LANAP®

LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) offers a modern alternative to conventional gum surgery for patients facing moderate to advanced periodontitis. Using a precise dental laser, the technique aims to remove diseased tissue and bacteria while preserving healthy gum and tooth-supporting structures. Many patients appreciate LANAP® because it reduces the extent of cutting and suturing commonly associated with traditional periodontal surgery, and it is designed to promote a more natural healing response.

At the practice of Joanna Tricorache, DDS, we evaluate each patient’s condition carefully to determine whether LANAP® is an appropriate option. Our goal is to combine proven technologies with individualized care plans so that treatment supports both short-term comfort and long-term oral health. Below you’ll find a detailed look at how LANAP® works, who may benefit, what to expect during and after treatment, and the science that supports its use.

How LANAP® Works and Why It’s Different

LANAP® uses a focused, pulsed Nd:YAG dental laser to target inflamed and infected tissue deep within periodontal pockets. Unlike scalpel-based procedures that remove both diseased and healthy soft tissue, the laser selectively vaporizes compromised tissue while preserving healthy connective tissue and gum structure. This selective approach helps maintain the natural contours of the gum and reduces the likelihood of recession.

The laser energy also has an antimicrobial effect, disrupting the bacteria that drive periodontal disease without exposing large open wounds. After laser treatment, the area is typically cleaned and scaled to remove calculus and bacterial biofilm from root surfaces. The combined effect aims to reduce pocket depth and create conditions that favor reattachment of soft tissues to the tooth root and support for bone maintenance.

Because LANAP® limits tissue trauma, patients often experience less bleeding during the procedure and a gentler recovery period. The procedure is designed to preserve as much healthy anatomy as possible while encouraging the body’s own healing mechanisms to restore periodontal health.

Determining Who Benefits from LANAP®

LANAP® is most commonly recommended for adults with periodontitis—when pockets around teeth become deep and infected, and when non-surgical therapies alone are not sufficient. Candidates typically present with persistent pocket depths, bleeding on probing, and radiographic signs of bone loss. A comprehensive periodontal evaluation, including charting and imaging, helps determine if LANAP® is an appropriate next step.

Not every patient with gum disease is a candidate for laser therapy, and individual medical history, medications, and oral anatomy must be taken into account. Conditions that affect healing or contraindicate laser use require careful review; for example, active oral infections unrelated to periodontal disease or certain systemic health issues may prompt alternative approaches.

Age alone is not a limiting factor—what matters is overall oral health, realistic treatment goals, and an understanding of the maintenance required after treatment. Your provider will discuss alternatives and explain why LANAP® may offer advantages for your specific case.

What Happens During a LANAP® Treatment Visit

A typical LANAP® appointment begins with a thorough review of your medical and dental history and confirmation of anesthesia to ensure comfort. Once the area is numb, the laser is used within the periodontal pocket to remove diseased tissue and reduce bacterial load. The process is controlled and precise; patients often report minimal discomfort during the laser portion of treatment.

After laser decontamination, the clinician performs root debridement to remove tartar and biofilm from the root surfaces—this helps create a clean environment for healing. The laser may then be used again to help form a stable clot and to seal the pocket, which supports tissue reattachment. Suture placement is minimized or avoided in many cases because the technique encourages natural stabilization of the tissue.

The duration of a LANAP® session varies with the severity and number of sites treated, and treatment can be staged across multiple visits if needed. Before you leave, your clinician will review aftercare steps and prescribe medications or rinses when appropriate to support healing.

Recovery, Follow-Up, and Maintaining Results

Recovery from LANAP® typically feels easier than recovery from traditional flap surgery. Patients frequently notice less swelling and bleeding in the first days after treatment, and many return to normal activities quickly. Nonetheless, initial healing is an important window: maintaining gentle oral hygiene, following dietary recommendations, and avoiding activities that disturb the treated sites will help protect the developing attachment.

Short-term follow-up appointments are important to monitor healing and to remove any protective dressings if used. Periodontal charting and re-evaluation allow the clinician to track pocket depth changes and assess tissue response. Over time, many patients show meaningful reductions in pocket depth and improvements in periodontal stability.

Long-term success depends on regular periodontal maintenance, excellent daily home care, and risk-factor management—especially control of smoking, diabetes, and other systemic contributors to periodontal disease. Your clinician will design a personalized recall schedule to help preserve the benefits achieved with LANAP®.

Safety, Clinical Evidence, and Practical Advantages

LANAP® is performed with a dental laser that has been cleared for periodontal applications; its clinical protocol has been refined to prioritize both microbial reduction and tissue preservation. Research and clinical reports indicate that LANAP® can reduce pocket depths and promote attachment with less soft-tissue recession than some traditional surgeries, though outcomes depend on case selection and technique.

One practical advantage of the procedure is its emphasis on conserving soft tissue and minimizing open wounds, which can translate into a more comfortable recovery and potentially better cosmetic outcomes around the gumline. The laser’s bactericidal properties also contribute to improved pocket decontamination without widening the area of tissue trauma.

As with any treatment, success is influenced by the clinician’s experience and adherence to the protocol, in addition to the patient’s commitment to follow-up care. Your provider will present the available evidence in the context of your oral health and expectations, helping you make an informed decision that balances benefits, risks, and long-term maintenance.

LANAP® represents a contemporary option for managing periodontal disease with an emphasis on precision, tissue preservation, and supportive healing. If you’d like to explore whether LANAP® could be appropriate for your periodontal needs, please contact us to learn more about the evaluation process and next steps.