Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure

What is LANAP?

LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-approved method for the effective, conservative and comfortable treatment of periodontitis or “gum disease”. The laser acts to kill disease-causing bacteria, remove damaged tissue and stimulate the body’s healing response- all without removing the healthy gum tissue.

I have had conventional gum surgery in the past. How is LANAP different? Does LANAP treatment hurt?

Conventional gum surgery requires cutting and stitches. LANAP involves no cutting and also does not require stitches. The patient is numbed thoroughly for LANAP just as for regular dental treatment that requires anesthesia. Most patients report little to no pain following LANAP treatment. Patients are able to get on with their normal daily lives more quickly, and in greater comfort! Pain after the procedure is managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen and Tylenol, and patients are pleasantly surprised that they don’t require narcotic pain relievers! Because only diseased gum tissue is removed during surgery, the teeth do not look “longer” nor are they as sensitive as after conventional gum surgery.

Am I a candidate? What about cost? I have heard that LANAP is expensive!

A better question is who is not a candidate for this procedure. Patients who would not benefit from this procedure would be patients with healthy gums or who only have gingivitis. If your gum pockets are less than 5mm, you are a not a candidate. All other periodontal patients are candidates for LANAP – Even if previous therapy has failed, LANAP treatment is not only possible, but has the same chance of success as there would be if they had never had been treated in the past. With regard to cost, LANAP is not more expensive at our office than conventional periodontal surgery. As we are contracted with dental insurance companies, your out of pocket costs and coverage are the same as they would be for conventional surgery!