LANAP Laser Gum Treatment: A Modern Approach to Treating Gum Disease

Gum disease can cause inflammation, infection, gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss if it progresses without treatment. Fortunately, advances in periodontal care have created new ways to treat gum disease while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

One option is the LANAP® protocol, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. This laser periodontal treatment uses specialized technology to target diseased tissue and bacteria while helping create an environment where the gums can begin to heal.

What Is LANAP?

LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is a laser-based periodontal treatment performed using the PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental laser.

Rather than relying on traditional cutting and suturing techniques, the LANAP protocol uses a very small laser fiber that can be placed between the teeth and gums to access periodontal pockets.

The laser is designed to selectively target diseased tissue and bacteria associated with gum disease while preserving healthy tissue.

How Does the LANAP Procedure Work?

LANAP is performed through a series of carefully controlled steps designed to clean periodontal pockets and create conditions that support healing.

1. Removing Diseased Tissue and Bacteria

A tiny laser fiber—approximately the size of a few human hairs—is gently placed between the gum and tooth.

Laser energy is used to remove diseased tissue from inside the periodontal pocket and target bacteria associated with gum infections. Healthy tissue is preserved as the periodontal pocket is treated.

2. Removing Calculus From the Teeth

Gum disease is often associated with hardened deposits called calculus, or tartar, that build up on the surfaces of the teeth and roots.

After the diseased tissue has been addressed, specialized ultrasonic instruments are used to break apart these deposits. The area can then be flushed to help remove debris and thoroughly clean the tooth and root surfaces.

Removing calculus is an important part of periodontal treatment because these deposits can harbor bacteria and contribute to continued inflammation.

3. Treating the Periodontal Pocket Again

Once the surfaces of the teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, the laser is used again within the periodontal pocket.

This second pass helps address remaining bacteria and debris in the treatment area.

The laser also helps form a stable blood clot around the tooth. This clot creates a natural seal between the gum tissue and tooth, helping protect the area as the healing process begins.

4. Creating an Environment for Healing

After treatment, the goal is to leave behind a clean, closed, and stable environment where the body’s natural healing processes can take place.

Rather than simply removing diseased tissue, the LANAP protocol is designed to help establish conditions that support periodontal healing and new attachment around the teeth.

What Are the Benefits of LANAP?

For appropriate patients, LANAP may offer several advantages as part of periodontal treatment, including:

  • Targets diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue
  • Reduces bacteria within periodontal pockets
  • Removes calculus and debris from difficult-to-reach areas
  • Does not require traditional scalpels or sutures
  • Helps create a stable environment for healing
  • May involve less post-treatment discomfort than conventional periodontal surgery for some patients
  • Supports the preservation of natural teeth and periodontal tissues

The appropriate treatment for gum disease depends on its severity, your overall oral health, and several other individual factors. LANAP may not be the right treatment for every patient.

Why Is Treating Gum Disease Important?

Periodontal disease doesn’t only affect the gums. As the condition progresses, infection and inflammation can damage the structures that support your teeth, including the periodontal ligament and jawbone.

Without appropriate treatment, advanced gum disease can contribute to increased tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss.

Signs of periodontal disease can include bleeding gums, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. However, gum disease can also progress with relatively few noticeable symptoms, making regular dental and periodontal examinations especially important.

Is LANAP Right for You?

If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, a periodontal evaluation can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

Depending on the severity and location of your gum disease, your periodontist may recommend nonsurgical periodontal therapy, LANAP laser treatment, conventional periodontal surgery, or another approach.

The goal is the same: control the infection, protect the tissues supporting your teeth, and help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have been told you may need periodontal treatment, schedule a consultation with a periodontist to learn whether LANAP may be an appropriate option for you.

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