Laser periodontal therapy is a laser dentistry treatment performed by a dental doctor to remove diseased or inflamed gum tissue caused by periodontal disease, or gum disease.
Revolutionizing Gum Disease Treatment with Laser Technology
LANAP (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) can help ease symptoms of periodontal disease without invasive surgery. Unlike traditional periodontal surgery, LANAP treatment is non-invasive, more effective, and more comfortable for patients.
Our experienced periodontists are here to help you treat gum disease. If you’re suffering from symptoms such as bleeding gums or loose teeth, contact our dental clinic near you by calling Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch at 941-201-3055, Bradenton at 941-209-5052, or Sun City Center at 813-331-5845 to schedule your appointment.
A Legacy of Excellence in Periodontal Care
Since 1988, Rubino Periodontics & Implant Dentistry has been a trusted name in periodontal care in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our consistent recognition, including Dr. Thomas Rubino’s feature as a “Top Dentist in the field of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry” in Sarasota Magazine every year since 2011. He has also been listed since 2014 in the Guide to America’s Top Dentists, an annual national publication of the Consumer Research Council of America.
State-of-the-Art Technology for Precise, Gentle Treatment
We use state-of-the-art technology, which makes your LANAP treatments accurate, efficient, minimally invasive, and gentle. Our digital X-ray devices emit only a fraction of the radiation of traditional X-ray machines and produce crisp images that are sharper than film X-rays. Our cone beam 3D CT scanner creates highly detailed, 3D 360° views of your teeth, jawbone, and related anatomy, allowing the doctors to diagnose the condition of your gums with exceptional precision.
Dangers of Gum Disease
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is a progressive bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the gums—it affects more than half of all adults in America. Bacteria hiding in the “pockets” that form between the gums and roots of the teeth multiply, causing infection and bone loss that can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Studies show that gum disease is also linked to serious systemic health issues such as:
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stroke
What Is LANAP?
LANAP is an FDA-approved laser treatment for gum disease that offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. Developed by Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthy, LANAP uses a specialized laser to target and remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue.
The primary purpose of LANAP is to remove diseased gum tissue and promote the regeneration of healthy tissues, offering a more comfortable alternative to traditional gum surgery. This innovative treatment is particularly effective for moderate to severe cases of periodontal disease, making it a valuable option for many patients.
Most patients suffering from gum disease can benefit from the LANAP protocol, making it an appealing option for those looking for a less invasive and more effective alternative to traditional periodontal surgery when treating gum disease.
How LANAP Works
The success of LANAP treatment lies in its well-structured and systematic approach. A tiny laser fiber slipped into the gum pocket emits light that treats the diseased areas. The process includes:
- Initial Assessment: Measuring the depth of periodontal pockets using a probe to assess the attachment loss, ensuring that the treatment is tailored to the specific needs of each patient
- Laser Treatment: Using the laser to remove infected gum tissue and kill bacteria
- Root Surface Cleaning: Ultrasonic scalers remove plaque buildup on the surface of the tooth root
- Tissue Regeneration: Stimulating the bone and gum tissue to promote regeneration
- Sealing: The laser is used again to form a blood clot and seal the treated area, keeping bad bacteria out
The Laser Technology
LANAP utilizes the PerioLase MVP-7 1064 Nd:YAG dental laser, a sophisticated piece of technology specifically designed for laser periodontal therapy. This laser operates in a free-running pulsed mode and features seven variable pulse durations, allowing it to target and remove infected gum tissue while preserving the healthy tissue around it.
Dental lasers emit specific wavelengths of light that perform different functions, such as trimming away excess bone, contouring soft tissue, or killing harmful bacteria. The PerioLase laser actually removes diseased gum tissue and kills the bacteria that cause gum disease without harming areas of healthy gum. It penetrates up to four millimeters beyond the tissue surface, effectively eradicating bacteria and promoting bone and gum tissue regeneration.
The PerioLase MVP-7 laser offers the following benefits:
- Eradicates harmful bacteria
- Catalyzes the regeneration of healthy gum tissue
- Creates a closed, sealed system to aid in the healing process and minimize the risk of further infection
- Uses laser energy effectively to achieve true regeneration of periodontal tissue
- Promotes healing by stimulating the blood clotting process
Benefits of Periodontal Laser Gum Treatment (LANAP) Therapy
FDA-approved LANAP therapy is a safe, proven procedure that kills disease-causing bacteria and promotes healing. With minimally invasive LANAP, there is no scalpel, no sutures, and no lengthy recovery.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP doesn’t require cutting or sutures. This means:
- Less discomfort during and after the procedure
- Reduced risk of infection
- Minimal gum recession
- Uses a laser that emits a mild, warm sensation
- Seals nerve endings, minimizing temporary discomfort
Faster Recovery Time
The minimal invasiveness characteristic of LANAP enables a substantially shortened recovery period relative to traditional gum surgery. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours after LANAP treatment. This quick recovery time is a significant advantage over traditional gum surgery, which often requires several days or even weeks of downtime.
