What Is LANAP?
LANAP, which stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is an FDA-cleared laser protocol for the treatment of periodontal disease. Unlike traditional gum surgery, which involves cutting and suturing the gum tissue, LANAP uses a specialized laser to selectively remove diseased tissue and bacteria from the periodontal pockets while leaving healthy tissue intact. The laser also stimulates the bone and connective tissue to regenerate, promoting a level of healing that conventional surgery often cannot achieve.
LANAP Laser Gum Disease Treatment: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 2 treatment visits, plus follow-up |
| Time needed | About 2 hours per visit |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia |
| Recovery time | Most people return to routine the next day; soft diet for a period |
| Follow-up | Periodontal maintenance every 3 months |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who LANAP Is For
LANAP is designed for moderate to advanced periodontitis. It is an option for patients who need more than a deep cleaning and would prefer to avoid conventional gum surgery.
- Pockets of 5 mm or more
- Bone loss on X-rays
- Gum disease that returned after earlier treatment
- Concern about recession after conventional surgery
- Medical reasons to limit bleeding
LANAP Laser Gum Disease Treatment at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, LANAP is performed by Dr. Alex Rubinshtein, whose membership in the Academy of Laser Dentistry and over 22 years of clinical experience ensure that patients receive this advanced treatment with the highest level of skill and care. The procedure involves inserting a thin laser fiber into the periodontal pockets, where it targets the bacteria and infected tissue. The laser energy destroys the pathogens, removes the diseased lining of the pocket, and creates a clean environment for healing. The healthy tissue is then compressed against the root surface, forming a stable seal without the need for cutting or suturing.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Pocket measurement. Pocket depths are recorded under local anesthesia.
- First laser pass. A fine fiber removes diseased pocket lining and reduces bacteria.
- Root cleaning. Tartar is removed from the roots with ultrasonic instruments.
- Second laser pass. The laser forms a stable clot that seals the pocket.
- Bite adjustment. High contacts are smoothed so teeth are not overloaded as they heal.
- Second side. The other half of the mouth is treated at a later visit.
LANAP compared with conventional pocket surgery
| Feature | LANAP | Conventional surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions and stitches | None | Yes |
| Gum recession afterward | Usually less | More likely |
| Discomfort | Generally mild | Moderate |
| Return to routine | Often the next day | Several days |
The aim is the same as surgery: a pocket the patient can keep clean. The laser is a gentler way to get there.
Recovery and Aftercare
After laser treatment
The first 24 hours
- Do not brush or floss the treated areas
- Keep to a liquid or very soft diet
- Do not disturb the clot around the teeth
The following days
- Follow the staged diet instructions for the first weeks
- Begin gentle brushing when advised
- Start periodontal maintenance every three months; pockets are not probed for several months while they heal
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Significant swelling or fever
- A tooth becomes noticeably looser
Advantages and Where LANAP Fits
LANAP offers several significant advantages over traditional pocket reduction surgery. There is less discomfort, less bleeding, less recession, and faster recovery. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours. Because the procedure is tissue-conserving, it preserves the gumline while still addressing the disease, making it an especially appealing option for patients concerned about the aesthetic impact of gum surgery.
LANAP can be an effective alternative or complement to traditional scaling and root planing and is often considered when non-surgical treatment has not fully resolved the disease. For patients already on a periodontal maintenance program, LANAP can address persistent problem areas that have not responded to conventional methods.
Cost and Insurance
Laser treatment is priced by the procedure, not by the use of the laser itself. You are told the fee before treatment.
What affects the cost
- The procedure being carried out
- The number of teeth or areas treated
- The number of sessions needed
- Whether the laser is used alone or alongside another treatment
Insurance usually covers a laser procedure in the same way as the conventional version of that procedure. Therapy sessions for pain relief may not be covered. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
