LANAP, or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a new dental procedure that is growing in popularity. It is used to treat gum disease with the use of targeted laser technology. In fact, LANAP is the first and only protocol that has received FDA clearance for the regeneration of new cementum, new periodontal ligament tissue, and new alveolar bone. LANAP is often chosen by patients who are fearful of traditional periodontal surgery. It is also popular because it offers a variety of benefits, including:

• less pain
• less bleeding
• less sensitivity
• less gum tissue loss
• less postoperative swelling
• very little downtime
• does not require the use of scalpels
• lower chances of post-op infections
• promotes the natural regeneration of periodontal tissues

Only LANAP-trained dentists can perform the LANAP protocol. This means that you can be sure your dentist has completed comprehensive, clinical, hands-on, dentist-to-dentist training over the course of a year at the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD). Additionally, your LANAP dentist will have the PerioLase MVP-7 laser, which has been specifically designed for the LANAP protocol.

Did You Know?

Mild cases of gum disease can usually be treated with non-invasive methods such as periodontal scaling and planing, tray delivered antibiotics, and good oral hygiene. However, more moderate to severe cases of gum disease generally require more invasive treatments to remove diseased tissue and encourage the growth of healthy tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions:

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LANAP?

Candidates for LANAP treatment are typically patients who have periodontitis, or advanced gum disease. The procedure is also sometimes used to treat gingivitis, or early stage gum disease. Patients who have had previous dental surgery may also be candidates for LANAP. In order to determine if you are a candidate for LANAP, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and gums. They will also take X-rays to get a better look at the condition of your teeth and gums. To determine if you are an ideal candidate, schedule a LANAP consultation with Dr. Alina Huang of Glow Dental in Midtown Manhattan today!

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN HAVING LANAP TREATMENT?

When having LANAP treatment, you can expect the procedure to take about an hour, depending on the severity of your case.  Your dentist will start by first applying a local anesthetic and then probing your gums to determine how much treatment is needed for each tooth. Then your dentist will place an ultra-thin laser fiber (about the width of a human hair) in between the tooth and gum to essentially vaporize bacteria from your gums without harming the surrounding tissue.

They will also clean the area around your teeth to remove any bacteria or tartar buildup. Finally, the laser will be used again with a different setting in order to form a fibrin blood clot that will seal the pocket and help connect the gum tissue back to your tooth roots. In some cases, the tooth roots may be partially ground down in order to prevent the future buildup of tartar.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER HAVING LANAP TREATMENT?

After having LANAP treatment, most patients are able to drive themselves to work or home, and they can continue their day with minimal pain. After the procedure, you can expect your gums to heal quickly since there are no sutures or open wounds.

Most patients see a significant improvement in their gum health within a few weeks. You will likely need to return to your dentist for follow-up appointments to make sure that your gums are healing properly. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene habits at home, such as brushing and flossing regularly, in order to prevent gum disease from returning.

To learn more about LANAP and to find out if you are a candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alina Huang of Glow Dental in Midtown Manhattan today!