LANAP is a laser treatment for periodontal disease that causes a lot of questions. Learn the common queries and answers here.

Gum disease is a highly prevalent condition, with nearly half of all adults over age 30 dealing with some degree of periodontal disease. One advanced treatment option available to combat this issue is known as LANAP. This stands for "laser-assisted new attachment procedure."

While highly effective, the LANAP protocol also tends to spur many questions from prospective patients. How is it different than traditional gum surgery? What results can be expected?



This blog post answers some of your burning questions about LANAP laser treatment for periodontal disease. Let's dive in!

What Is LANAP?

LANAP is an advanced gum treatment that utilizes a specialized laser called a PerioLase MVP-7. This laser is uniquely designed to target and remove diseased gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact.

The main goal of our LANAP treatment in Columbia, MD is to help regenerate lost bone and gum tissue. It does this by triggering the body's natural healing response mechanisms. New collagen and tissue fibers can then reattach at the areas where the recession has occurred.



Over a few months, LANAP laser therapy allows for the potential re-growth of tissue damaged by periodontal disease. This reconstructive capacity sets it apart from conventional surgical procedures.

How Does LANAP Differ From Traditional Gum Surgery?

LANAP is a minimally invasive laser treatment that removes diseased gum tissue without cutting or stitching. This laser is uniquely designed to target and remove the diseased tissue. It achieves this while leaving healthy tissue intact.

On the other hand, traditional gum surgery is more invasive. It requires cutting into the gum tissue to expose roots. This open-flap approach leads to more post-op discomfort. The recovery also takes longer.



Unlike scalpels and sutures, LANAP stimulates the natural regeneration of the gum tissue. The laser triggers the body's healing response to regrow lost bone and attachments. Patients see less recession, swelling, and typically faster healing.

Is LANAP Painful?

This laser-assisted new attachment procedure prioritizes a comfortable patient experience. The laser emits a mild, warm sensation that most patients find soothing rather than painful. It also seals nerve endings during treatment.

This reduces any temporary discomfort.



Our periodontist in Columbia, MD, administers LANAP under local anesthesia. This further maximizes comfort for you. Some patients note minor pressure or vibration. However, it subsides quickly after treatment.

Because the treatment is non-invasive, there's no trauma to the gum tissue. There's also little to no pain afterward. This allows you to resume normal activity faster.

Who Is a Candidate for LANAP Laser Gum Treatment?

LANAP laser therapy is suitable for patients in the early to middle stages of gum disease. This includes those with pockets up to 6mm deep, swollen and bleeding gums, and loosening teeth. The laser can also treat more advanced recession for non-surgical cases.

Patients with ongoing disease despite deep cleanings are prime candidates. The same is true for those looking to avoid invasive surgery and are good fits for the LANAP protocol. The laser regenerates gum tissue and bone loss for moderate periodontal cases.



However, individuals with extreme damage beyond 6mm may require more aggressive surgical grafting. Our team conducts a comprehensive exam to determine disease severity across all stages of gum disease. We then advise a personalized treatment.

What Results Can I Expect from LANAP?

LANAP goes a long way toward improving your dental health. For starters, it reduces bleeding, swelling, and gum pocket depths. The treatment also eliminates infection while triggering the body's natural healing abilities.

This is a great first step toward regrowing the tissue and bone lost to periodontal disease. Many patients report improved ability to chew and enhanced comfort around teeth after LANAP. With reduced pocket depths, home care and dental visits become easier.

Bad breath may dissipate as bacteria levels lower. Some also note tooth sensitivity decreases thanks to gum tissue regeneration.



While not an outright cure, LANAP offers the potential for remarkable gum tissue and bone regrowth. Patients can expect lasting enhancements to oral health. This is especially true when paired with diligent continued care. The regenerative capacity helps increase tooth lifespan dramatically.

What Happens After the Laser Treatment for Periodontal Disease?

Patients can expect some mild post-op sensitivity and soreness around the treatment sites after LANAP. This typically lasts only a few days as the laser regeneration process begins. Over-the-counter pain medication helps manage any temporary discomfort.

It's incredibly vital that you follow the post-care guidelines provided by your local periodontist. This includes avoiding hard foods and not flossing the treated areas. Be sure to come to scheduled follow-ups so we can monitor your healing.



Following aftercare instructions will allow you to enjoy greatly improved gum health. It also reduces the risk of complications. The regenerative effects of this treatment also continue to develop with time.

Can LANAP Treat Advanced Gum Disease?

LANAP laser therapy can treat even severe cases of gum disease effectively. The laser penetrates deep below the gum line to regenerate bone loss up to 6mm deep. It triggers new attachment growth, thus reversing the damage due to advanced inflammation.

Keep in mind that extreme bone loss may call for alternative treatment at first. This includes bone grafts or soft tissue grafts to rebuild a solid foundation. LANAP then enhances these grafting procedures further by stimulating new tissue and blood vessel growth.



Our periodontist will diagnose the current stage of your gum disease during an oral exam. We then devise a tailored treatment plan depending on the severity. Even for advanced cases, LANAP offers substantial regenerative benefits.

Schedule LANAP Treatment for Periodontal Disease in Columbia, MD

We hope this post has answered some common questions about the LANAP laser treatment for periodontal disease. That said, if you're dealing with receding, inflamed, or infected gums in Columbia, MD, LANAP may be the solution you've been searching for.

Smile Savers Dentistry provides tailored treatment plans to restore your healthy gums. We prioritize patient education, comfort, and results. Our team is committed to providing honest, personalized gum care you can trust.

Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment now to find out if you are a candidate for LANAP treatment.