The laser used in LANAP not only treats the diseased tissue but also promotes faster healing, allowing patients to:
- Get back to their normal routines with minimal disruption
- Experience less pain and discomfort
- Have a reduced risk of infection
- Enjoy a quicker healing process
Preservation of Healthy Tissue
The precision of the PerioLase MVP-7 laser allows us to target only the diseased tissue, preserving healthy gum tissue and promoting natural regeneration. This precision contributes to better long-term oral health outcomes.
By preserving healthy tissue, LANAP can:
- Treat existing periodontal disease
- Support the regeneration of bone and gum tissue
- Minimize the need for more invasive procedures, such as soft tissue grafts
- Help maintain the natural structure and function of the gums
- Provide a more natural and sustainable improvement in gum health
Effective for Various Stages of Gum Disease
LANAP is particularly effective for treating moderate to severe periodontal disease. It can address periodontal pockets up to 6mm deep, making it a versatile treatment option for many of our patients.
Who Is a Candidate for LANAP?
The process of determining LANAP candidacy involves an evaluation of the stage and severity of your gum disease. LANAP may be an excellent option if you:
- Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease
- Are in the early to middle stages of gum disease
- Have periodontal pockets up to 6mm deep
- Experience symptoms such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath
- Have swollen and bleeding gums
- Have loosening teeth
- Have ongoing periodontal disease despite regular deep cleanings
- Are looking for a less invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery
- Have health conditions that make traditional surgery risky
Suitability for Advanced Gum Disease
LANAP is particularly suitable for patients with moderate to severe gum disease, as it effectively treats even advanced cases. The laser therapy can penetrate deep below the gum line, reaching and regenerating bone loss up to 6mm deep. This makes LANAP a viable option for many patients who might otherwise require more invasive treatments.
However, LANAP may not be suitable for those with extremely advanced gum disease or those with significant gum damage beyond 6mm. In these cases, more aggressive surgical grafting may be required before considering LANAP. Alternative treatments, such as traditional flap surgery or scaling and root planing, may be more appropriate for these patients.
Suitability for Dental Implant Failure
LANAP is also highly effective for treating peri-implantitis, a condition that affects dental implants similar to how gum disease affects natural teeth. Patients who may benefit from LANAP for implant-related issues include those who:
Have been diagnosed with peri-implantitis (inflammation around dental implants)- Experience bleeding or swelling around implant sites
- Have loose or failing dental implants due to bacterial infection
- Show bone loss around previously successful implants
- Want to save existing implants rather than replace them
- Have multiple implants affected by bacterial infection
Have been diagnosed with peri-implantitis (inflammation around dental implants)The laser’s ability to eliminate bacteria while promoting tissue regeneration makes it an ideal treatment for preserving dental implants that might otherwise be lost to infection. If you’re experiencing unexpected symptoms or soreness around your dental implants, call the Drs. Rubino, as soon as you can, and raise your chances of saving your implants:
- Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch: 941-201-3055
- Bradenton: 941-209-5052
- Sun City Center: 813-331-5845
Caring for Your Smile After LANAP Treatment
Proper post-treatment care in LANAP is vital for a seamless healing process and optimal outcomes. Patients can expect:
- Mild postoperative sensitivity and soreness, which typically lasts a few days
- Discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication (always follow the recommended dosage and instructions on the packaging)
- Following a liquid diet for the first three days post-treatment, gradually transitioning to soft foods over the next few days
Post-Treatment Instructions:
- Avoid brushing and flossing the treated areas for one to two weeks to allow the gums to heal properly
- Reduce physical activity to minimize swelling and aid the healing process
- Apply ice packs to the affected areas as needed
Comparing LANAP to Traditional Gum Surgery
- Invasiveness: LANAP is less invasive, involving no cutting or stitching, while traditional surgery requires incisions and sutures.
- Pain and Discomfort: Patients typically experience significantly less pain with LANAP compared to traditional surgical methods.
- Recovery Time: LANAP offers a faster recovery period (24-48 hours vs. several days to weeks).
- Tissue Preservation: LANAP targets only diseased tissue, preserving more healthy gum tissue than traditional surgery.
- Outcome: LANAP promotes natural tissue regeneration, which is not a feature of traditional surgery.
- Gum Recession: LANAP causes minimal gum recession compared to traditional surgery.
InvasivenessPossible Risks and Side Effects
While LANAP is generally safe, potential risks and considerations include:
Possible Risks:
- Sensitivity: Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity
- Infection: Though rare, there is a small risk of infection
- Cost: LANAP can be more expensive than traditional treatments
Possible Side Effects:
As with any medical procedure, LANAP carries potential side effects, typically milder than those associated with traditional surgery. Common side effects include:
- Light bleeding
- Slight swelling
- Soreness
- Tenderness
- Tooth sensitivity
These symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and proper post-operative care.