Laser Treatment for Gum Disease, Without the Scalpel
LANAP, short for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a minimally invasive way to treat moderate to advanced gum disease. A specialized dental laser removes bacteria and diseased tissue from deep gum pockets, then helps the gums seal tightly around the teeth again. Unlike traditional gum surgery, which involves cutting, lifting, and stitching the gums, LANAP uses no scalpel and, in most cases, no sutures. Many patients find it more comfortable, with a shorter recovery and less gum shrinkage.
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults and often advances without pain, so early treatment is the best way to protect the bone and gum tissue that hold your teeth in place. Our Brooklyn practice brings a periodontist, an oral surgeon, and general and cosmetic dentists together under one roof, so your laser gum treatment is coordinated with everything else your smile needs.
Schedule Your LANAP ConsultationHow Laser Gum Therapy Targets Infection and Supports Healing
LANAP uses a dental laser fiber, roughly as thin as three human hairs, that is placed gently into the space between the tooth and the gum. The laser energy does several things at once:
- Removes diseased tissue. The laser selectively targets inflamed, infected pocket lining while leaving healthy gum tissue in place.
- Reduces harmful bacteria. Bacteria that drive gum disease are eliminated from deep below the gumline, where brushing and flossing can’t reach.
- Cleans the root surface. After the laser step, tartar and buildup are carefully removed from the roots with ultrasonic instruments.
- Encourages a stable seal. A second pass of the laser helps form a clot that protects the area while the gums heal and tighten against the tooth.
- Supports regeneration. Bone-supporting tissue heals in a clean environment, and the gums can reattach to the tooth, which is the “new attachment” in the procedure’s name.
This level of precision is a big reason LANAP is considered a tissue-preserving approach to gum disease treatment.
Is LANAP Right for You?
LANAP is designed for patients with moderate to advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis. You may be a candidate for laser gum treatment if you have:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Deep gum pockets measured during a periodontal exam
- Persistent bad breath or a lingering bad taste
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Bone loss visible on X-rays
- Gum disease that hasn’t improved with regular cleanings alone
Not everyone is an ideal candidate. Early-stage gingivitis can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and better home care, and certain medical conditions or medications can affect treatment planning. A periodontal exam, including pocket measurements and digital X-rays, is the only way to know whether LANAP is appropriate for you.
Your Lanap Visit, from the First Exam to Follow-up Care
LANAP is performed in stages, and knowing what to expect can take much of the worry out of the experience. Here is how treatment typically unfolds.
01. Periodontal Evaluation and Diagnosis
We measure pocket depths, check for bleeding and inflammation, and take digital X-rays to assess bone levels. This shows how advanced the disease is and whether LANAP fits your needs.
02. Treatment Planning
Our doctors explain the diagnosis in plain language, outline how many visits are needed, and review costs, insurance, and financing before you commit.
03. Numbing and Comfort
The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia. Sedation options may be discussed if you feel anxious about dental procedures.
04. Laser Removal of Infected Tissue
The laser fiber is guided into each pocket to eliminate bacteria and diseased tissue while sparing healthy gum.
05. Root Cleaning
Tartar and deposits are carefully removed from the root surfaces so the gums have a clean surface to reattach to.
06. Sealing the Pocket
The laser is used again to form a stable clot that protects the area as it begins to heal.
07. Bite Adjustment If Needed
If excess biting force is stressing your teeth, a minor adjustment may be made to protect healing.
08. Follow-up and Maintenance
We check your healing at scheduled visits and set up regular periodontal maintenance to keep the disease under control for the long term.
Benefits of LANAP for Gum Disease
Patients often choose LANAP because it treats the disease without many of the drawbacks they associate with gum surgery. Potential benefits include:
- No scalpel and typically no stitches. The procedure is minimally invasive and preserves more of your natural gum tissue.
- Less discomfort during and after treatment. Many patients report minimal pain and manage recovery with over-the-counter medication.
- Shorter recovery time. Most patients return to normal activities quickly, with a few dietary and brushing precautions.
- Less gum shrinkage. Because tissue is preserved, gums are less likely to pull back and expose tooth roots than with some traditional surgical approaches.
- Reduced bleeding and swelling. The laser helps control bleeding during treatment.
- Targeted treatment of deep pockets. Hard-to-reach infections beneath the gumline can be addressed precisely.
- Supports tooth retention. Treating the infection and encouraging reattachment helps protect the bone and teeth you have.
- Comfort-focused care. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable, and sedation dentistry may be an option for anxious patients.
LANAP Cost, Dental Insurance, and Payment Options
The cost of LANAP depends on how advanced your gum disease is, how many areas of the mouth need treatment, and how many visits are required. After your exam, we provide a written treatment plan with costs explained clearly.
- Dental insurance: Many plans offer some coverage for periodontal treatment. Coverage for laser procedures varies, so our team can review your benefits and estimate your cost before you begin.
- Financing: Flexible payment options are available. Visit our Financing & Insurance page to learn more.
- No insurance: Our Membership Plan includes two cleanings, two exams, X-rays, and 20% off other treatments (excluding specialty treatments).
- New patients: Our New Patient Special includes a cleaning, exam, and X-rays for $250.
Learn more about our full range of periodontics services, including gum disease treatment and gum grafting.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums
Bleeding gums, deep pockets, and loose teeth are signs that gum disease may be advancing. The sooner it’s treated, the more of your natural teeth and bone you can protect. Book a gum evaluation to find out whether LANAP is right for you. Call 718-302-0380 or schedule online.
Book Your Gum EvaluationFrequently Asked Questions About LANAP Laser Gum Treatment
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is a minimally invasive laser treatment for gum disease that removes infected tissue and bacteria from deep gum pockets and helps the gums reattach to the teeth, without a scalpel or, in most cases, sutures.
A thin laser fiber is guided between the tooth and gum to remove diseased tissue and kill bacteria. The root surface is then cleaned, and the laser is used again to seal the area so the gums can heal and tighten around the tooth.
The area is numbed with local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Mild soreness afterward is common and is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication.
Treatment time depends on how much of your mouth needs care. Many patients are treated in sections over one or more visits, and our team will give you a schedule at your consultation.
Most patients return to normal activities quickly, though a soft-food diet and brushing precautions are needed for a short period. Full healing of the gum and supporting tissue continues for weeks to months, so follow-up visits are important.
No scalpel is used, and stitches are typically not needed. This is one of the reasons many patients find LANAP more comfortable than traditional gum surgery.
Patients with moderate to advanced gum disease, such as deep pockets, bleeding gums, or bone loss, are often good candidates. Early gingivitis usually doesn’t need LANAP, and some medical conditions can affect eligibility, so an exam is required.
Coverage depends on your plan. Many plans cover part of periodontal treatment, but laser procedures may be treated differently. Our team can check your benefits and explain your estimated cost before treatment begins.
