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LANAP Cost: Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure
Posted on April 10th, 2023
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Along with tooth decay, it is one of the most significant threats to dental health. The good news is, it can be treated.
Clarksburg Dental Center in Germantown, MD offers several treatment options, including LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. In this article, we’ll explain more about what LANAP is, how much it costs, and the benefits of this procedure.
What is LANAP?
LANAP, or laser-assisted new attachment procedure, is a method for treating gum disease that uses a laser instead of a scalpel. This is a much less invasive treatment, which means it hurts less, and recovery is much faster.
The average cost of gum surgery varies but is typically comparable to traditional gum surgery. On average, LANAP costs approximately $1,000 to $4,000 per quadrant. Most health insurance providers will cover laser gum treatment. There are several factors that impact the cost of treatment, including:
Technology used to perform the procedure
Location of dentist
Experience and expertise of dentist
Severity of gum disease
Dental insurance coverage
Treatment plan
Additional procedures
The average cost for full-mouth LANAP treatment is $4,000 to $15,000.
How does LANAP Work?
LANAP uses a laser with 7 pulse durations that interact with the gum tissue in different targeted ways. During the procedure, the dentist will:
Check your gums to determine the level of treatment required
Use a laser to target the affected area
Remove tartar with ultrasonic scalers and other instruments
Reconnect the gum tissue to the tooth root with the laser
Prevent the tartar from re-forming by smoothing out tooth roots
You will be given specific aftercare instructions, which typically include:
Taking prescribed medications
Do not brush teeth for 1 week
Do not floss for 1 month
Stick to a liquid/soft food diet for the first few days
Be careful when chewing
Factors that Impact the Cost of LANAP
The cost of LANAP treatment varies based on several factors:
The severity of gum disease
The severity of your gum disease has a significant impact on the cost of treatment. The more severe your condition, the more intensive the treatment needs to be and the longer it will take.
Dental professional performing the treatment
A general dentist will cost less than a periodontist or endodontist. This is because the latter two have been through additional training.
Location of clinic
The location of the dental clinic impacts how much your treatment costs. A clinic located in the middle of downtown will cost less than one in a rural area. Therefore, if you want to save money, you may want to visit a clinic outside of town.
Insurance coverage
Most insurance providers will cover a portion of treatment, which means insurance will save you a lot of money. However, at Clarksburg Dental Center, we do offer financing options for those who do not have coverage or do not have adequate coverage.
Benefits of LANAP
LANAP offers several benefits of traditional gum surgery. The primary benefit is the reduced healing time. Since there are no incisions or stitches, you heal much faster. In fact, most patients feel back to normal after one day. However, some patients do need a few days to get back to their normal routine. This depends on your body’s ability to heal.
While LANAP does use advanced technology compared to traditional gum surgery, the cost is much lower.
Consider LANAP for Your Gum Disease
LANAP is an FDA-approved procedure for treating gum disease. It has been used for more than three decades. Many providers choose this treatment over other methods because some research indicates it is more effective. Schedule your consultation with the team at Clarksburg Dental Care to determine if LANAP is appropriate for your gum disease.
While LANAP has been used for more than 30 years, many of our patients have questions about this treatment. We are more than happy to discuss your questions and concerns about any dental treatment at any time. Below are some of the most common questions that we are asked about LANAP.
What is LANAP?
LANAP is a method for treating gum disease that uses a laser instead of a scalpel. This means that the treatment itself is much less painful and recovery is much faster.
What to eat after laser gum surgery?
You’ll want to stick to a liquid or soft foods diet for the first few days following laser gum surgery. This is because your gums need time to heal and re-attach to your tooth roots.
Is LANAP covered by insurance?
Yes, most health or dental insurance providers will cover LANAP treatment. Our office staff will be happy to work with your insurance provider to determine your coverage. If you do not have insurance, we do offer financing options.
What is the recovery time after a LANAP procedure?
Since there are no incisions or stitches, recovery is easier with LANAP than with traditional gum surgery. In fact, the healing process begins as soon as the surgery is complete. Many patients are back to their normal routine, but everyone is different and you may need a few days. You may have some swelling, bleeding, and discoloration for a few days, which means that your body is healing.
Can I drink coffee after LANAP surgery?
You should not drink coffee immediately following LANAP surgery, as caffeine can impact your body’s ability to heal. However, you should be able to have a cup after the first 24 hours. Just take care that it is not too hot, as you may have some sensitivity.
