What Is LANAP and How Does It Treat Gum Disease

LANAP is a laser-based treatment for gum disease that removes infected tissue without cutting or stitches.

If you have been told you need gum surgery, it is worth understanding how LANAP compares to the traditional approach. The procedure uses a specific dental laser to target diseased gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact.

This article explains what LANAP is, how the procedure works step by step, who it may suit, and what recovery typically looks like.

What Is Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth. It begins as gingivitis, where bacteria in plaque cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums.

Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the infection breaks down the bone and connective tissue holding teeth in place. Pockets form between the teeth and gums, trapping more bacteria and deepening over time.

• Gingivitis. Red, swollen gums that bleed during brushing
• Mild periodontitis. Pockets forming between teeth and gums (typically 4-5mm deep)
• Moderate to advanced periodontitis. Deeper pockets (6mm or more), measurable bone loss, and teeth that may feel loose

According to Healthdirect Australia, gum disease affects a significant proportion of Australian adults and becomes more common with age. LANAP is one of the treatment options available for moderate to advanced stages.

What Is LANAP

LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is a treatment protocol for moderate to advanced periodontal (gum) disease that uses a specific wavelength of laser energy instead of a scalpel.

The procedure uses the PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser, which operates at a wavelength that targets melanin and haemoglobin in diseased tissue. This wavelength is preferentially absorbed by diseased tissue, which may allow for more selective treatment.

• No scalpel. The laser replaces the blade used in traditional flap surgery
• No stitches. The laser creates a natural fibrin clot that seals the gum pocket
• Tissue selective. The laser wavelength targets diseased tissue while leaving healthy gum intact
• May promote new attachment. The procedure can stimulate the bone and connective tissue around the tooth to regenerate

LANAP has been used in Australian dental practices since approximately 2011. The PerioLase laser holds FDA clearance for periodontal treatment, and it remains the only laser protocol with clearance specifically for new attachment (regeneration of bone and connective tissue).

How the LANAP Procedure Works

The procedure is typically completed over two visits under local anaesthesia. Each visit treats one side of the mouth, allowing you to eat and function normally between appointments.

Here is what happens during each session:

1. Measurement. The dentist measures the depth of the periodontal pockets around each tooth using a probe. Deep pockets (4mm or more) indicate where the disease has progressed.
2. First laser pass. The PerioLase laser is inserted into the pocket. The laser energy removes diseased epithelial lining and kills bacteria without affecting healthy tissue or bone.
3. Scaling. Ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments remove tartar and calculus deposits from the root surfaces below the gum line.
4. Second laser pass. The laser is used at a different setting to create a stable fibrin blood clot at the base of the pocket. This clot seals the pocket and provides a scaffold for tissue regeneration.
5. Bite adjustment. The dentist checks and adjusts your bite to reduce excessive force on the treated teeth during healing.

The entire session typically takes one to two hours per side. Most patients report mild discomfort during the procedure, similar to what you might feel during a deep clean.

Is LANAP Painful

One of the most common questions about LANAP is whether it hurts. Because the procedure uses local anaesthesia, most patients report manageable discomfort during treatment.

Compared to traditional flap surgery, LANAP typically involves:

• Less post-procedure discomfort, as there are no incisions or sutures
• Reduced swelling compared to scalpel-based approaches
• Most patients can manage any tenderness with over-the-counter pain relief

If you have concerns about the procedure, discuss your options with your dentist beforehand. Sedation options may also be available depending on your clinic.

LANAP vs Traditional Gum Surgery

Traditional periodontal surgery (known as flap surgery or osseous surgery) involves cutting the gum tissue with a scalpel, folding it back to access the tooth roots and bone, then stitching it closed. It has been the standard approach for decades.

LANAP takes a different approach. Here is how they compare:

Neither approach is suitable for every patient. Your dentist can help you weigh the differences between LANAP and traditional gum surgery based on the severity of your condition, the number of teeth affected, and your overall health. A thorough examination is needed before any treatment recommendation.

How LANAP Promotes Bone and Tissue Regeneration

One of LANAP’s key distinctions is its capacity to support regeneration. The PerioLase laser has received FDA clearance specifically for achieving new attachment of bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament to the tooth root.

