What is LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure)?
LANAP® is a gentle, precise way to treat gum disease without cutting or sutures. It focuses on removing infection and helping the body heal itself.
LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is different from traditional scalpel-and-suture gum surgery in several important ways:
- No cutting or stitching: LANAP uses a laser to gently remove infected tissue without using a scalpel. Traditional surgery involves cutting the gums and stitching them afterward.
- Less pain and swelling: Because there’s no cutting, LANAP typically causes less discomfort, swelling, and bleeding than traditional surgery.
- Faster healing: The laser targets only diseased tissue and helps stimulate regeneration of bone and gum tissue, leading to quicker recovery.
- Preserves more healthy tissue: LANAP is more precise, saving more of the patient’s healthy gums compared to traditional surgery, which can sometimes remove more tissue.
- Less gum recession: Traditional surgery often results in the gums shrinking back noticeably. LANAP usually results in minimal gum recession, helping protect the roots of the teeth.
- Fewer post-op restrictions: Patients can usually return to normal activities sooner after LANAP than after traditional surgery.
What Does LANAP surgery (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) involve?
LANAP surgery steps:
- Diagnosis and measurements: The dentist or periodontist measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth using a special probe.
- Laser treatment (first pass): A laser fiber, about the width of three human hairs, is inserted between the tooth and gum. The laser removes diseased tissue and kills bacteria without harming healthy tissue.
- Scaling and root cleaning: After the laser removes the infection, the dentist uses special tools to clean and remove hardened plaque (tartar) from the tooth roots.
- Laser treatment (second pass): The laser is used again to stimulate the gum tissue, cause the blood to clot, and create a natural, clean seal around the teeth without needing stitches.
- Tissue healing and bone regeneration: The laser also helps the body to start rebuilding bone and connective tissue naturally around the teeth.
Who can perform LANAP surgery?
Only certified dentists through the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry can perform LANAP gum surgery. Both Dr. Ernest Robertson and Periodontist Dr. Daniel Narain perform LANAP at Harlem Center for Aesthetic Dentistry.
What Should I Expect After LANAP Treatment?
After LANAP treatment, your gums may be temporarily sore for a few days, but the pain is manageable with an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen. We will give you specific instructions on your recovery, such as what to eat and how to care for your oral health after surgery. Many of our patients have expressed relief to us after their LANAP surgery. They can’t believe how easy the procedure was and how much better they feel about their overall oral health. If you still have questions regarding gum disease or LANAP surgery, please get in touch with us at any time. We know that we’ve given you a lot to consider, and we are happy to discuss your concerns at any time.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease — also called periodontal disease — is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It usually happens because of poor brushing and flossing habits that let plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) build up on the teeth and harden. In its early stage, called gingivitis, gums may become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If it gets worse, it can develop into periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, bone is lost, and teeth may eventually loosen or fall out.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The major causes of gum disease are:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums (gums pulling away from the teeth)
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting
In early stages (gingivitis), the symptoms of Gum Disease can be mild. However, in later stages (periodontitis), they become symptoms become more serious and can lead to tooth loss.
Early stages of Gum Disease
In the early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, the symptoms may include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Tender gums
- Mild bad breath
- Gums that look slightly puffy
At this stage, no permanent damage has occurred yet. With good professional cleaning and better home care, gingivitis is reversible.
Advanced Stages of Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
In advanced periodontal disease (also called severe periodontitis), the infection goes deeper and causes serious damage. Symptoms include:
- Gums pulling away from the teeth (forming deep pockets)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Bone loss around teeth (visible on X-rays)
- Heavy bleeding when brushing or eating
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Severe bad breath (persistent)
- Pain when chewing
- Teeth looking longer because of gum recession
At this stage, the damage is permanent without surgical treatment, and teeth may eventually need to be removed if the disease is not controlled.