What is LANAP? Understanding the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure for Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious oral health condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Traditionally, gum disease treatment involved surgical procedures that required incisions, stitches, and a significant recovery period. However, with the advancement of dental technology, LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) has emerged as a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment option. LANAP uses laser technology to treat gum disease effectively with minimal discomfort and faster recovery.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what LANAP is, how it works, and why it’s becoming a preferred choice for treating gum disease.

What is LANAP?

LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a revolutionary treatment that uses a specialized dental laser to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the gums. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP is minimally invasive and doesn’t require cutting or stitching. Instead, the laser selectively targets and removes diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. This helps to promote the healing of the gums and encourages the regeneration of tissue attachment to the teeth.

The procedure is FDA-approved and is safe and effective in treating various stages of gum disease, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. It is an ideal option for patients who want to avoid the discomfort and downtime typically associated with traditional gum surgery.

How Does LANAP Work?

LANAP is performed using a specialized laser called the PerioLase MVP-7, which is designed to specifically target and treat gum disease. Here’s an overview of the procedure:

1. Laser Energy for Tissues

The PerioLase MVP-7 laser emits energy that is absorbed by the pigment in the diseased gum tissue. This allows the laser to remove the infected tissue while leaving the healthy tissue unharmed. The laser also helps to reduce the bacteria present in the affected area, preventing the infection from spreading.

2. Cleaning the Tooth Roots

Once the infected tissue is removed, the laser is used to clean the surfaces of the tooth roots, removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria. This step is crucial because it helps eliminate the cause of the infection, allowing the gums to heal more effectively.

3. Sealing the Gums

After the cleaning process, the laser is used to stimulate the gums and promote the formation of new tissue attachment. This helps seal the area, reducing the risk of further infection and improving gum reattachment to the teeth. The laser energy encourages blood clotting, which helps the healing process begin almost immediately.

4. Minimal Discomfort and Faster Healing

Since LANAP is minimally invasive, there is typically little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. Most patients experience only mild soreness for a few days, compared to the significant pain and swelling that can result from traditional gum surgery. Recovery time is much faster, and many patients can return to their regular activities within a day or two.

Benefits of LANAP

1. Minimally Invasive

One of the biggest advantages of LANAP is that it is a minimally invasive procedure. There are no incisions or stitches required, making the treatment less traumatic for the gums. This reduces the risk of complications and leads to a faster recovery time compared to traditional gum surgery.

2. Faster Healing

Because LANAP uses a laser to target infected tissue with precision, there is minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This leads to faster healing and less post-treatment discomfort. Most patients experience only mild swelling and soreness, and they can resume their normal activities within a few days.

3. Reduced Risk of Infection

The laser energy used in LANAP sterilizes the treatment area, significantly reducing the risk of infection after the procedure. Since the laser also helps to seal the gums and stimulate tissue regeneration, the healing process is more effective, reducing the chances of recurrence of gum disease.

4. Effective for All Stages of Gum Disease

LANAP is effective for treating all stages of gum disease, from the early signs of gingivitis to more advanced periodontitis. This makes it a versatile treatment option for patients with varying degrees of gum disease.

5. No Need for Cutting or Stitches

Unlike traditional gum surgery, which requires cutting the gums and stitching them back together, LANAP avoids the need for these invasive steps. This makes the procedure less intimidating for patients and results in a more comfortable experience overall.

Is LANAP Right for You?

If you have gum disease and are looking for an effective, non-surgical solution, LANAP may be an excellent option for you. It is particularly suitable for patients who want to avoid the pain and recovery time associated with traditional gum surgery. However, it’s important to consult with your dentist or periodontist to determine if you are a good candidate for LANAP.

During a consultation, your dentist will assess the severity of your gum disease, your oral health, and your overall medical history to determine if LANAP is the right treatment for your needs.

LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) in Holladay, Utah

At Holladay Dental Experience, we offer LANAP as a state-of-the-art solution for treating gum disease. Our experienced dental professionals use the latest technology to provide safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatments. If you’re struggling with gum disease and want to avoid the discomfort of traditional surgery, LANAP could be the perfect option for you.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn how LANAP can restore your gum health and improve your smile in Holladay, Utah!