Gum disease is one of the most widespread and underestimated conditions in dentistry. Left untreated, moderate to severe periodontitis often leads to tooth loss and extensive restorative care, and its effects don’t stop at the gumline.
The infection has been linked to serious systemic health concerns, including heart disease and diabetes. At Bellmore Family Dental & Precision Specialty, we offer LANAP® laser gum treatment as a clinically proven, minimally invasive alternative to traditional periodontal surgery, giving patients in Bellmore, NY, a more comfortable, less disruptive path to restored gum health.
LANAP, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is the only FDA-approved laser protocol developed specifically to treat moderate to severe periodontitis without cutting or suturing the gum tissue. Using the PerioLase® MVP-7™, a specialized dental laser, our team precisely targets and eliminates infected tissue and harmful bacteria deep within periodontal pockets, while leaving all surrounding healthy tissue intact.
Traditional gum surgery involves cutting the gum back, removing diseased tissue, and closing the area with sutures, which often leads to longer recovery times, greater post-operative discomfort, and, in some cases, permanent gum recession. LANAP achieves the same clinical goals through a far gentler approach, with less discomfort, faster healing, and no disruption to healthy gum tissue.
Your care begins with a detailed assessment of your gums, teeth, and supporting bone structure. We evaluate the depth of your periodontal pockets, the extent of bone loss, and the overall severity of the infection to develop a personalized treatment plan. This gives us a clear picture of what’s happening beneath the surface, allowing us to provide your care with precision.
The procedure is performed right here in our Bellmore office using the PerioLase® MVP-7™. The laser is carefully guided along the gumline and into the periodontal pockets, where it selectively removes diseased and infected tissue while leaving healthy gum tissue completely undisturbed.
Ultrasonic instruments are then used to clear plaque and tartar from the tooth roots, and the laser is applied a second time at a different setting to create a stable, protective seal over the treated area, triggering the body’s natural healing response without a single suture.
Because LANAP preserves healthy tissue and seals the treatment site, recovery is considerably smoother than after traditional surgery.
Some mild tenderness in the days that follow is normal and typically resolves quickly. Over the weeks and months ahead, the body’s regenerative processes work to restore healthier gum attachment, reduce pocket depth, and, in many cases, regenerate some of the bone lost to the disease.
Long-term success after LANAP depends on consistent follow-up care and good home oral hygiene. We’ll recommend a personalized maintenance schedule, typically more frequent than standard cleanings, to keep bacteria levels in check and monitor your healing over time.
LANAP is a highly technique-sensitive procedure, and results depend heavily on the provider’s skill and experience. Our team at Bellmore Family Dental & Precision Specialty has the clinical background and advanced training in laser gum therapy to deliver this treatment with the precision it requires.
All LANAP procedures are performed in-house, so your care is never split between different providers or locations. Patients throughout Bellmore and the surrounding Nassau County communities trust us to manage their periodontal health with thoroughness, honesty, and a genuine commitment to preserving their natural teeth whenever possible.
Most patients are genuinely surprised by how manageable the procedure is. Local anesthesia is used throughout treatment, and sedation options are available for patients who would like additional comfort. Post-treatment soreness is typically mild and resolves without prescription medication for most patients.
The full LANAP protocol is generally completed over two appointments, with each session treating half of the mouth. Most visits take approximately two hours. We’ll walk you through a clear timeline during your consultation based on the extent of your gum disease.
Most patients are back to their routine the day after treatment. We’ll provide specific post-care guidelines, including dietary recommendations for the initial healing period, to support a smooth recovery.
Many dental insurance plans that cover periodontal treatment will cover LANAP the same way they cover traditional gum surgery. Our team will review your benefits before treatment begins so you understand exactly what’s covered. Flexible financing is also available for any remaining balance.
LANAP uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™, a laser with a wavelength uniquely selective for diseased tissue and harmful bacteria. It is the only laser protocol with FDA clearance for true periodontal regeneration, and the only one supported by peer-reviewed histological research showing new bone, new cementum, and new periodontal ligament growth after treatment.
Without treatment, periodontitis continues to destroy the bone and tissue supporting your teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss. The infection can also spread systemically, contributing to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Early, consistent treatment is always the better choice.