Laser Therapy & LANAP

What Is LANAP?

Laser precision where a scalpel used to be required

LANAP — Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure — is an FDA-cleared, protocol-driven laser treatment for moderate to severe periodontitis. It uses the PerioLase MVP-7, a specific wavelength of pulsed Nd:YAG laser, to selectively target and destroy diseased tissue and harmful bacteria inside periodontal pockets without cutting healthy gum tissue.

Unlike traditional osseous surgery, which requires incisions and sutures to access the roots, LANAP is performed through the existing space between the gum and tooth. The laser energy removes the diseased lining of the pocket, kills bacteria, and stimulates a clot that allows the gum tissue to reattach to the cleaned root surface — achieving true regeneration of lost bone and ligament in many cases.

At Wellington Periodontal Associates, LANAP is offered as an alternative to traditional periodontal surgery for appropriate candidates. Our specialist periodontists, Dr. Baradarian and Dr. Ceravolo, will evaluate whether laser therapy or conventional treatment is the better fit for your specific condition and anatomy.

LANAP vs. Traditional Surgery

No cutting or stitches required
Less post-op pain and swelling
Faster return to normal activity
Proven bone regeneration potential

Procedure Details

Full-mouth treatment: 2 sessions
Each session: 2–3 hours
Return to work: often next day
FDA-cleared for periodontal treatment

Clinically Proven

LANAP is the only laser periodontal treatment with published, peer-reviewed human histological evidence of true periodontal regeneration — including new bone, new cementum, and new periodontal ligament.

How It Works

The LANAP protocol, step by step

LANAP follows a precise, standardized protocol. Here is what happens at each stage of the procedure.

Evaluation & Mapping

We take precise pocket depth measurements and X-rays to map the location and severity of bone loss, confirming you are a candidate for laser therapy.

Laser Bacterial Reduction

The PerioLase fiber is passed gently into each pocket. The laser energy destroys the diseased lining and eliminates bacteria while leaving healthy tissue completely unharmed.

Root Debridement

Ultrasonic instruments and hand scalers remove calculus from the root surface. The laser is then used again to finalize decontamination and stimulate a stable fibrin clot.

Healing & Reattachment

The clot seals the pocket and acts as a scaffold for new tissue attachment. Over months, the gum reattaches and bone can regenerate — with no incisions to heal.

Why Choose LANAP

Advantages over traditional periodontal surgery

No cutting or sutures

LANAP requires no scalpel incisions and no stitches. The laser fiber slips between the gum and tooth — there is nothing to cut open and nothing to sew back up.

Less pain, less swelling

Post-operative discomfort after LANAP is significantly less than traditional surgery. Most patients manage with over-the-counter pain relief and return to desk work the next day.

True regeneration potential

LANAP is the only laser treatment shown in peer-reviewed histological studies to regenerate new bone, new cementum, and new periodontal ligament — not just halt disease.

Minimal gum recession

Traditional surgery often results in visible gum recession as a side effect. LANAP preserves existing gum tissue, making post-treatment gum appearance significantly better.

Safe for medically complex patients

LANAP is an excellent option for patients on blood thinners or with diabetes, heart conditions, or other health factors that make traditional surgery higher risk.

Fast recovery timeline

Full-mouth LANAP is completed in two half-day appointments. Most patients resume normal activities the following day — compared to weeks of recovery with conventional surgery.

Am I a Candidate?

LANAP works best for moderate to severe periodontitis

Good candidates for laser therapy include patients who:

Have moderate to advanced periodontitis with pockets of 5mm or greater

Want to avoid or are not good candidates for traditional surgical cutting

Take blood thinners or have health conditions that complicate conventional surgery

Have dental anxiety and prefer a less invasive approach

Need treatment but cannot afford extended recovery time from surgery

Not every case is ideal for LANAP

Some anatomical situations — such as certain infrabony defects or furcation involvement — respond better to traditional surgical approaches. Our doctors will recommend the treatment most likely to succeed for your specific anatomy, not the one that is easiest to sell.

What to Expect

Before, during, and after your LANAP treatment

Before

Thorough evaluation and treatment planning

We review your full-mouth X-rays and pocket depth measurements to confirm suitability for laser therapy. We walk you through the protocol in detail so you know exactly what to expect. Treatment is scheduled in two appointments, usually one week apart.

During

Comfortable, minimally invasive procedure

Each appointment treats half the mouth under local anesthetic. The laser fiber is comfortable and non-threatening. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they experience. You'll go home the same day.

After

Soft-food diet and careful home care

A soft diet for a few weeks allows the clot to organize and tissue to begin reattaching. Mild soreness is common but manageable. We re-evaluate pockets at 6 months to document your response and confirm healing.

Common Questions

Frequently asked about laser therapy & LANAP

Is LANAP covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Many dental insurance plans cover laser periodontal treatment at the same rate as conventional surgery for the same diagnosis. We'll verify your benefits before treatment and give you a clear breakdown of estimated costs. Our team can also help with financing options if needed.

How does LANAP compare to regular deep cleaning?

Scaling and root planing (SRP) is the first-line treatment for periodontitis and is appropriate for many patients. LANAP is a next step — indicated when SRP alone has not been sufficient, pockets remain deep after healing, or the severity of disease warrants a more intensive approach. LANAP also has the ability to stimulate regeneration, which SRP alone does not.

Will I need stitches after LANAP?

No. LANAP does not require any incisions, so there is nothing to suture. The gum tissue is compressed gently against the tooth after the procedure to encourage clot formation. This is one of the defining advantages of the technique — no stitches means no suture removal appointment and no open wounds to manage at home.

How long until I see results?

Gum tissue begins to tighten and reattach within weeks. We re-evaluate pocket depths at 6 months post-treatment to measure reduction and assess bone response. Bone regeneration, when it occurs, develops over 6–12 months. Many patients notice their gums feel firmer and healthier within the first few months.