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You Were Told You Need Gum Surgery. There’s Another Option.

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FDA-cleared. No scalpel. No stitches. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.

If your dentist has told you that you need gum surgery, you don’t have to accept that as your only option. LANAP — Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure — is an
FDA-cleared treatment for periodontitis that eliminates the need for scalpels, sutures, and the extended recovery that comes with traditional gum surgery. Dr. Haskell is LANAP-certified and has used this protocol successfully for patients with moderate to severe gum disease who wanted a less invasive path forward.

A Less Invasive Alternative to Traditional Gum Surgery

Schedule your consultation with our team today!

If you’ve been told you need gum surgery, you may be a candidate for LANAP. Most insurance plans cover LANAP the same as traditional surgery.

Call us at 480.948.7000 or request a consultation online to find out if you qualify.

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What Is LANAP Laser Gum Therapy?

Traditional gum surgery requires cutting the gum tissue, folding it back to access the root and bone, and suturing it closed afterward. Recovery typically takes 2–4 weeks and can involve significant discomfort. LANAP uses a laser the width of three human hairs to remove diseased tissue and bacteria from the gum pocket —without touching healthy tissue and without a single incision.

The laser’s high precision allows for effective removal of harmful bacteria and tartar from beneath the gum line while minimizing discomfort and recovery time. Additionally, the laser promotes natural healing and tissue regeneration, making it a preferred choice for patients seeking a less invasive option for gum disease treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Treatment for Gum Disease?

Laser treatment for gum disease and other periodontal concerns offers numerous advantages for patients. The potential benefits of laser gum therapy include:

  • No cutting, no stitches, no scalpel
  • Same-day return to most normal activities
  • Less discomfort than traditional surgery
  • Bone regeneration stimulated by the laser
  • Designed to preserve healthy gum tissue
  • Covered by most dental insurance plans that cover gum surgery

LANAP® is one of many types of periodontal care options available at our practice. During your initial consultation with Dr. Haskell, our experienced periodontist can determine whether this laser gum treatment is right for your needs.

What Does the LANAP Laser Gum Therapy Procedure Involve?

The LANAP procedure is typically performed with a local anesthetic applied to the treatment areas. In many cases, this treatment requires two sessions at our office, each focusing on one side of the mouth. The laser will be guided along the gums to precisely remove bacteria and diseased tissue from the gum pockets. This meticulous process is highly selective, preserving healthy tissue while eliminating infection. After the diseased tissue is removed, the laser is used again to seal the gum pocket. This step promotes healing and helps reattach the gum to the tooth surface. Dr. Haskell may also smooth the tooth roots to reduce the likelihood of future bacterial buildup.

The entire LANAP procedure can be performed right here at our office, typically in less than two hours. It is minimally invasive, eliminating the need for incisions or sutures.

What Are the Treatment Options for Gum Disease?

Treatment for gum disease depends on its severity. During your initial appointment with Dr. Haskell, he will evaluate your needs to determine whether you are experiencing gum disease and, if so, the current stage of the condition. For early stages such as gingivitis, a professional cleaning and an improved oral hygiene routine may be sufficient. For more advanced cases, scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning) may be required to remove tartar and bacteria from beneath the gumline. In severe cases of gum disease, a procedure known as LANAP® may be recommended. LANAP® is a laser gum therapy that, in many cases, can be used to treat advanced cases of periodontitis without the need for traditional gum surgery. This method is minimally-invasive and does not require extensive recovery time. Dr. Haskell is LANAP®-certified and is frequently able to perform this treatment successfully for patients with more advanced cases of periodontal disease. Additionally, Dr. Haskell offers procedures such as Pinhole Gum Grafting and VISTA (Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access) that may be recommended for patients experiencing severe gum recession.

While surgical options such as flap surgery, bone grafting, or gum grafts may be necessary for some patients in order to restore damaged tissue and bone, these options may only be recommended in the most severe cases—those for which less invasive techniques may not be as effective. Additionally, the possibility of medications such as antimicrobial rinses or localized antibiotics may also be explored.

Does LANAP Laser Gum Disease Treatment Require a Recovery Process?

Many patients are able to resume their normal activities shortly after treatment; however, some may need about a day before returning to their regular daily routines. Recovery from LANAP laser gum therapy is generally quicker and more comfortable compared to traditional gum surgery. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort and swelling following treatment, which can be managed with over-the-counter medication. Adhering to specific post-treatment care instructions is crucial to ensure optimal healing. This aftercare protocol may include:

  • Eating a soft food diet for about a week.
  • Avoiding vigorous brushing or flossing in the treated areas for a specified period.
  • Using prescribed mouth rinses to keep the gums clean and free of bacteria.

Patients may experience a mild degree of gum sensitivity and tenderness, which usually subsides within a few days. The laser’s ability to seal the gum tissue reduces the risk of infection and promotes faster tissue regeneration, typically resulting in improved gum health over time. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Haskell are essential to monitor healing and ensure the success of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP

You don’t have to choose between your teeth and your comfort. Call 480.948.7000 or request a consultation below to find out if LANAP is right for you.