Gum disease treatment has a reputation for being uncomfortable, and for a long time, that reputation was earned. LANAP changes that equation by treating infected gum tissue with a laser instead of a scalpel.
What LANAP Actually Stands For
LANAP, short for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is an FDA-cleared laser treatment for moderate to severe gum disease. It’s designed to remove infected tissue while encouraging healthy gum to reattach to the tooth, rather than simply cutting diseased tissue away.
How LANAP Differs From Traditional Gum Surgery
Traditional periodontal surgery involves cutting and suturing gum tissue to access the infected area underneath. LANAP instead uses a laser to selectively target diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy tissue largely undisturbed, which for many patients means less bleeding, less swelling, and a more comfortable recovery.
Signs You Might Be a Candidate
Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth are all common signs of the kind of advanced gum disease LANAP is designed to treat. An evaluation with our periodontics team can confirm whether LANAP fits your specific case.
What the Procedure Involves
Treatment uses a specialized laser to remove infected tissue and bacteria from around each affected tooth, then encourages the gum to reattach to a cleaner root surface as it heals. Because the approach is less invasive than traditional surgery, many patients return to normal activities more quickly afterward.
Recovery: What to Expect
Most patients experience noticeably less discomfort than they would with traditional gum surgery, with a shorter recovery window in many cases. Your care team will walk you through specific aftercare instructions based on how extensive your treatment was.
Why Untreated Gum Disease Is Worth Addressing Early
Left untreated, gum disease doesn’t stay contained to your mouth. It’s been linked to broader health concerns, and it’s also one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss, which is part of why catching and treating it matters beyond cosmetic concerns.
Is LANAP Right for Every Case?
Not necessarily. Mild gum disease may respond well to a deep cleaning, while more advanced cases might still call for traditional surgical approaches depending on the specifics. This is exactly the kind of decision worth making with a periodontist rather than guessing based on symptoms alone.
Who Provides LANAP Treatment at Bellmore Family Dental
Dr. Jesse Hofer, a periodontist on our team, evaluates each patient’s gum health individually to determine whether LANAP or another treatment approach fits their case.
Concerned About Your Gum Health?
Schedule a consultation to find out whether LANAP is the right treatment for you.
