Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™) is a FDA approved protocol of laser periodontal therapy that utilizes the Millennium MVP-7 Nd:YAG PerioLase laser for the effective treatment of periodontitis through regeneration rather than resection (removal) of tissue.

Recently our office acquired the newest technology available today for patient care, the Millennium Periolase. This is the latest generation of the Nd:YAG laser and is designed specifically to treat periodontal disease . Like LASIK surgery for the eyes, our laser is able to treat periodontal disease using a minimally invasive approach.

The PerioLase used in the LANAP™ protocol utilizes a small, flexible laser fiber about the width of a paperclip. When placed into the periodontal pockets, the laser energy emitted through this fiber precisely removes the unhealthy diseased gum tissues lining the pocket while leaving the healthy gum tissues intact. After the unhealthy gum tissues have been removed, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and the laser is utilized at a different setting to stimulate the formation of a blood clot in the pocket. This blood clot assists with sealing the healthy gum tissues to the root surface. The LANAP protocol is a gentle, conservative, non-invasive method of treating gum disease without cutting, suturing or removing tissue. This provides an effective method to treat periodontal disease with a faster recovery that is almost painless.

Periolase Laser Therapy

The benefits of LANAP™ include the following:
  • FAST HEALING
    LANAP™ creates an environment that allows your body to heal itself. It is not invasive or obtrusive.
  • LITTLE DISCOMFORT
    Many of our patients say that there is little or only minimal discomfort, during and after Laser Periodontal Gum Surgery with LANAP™.
  • SHORT RECOVERY
    There is no significant recovery time – so no time needed off work or other activities.
  • MINIMAL REDUCTION OF GUM TISSUE
    There is only negligible reduction of gum tissue during treatment (unlike traditional periodontal surgery). A positive side effect of laser periodontal gum surgery is that in many cases regeneration and reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth and bone is possible
  • REDUCED INFLAMMATION
    LANAP™ can decrease in the inflammation in your mouth
  • ELIMINATION OF BACTERIA
    This treatment can remove the infection associated with gum disease
  • REDUCE BLEEDING GUMS
    LANAP™ can decrease bleeding gums
  • MINIMAL BLEEDING
    There is only minimal bleeding during treatment unlike traditional surgery
  • DECREASES TOOTH LOOSENESS
    LANAP™ can reduce the severity of loose teeth

Who will benefit from Laser?

Laser therapy provides additional pocket reduction and antibacterial control for patients with:

  • Pocket depths between 5 and 6mm
  • Very advanced, inoperable pockets
  • Continuing pocket breakdown during maintenance
  • Medical Problems (that would contraindicate traditional periodontal surgical treatment without discontinuing or modifying their medication usage)
  • Patients on blood thinning medications drugs such as Plavix or Coumadin do not have to discontinue usage of these drugs with this laser therapy.
  • Age Concerns
  • Emotional concerns, such as fear of surgery
  • Refractory periodontal infections where the laser may be used in conjunction with microbiological testing
  • Previous periodontal therapy
  • Gingival overgrowth due to prescriptions medications (i.e., Dilantin, Cyclosporin, Calcium Channel Blockers) or orthodontic appliances

For patients who are concerned about conventional blade surgery to treat periodontal disease, the new laser treatment can be a life-changing event. Patients are able to preserve their natural teeth, enhance their smile, and avoid the potentially life-threatening systemic effects of untreated periodontal disease.

This laser is not a magic wand, there is still no absolute “cure” for periodontal disease. Conventional flap/osseous surgery is always offered as an option to our patients, and in some cases it will still be the best option.

Other Laser Applications in Periodontics

While the laser is used primarily for reducing and disinfecting periodontal pockets, it also plays a valuable role in the following application:

  • Soft Tissue crown lengthening
  • Frenectomy
  • Removal of soft tissue lesions/Biopsy
  • Localized hemostasis
  • Removal of post-operative granulations

These procedures can be performed quickly and effectively with the laser.