The Patient’s Guide to LANAP® Laser Gum Treatment

At Clarksburg Dental Center in Germantown, MD, we know that healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. If you are living with gum disease, you may already know it can affect more than your mouth. Periodontal disease has been linked to systemic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The good news is that modern treatment options make it possible to treat gum disease more comfortably and effectively than ever.

What is LANAP?

LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared treatment that uses laser technology to target diseased tissue and bacteria while encouraging your body’s natural ability to heal. LANAP is unique because it does more than just remove infection. Its laser energy stimulates the body’s natural healing response, allowing new connective tissue, collagen, and even bone to regenerate around the teeth. 

This process helps the gums reattach to the root surfaces, reducing pocket depths and creating a healthier, more stable foundation. Unlike traditional gum surgery, which often involves cutting and reshaping the gums, LANAP focuses on regeneration and reattachment, so you can keep more of your natural tissue and support long-term tooth stability.

This guide will walk you through who LANAP is for, how it works, the benefits, and what you can expect during treatment at our practice.

Who Can Benefit from LANAP?

LANAP may be a good option for you if you:

• Have moderate to severe gum disease and want a treatment that is less invasive than traditional surgery
• Have loose teeth and severe inflammation due to periodontal disease
• Want to protect existing dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or implants
• Prefer a treatment with less discomfort and downtime compared to traditional gum surgery
• Value a minimally invasive approach that supports the regeneration of gum and bone tissue

At Clarksburg Dental Center, we evaluate your gum health, bone strength, and overall medical history to determine if LANAP is the right solution for your needs.

How LANAP Works: Step by Step

LANAP treatment uses an advanced laser technology to remove diseased tissue while protecting healthy gum tissue. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Comprehensive Diagnosis

We begin with a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, which includes digital X-rays and probing to measure pocket depths. This allows us to map the extent of gum disease and plan your treatment precisely.

2. Laser Removal of Diseased Tissue

Using the PerioLase® MVP-7 laser, we gently remove infected tissue and eliminate harmful bacteria inside the periodontal pockets. The laser is designed to target only diseased tissue, preserving healthy gums and minimizing trauma.

3. Cleaning and Root Surface Debridement

Once diseased tissue is cleared, ultrasonic instruments and the laser are used to remove tartar and plaque from root surfaces, creating a clean environment for healing.

4. Laser Sealing of the Pocket

The laser then helps form a stable blood clot that seals the pocket. This barrier prevents new bacteria from entering while the gums heal and reattach to tooth surfaces.

5. Natural Healing and Regeneration

Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP encourages your body to regenerate bone and connective tissue. Over time, this can improve tooth stability and reduce the risk of tooth loss.

Benefits of LANAP Treatment

Patients choose LANAP because it offers several clinical and lifestyle advantages compared to conventional gum surgery:

Minimally Invasive

• No scalpels or sutures are required.
• The laser precisely targets diseased tissue while leaving healthy structures intact.

Less Discomfort and Faster Recovery

• Many patients report less pain and swelling than with traditional surgery.
• Healing is often quicker, with many people returning to normal activities within a day.

Preservation of Natural Teeth

• LANAP may help save teeth that might otherwise be lost to gum disease.
• Potential regeneration of bone and tissue can support long-term oral health.

Better Outcomes for Overall Health

• Treating gum disease can reduce harmful bacteria that may otherwise enter the bloodstream.
• Healthier gums may reduce your risk of systemic inflammation linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions.

Safe for a Wide Range of Patients

• LANAP is FDA-cleared and safe for patients with conditions that make traditional surgery more difficult, such as diabetes or bleeding disorders.

What to Expect When You Choose LANAP at Clarksburg Dental Center

We understand that gum disease can be overwhelming, but our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Here’s how we integrate LANAP into your care:

Personalized Assessment and Planning

We start with a thorough evaluation of your gums and bone health. We will review your medical history, oral hygiene habits, and treatment goals before recommending LANAP.

Gentle, Precise Treatment

LANAP is typically performed in two sessions, treating one half of your mouth at a time. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable, and the laser allows us to work with accuracy and minimal trauma.

Post-Treatment Guidance

We will give you detailed instructions for home care, including how to clean your teeth and manage your gums as they heal. Some dietary modifications may be recommended during the first week to support recovery.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support

Follow-up visits allow us to monitor your healing, measure pocket depth reduction, and track improvements in gum attachment and bone regeneration. We also reinforce oral hygiene habits to help protect your results.

Long-Term Stability

LANAP is not a one-time fix. Gums require consistent maintenance, especially if you’ve ever been diagnosed with gum disease. We will create a supportive care schedule that includes professional cleanings and at-home strategies to keep your gums and overall health on track.

Is LANAP the Right Choice for You?

LANAP represents a major advancement in periodontal therapy. It gives you a way to address gum disease with less discomfort, faster recovery, and a focus on regeneration rather than removal. For many patients, it offers the chance to save their teeth and protect their overall health.

If you are concerned about gum disease and want to explore LANAP laser treatment, we invite you to request a consultation. At Clarksburg Dental Center, we will listen to your needs, evaluate your gum health, and create a personalized plan to restore stability, comfort, and confidence in your smile.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.