The second laser pass creates a fibrin clot that acts as a scaffold. This environment may support:

• Regrowth of alveolar bone around the tooth roots
• Reattachment of periodontal ligament fibres
• Formation of new cementum on the root surface

A 2023 study published in Diagnostics (PMC10378219) found that laser-assisted periodontal treatment achieved greater average pocket depth reduction and reduced bleeding on probing compared to scaling and root planing alone. Individual results vary, and study findings represent group averages rather than expected outcomes for any single patient.

The degree of regeneration varies from patient to patient. Factors including the extent of existing bone loss, overall health, and adherence to post-treatment care all influence the outcome.

Who May Benefit From LANAP

LANAP is typically considered for patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease who have deep pockets around their teeth and measurable bone loss.

It may be a suitable option if you:

• Have been diagnosed with periodontitis (not gingivitis, which is the earlier stage)
• Have periodontal pockets measuring 4mm or deeper
• Want to avoid traditional gum surgery if possible
• Have medical conditions that make conventional surgery higher risk, such as diabetes or blood-thinning medication
• Are concerned about gum recession from traditional surgical approaches
• Have dental anxiety that makes the idea of scalpel-based surgery difficult

What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated

Untreated periodontal disease does not resolve on its own. Without intervention, the infection continues to destroy the bone and tissue supporting your teeth.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Tooth loosening and loss. As bone deteriorates, teeth lose their foundation and may need to be extracted or replaced
• Jawbone deterioration. Ongoing bone loss can change the shape of your jaw and limit future treatment options such as implants
• Systemic health associations. Research has identified associations between periodontal disease and conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications, though treating gum disease does not necessarily improve these conditions

The earlier gum disease is treated, the more options remain available.

What Recovery From LANAP Looks Like

Recovery from LANAP is typically faster than recovery from traditional gum surgery. Most patients can return to their usual daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.

During the first week, you can generally expect:

• Mild soreness or tenderness in the treated area for a few days
• Some swelling that resolves within a day or two
• A soft food diet for the first week to protect the healing clot
• No strenuous exercise for the first few days
• Gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush, avoiding the treated pockets

Follow-up visits are important. Your dentist will check healing progress, measure pocket depths, and adjust your maintenance schedule. Full tissue maturation can take several months.

Long-Term Care After LANAP

The results of LANAP depend heavily on ongoing care. Your dentist will typically recommend:

• Professional cleans every three to four months for the first year, then at intervals based on your progress
• Daily brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and interdental cleaning (floss or interdental brushes)
• Regular pocket depth measurements to monitor stability
• Addressing any risk factors such as smoking, which can compromise healing

Gum disease can return if the conditions that caused it are not managed. Consistent home care and professional maintenance are both important to protecting the results of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP

How long does the LANAP procedure take?

Each session typically takes one to two hours and treats one side of the mouth. Most patients complete treatment in two sessions, spaced about a week apart.

Can LANAP regrow bone lost to gum disease?

LANAP may stimulate regeneration of bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum around the tooth. The degree of regrowth varies depending on the extent of bone loss and your overall health. Your dentist can discuss what results may be achievable in your case.

Is LANAP covered by health funds in Australia?

Some private health funds may cover part of the cost of gum disease treatment, depending on your level of cover. Contact your fund or ask our team to check your eligibility before your appointment.

Is LANAP suitable for patients on blood-thinning medication?

If you take blood-thinning or other medications, your dentist will assess whether LANAP is appropriate for your situation. The procedure does not involve incisions or sutures, which may be a relevant consideration in your treatment planning.

LANAP on the Mid North Coast

Sundial Dental offers laser gum disease treatment across our clinics in Port Macquarie, Taree, Laurieton, Wauchope and Kempsey.

The first step is a thorough gum health assessment. Your dentist will measure pocket depths, assess bone levels with X-rays, and discuss whether LANAP, traditional treatment, or another approach is most appropriate for your situation.

• All major health funds accepted
• Payment plans available for treatment costs
• Five clinic locations across the Mid North Coast for convenient access

If you have noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel loose, these can be signs of advancing gum disease. The earlier it is assessed, the more treatment options are available.

LANAP offers an alternative to traditional gum surgery for patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease. The laser-based approach means no cutting, no stitches, and typically a faster recovery.

Whether LANAP is the right option depends on the severity of your gum disease and your individual health. Book a gum health assessment at your nearest Sundial Dental clinic to discuss your treatment options with your dentist.