Home/Periodontal Care and Gum Treatments/LANAP^® Laser Gum Therapy

LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared protocol designed to treat periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss if untreated. With its ability to treat moderate to severe forms of gum disease, this laser gum therapy offers many patients a powerful alternative to major gum surgery. Dr. Braydon Haskell is fully certified in LANAP procedures and has performed these treatments for many years with great success. LANAP can not only restore periodontal health, but it can also improve the appearance of the gums and provide a healthier, more confident smile.

What Is LANAP Laser Gum Therapy?

LANAP is a laser gum therapy that offers an advanced, minimally invasive treatment option for gum disease. By harnessing the power of laser energy, Dr. Haskell can utilize LANAP technology to target and remove diseased gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue. Unlike traditional gum surgery, which often requires cutting and suturing, LANAP employs a state-of-the-art laser to precisely eliminate infection and stimulate the regeneration of bone and connective tissue around the teeth.

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:

Improved periodontal health and overall oral hygiene
Precise targeting of diseased tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue
Minimally invasive treatment with no surgical cutting or suturing required
More rapid healing when compared to traditional gum surgery
Reduced pain and discomfort during and after the procedure
Minimized risk of infection due to the sterilizing effects of the laser
Stimulation of bone and gum tissue regeneration
Helps preserve natural teeth by controlling the progression of gum disease
Often ideal for patients who have dental anxiety or a fear of invasive procedures

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.

Would you like to learn more about laser gum therapy? Please contact us for additional information, or to schedule an appointment with our periodontist.