LANAP is a laser-based gum disease treatment 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.
Sundial Dental offers laser gum disease treatment across our five Mid North Coast clinics. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, book a consultation to discuss your options.
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 was developed in the United States and uses the PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser. This laser operates at a wavelength that targets melanin and haemoglobin in diseased tissue, which means it can distinguish between infected and healthy gum tissue.
- 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
- Promotes new attachment. The procedure can stimulate the bone and connective tissue around the tooth to regenerate
LANAP has been used in Australia since approximately 2011 and is recognised by the Australian Dental Association as a treatment option for periodontal disease.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Scaling. Ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments remove calculus (tarite/calculus deposits) from the root surfaces below the gum line.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
| Factor | Traditional Flap Surgery | LANAP |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | Scalpel incision required | No cutting |
| Stitches | Multiple sutures needed | No stitches |
| Gum recession | Some gum tissue may be removed | Gum tissue typically preserved |
| Recovery time | 2-4 weeks of significant discomfort | Most patients return to normal within 24-48 hours |
| Bone regeneration | Bone grafting may be needed separately | May stimulate some natural bone regeneration |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia |
| Number of visits | One or more surgical sessions | Typically two sessions (one per side) |
Neither approach is suitable for every patient. The right option depends on the severity of the gum disease, the number of teeth affected, and your overall health. A thorough examination is needed before any treatment recommendation.
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
LANAP is not a substitute for basic gum disease treatment. If your gum disease is at an early stage (gingivitis), a thorough scale and clean may be all that is needed. Your dentist can assess the severity and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
What Recovery From LANAP Looks Like
Recovery from LANAP is typically faster than recovery from traditional gum surgery. Most patients can return to their normal routine 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 minor 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 an important part of the process. Your dentist will check healing progress, measure pocket depths, and adjust your maintenance schedule. Full tissue maturation can take several months.
Long-term success depends heavily on maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular professional cleans. Gum disease can return if the conditions that caused it are not managed. Read more about how gum disease affects broader health.
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
- Experienced team treating gum disease at all stages
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 an experienced dentist.
