to minimize discomfort. Local anesthesia may be used, for patients who request it, but LANAP is noninvasive and normally doesn't require any other form of sedation. During your first visit, one side of the mouth will be completed. About a week later, during your second visit, the other side will be completed. If necessary, loose teeth may need to be splinted in order to immobilize them. It’s important you wear these splints as instructed, to aid in the healing process.
Recovery from LANAP will depend on your individual pain tolerance. LANAP is a surgical procedure, so you may experience mild soreness of the treated areas (this can be alleviated with ibuprofen). The gum tissues around the teeth may appear slightly discolored. You will need to schedule visits to have your bite adjusted several times over the next few months, for proper healing. Bite adjustment is achieved by shaving down the teeth to ensure proper contact between the upper and lower teeth. Most patients are able to quickly resume normal activities or return to work.
While it may be inconvenient, it’s recommended to avoid brushing and flossing for the first 7–10 days after treatment and adhere to a soft diet as recommended by your dentist. Don’t smoke during recovery—it interferes with the body’s healing process.
Updated June 13, 2023