What Is LANAP® Laser Periodontal Therapy?
LANAP® stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It’s a minimally invasive treatment for gum disease that uses a specialized laser instead of traditional surgical tools. The laser targets and removes diseased gum tissue and harmful bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact. This precision means less trauma to your gums, which translates to less pain, less bleeding, and a quicker recovery.
Unlike conventional gum surgery, LANAP® doesn’t require cutting or stitches. The laser works by creating a clean environment where your gums can naturally reattach to your teeth, promoting healing and reducing pocket depth. For many patients, this means getting back to normal activities much sooner than they would with traditional surgery.
How LANAP® Works
The LANAP® procedure is straightforward and typically completed in one or two visits, depending on the extent of your gum disease. Here’s what happens during treatment:
Initial Evaluation
We start by examining your gums and measuring pocket depths to assess the severity of your gum disease. Digital imaging helps us get a complete picture of your oral health.
Laser Treatment
During the procedure, we use the LANAP® laser to carefully remove diseased tissue and bacteria from the pockets around your teeth. The laser’s precision allows us to target only the unhealthy areas while preserving as much healthy gum tissue as possible.
Cleaning and Scaling
Once the diseased tissue is removed, we clean the tooth roots to remove any remaining tartar and bacteria. This creates a smooth surface that encourages your gums to reattach properly.
Sealing and Healing
The laser is used again to seal the treated area, which helps form a stable blood clot and promotes natural healing. Because there are no incisions or stitches, the healing process is typically faster and more comfortable than with traditional surgery.
Benefits of LANAP® Laser Periodontal Therapy in Philadelphia
LANAP® offers several advantages over conventional gum surgery that make it an appealing option for many patients:
Less Pain and Discomfort
Because the laser doesn’t cut into your gums the way a scalpel does, most patients experience significantly less pain during and after the procedure. Many people return to work the same day or the next day.
Minimal Bleeding
The laser cauterizes as it works, which means less bleeding during the procedure and a reduced risk of complications afterward.
Faster Recovery
Without incisions or stitches, your gums heal more quickly. Most patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours, and eating restrictions are minimal.
Preserves Healthy Tissue
The precision of the laser means we can target only the diseased areas, leaving healthy gum tissue untouched. This helps maintain the natural structure of your gums.
Reduced Risk of Infection
The laser sterilizes the treatment area as it works, killing bacteria and reducing the risk of infection during the healing process.
Long-Term Results LANAP® promotes natural reattachment of the gums to the teeth, which can lead to lasting improvements in gum health and reduced pocket depths.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
LANAP® Laser Dentistry in Philadelphia works well for patients with moderate to advanced gum disease. You might be a good candidate if you’re experiencing:
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing
- Gums that are swollen, red, or pulling away from your teeth
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
- Pockets around your teeth that are deeper than 4mm
LANAP® is also a good option for people who want to avoid traditional surgery or who have health conditions that make conventional gum surgery riskier. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your gum health and discuss whether LANAP® is the right treatment for your situation.
What to Expect During Recovery
One of the biggest advantages of LANAP® is how easy recovery tends to be. Most patients experience only mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You can typically eat soft foods right away and return to your normal diet within a day or two.
We’ll provide specific aftercare instructions, but in general, you’ll want to:
- Brush gently around the treated areas
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for a few days
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash as directed
- Attend all follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing
Your gums will continue to heal and reattach over the following weeks and months. We’ll schedule follow-up visits to check your progress and make sure your gum health is improving.
Maintaining Your Results
After LANAP® treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular dental cleanings. These habits help prevent gum disease from returning and protect the investment you’ve made in your oral health.
If you’ve struggled with gum disease in the past, we may recommend more frequent cleanings to keep your gums healthy. Our team will work with you to create a maintenance plan that fits your needs.
Take Control of Your Gum Health
If gum disease has been affecting your comfort, confidence, or quality of life, LANAP® Laser Dentistry in Philadelphia could be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Matarazzo and Milici Group of Navy Yard, PA, Dr. Anita Malici and our team are here to help you get your gum health back on track with a treatment that’s effective and easier to recover from. Call us today to schedule a consultation and find out if LANAP® is right for you.