Laser gum therapy at Tetrahealth

LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a minimally invasive periodontal protocol that uses a specialized dental laser to treat periodontitis. The laser works within the periodontal pockets to target diseased tissue and bacteria while preserving healthy surrounding tissue, without the incisions and sutures used in traditional gum surgery.

LANAP is a specific, protocol-driven form of laser periodontal treatment, not a generic term for any procedure that uses a laser. "Laser gum" treatments vary widely; LANAP follows a defined sequence and is performed with a particular type of laser. A comprehensive periodontal exam determines whether it is appropriate for you.

LANAP is performed with local anesthesia, so the treatment itself is typically comfortable. Many patients report less post-operative pain and swelling than with traditional flap surgery. Mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Treatment is usually completed in one to two visits, often treating about half of the mouth per appointment. Each session generally takes roughly two hours, depending on the extent of disease. Your periodontist will give you a specific estimate after your examination.

Most people return to normal activities within a day. You will be given specific aftercare instructions, which typically include a soft-food diet for several days and avoiding vigorous brushing of the treated areas while they heal. Deeper periodontal healing and tissue reattachment continue over the following months.

LANAP is designed to create conditions that support periodontal regeneration, and studies have reported new attachment and bone regeneration in some cases. Results vary by patient and depend on the severity of disease, overall health, and how well periodontal maintenance is followed afterward. Your periodontist can discuss what is realistic for your situation.

LANAP may be an option for adults with moderate to advanced periodontitis, including some patients who want to avoid conventional gum surgery or who have health conditions that make traditional surgery riskier. Candidacy is determined by a comprehensive periodontal evaluation that includes measuring pocket depths and reviewing imaging.

By reducing infection and inflammation and supporting reattachment of the gum and bone to the tooth, LANAP can improve the stability of teeth that have loosened because of periodontal disease in some cases. Teeth with very advanced bone loss may still have a guarded prognosis, so each tooth is assessed individually during your evaluation.

A related laser protocol, LAPIP (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure), applies the same approach to inflammation and bone loss around dental implants. Whether it is appropriate depends on the condition of the implant and the surrounding bone, which your periodontist will assess.

Neither approach is universally "better." Laser protocols like LANAP are less invasive and often involve less bleeding, swelling, and downtime, while traditional surgery is well established and may be preferred in certain cases. The best option depends on your specific periodontal condition and goals, which your periodontist will review with you.

Cost depends on how many teeth and quadrants are treated, the severity of disease, and whether additional procedures are needed, so it is individualized. After your consultation we provide a written treatment plan with fees, and our team can review any periodontal insurance benefits that may apply.

LANAP should be performed by a clinician with specific training in the protocol and in managing periodontal disease. At Tetrahealth, treatment is provided by board-certified periodontist Dr. Alexander Volchonok, who can also diagnose the extent of disease and coordinate any follow-up care.