Key Takeaways
- LANAP uses laser energy to remove infected gum tissue without cutting or stitches.
- Good candidates include patients with moderate to severe gum disease who want a gentler option.
- Healing is typically faster because the laser encourages tissue regeneration.
- LANAP can reduce gum pocket depth and improve gum stability long-term.
- Puri Dentistry recommends LANAP when traditional methods may not give the needed improvement.
If your gums are bleeding, swollen, or pulling away from your teeth, a normal cleaning won’t reverse the problem. In these cases, your search for “gum disease treatment near me” may lead you to something called LANAP, a laser-based therapy that treats infection with more precision and less discomfort than traditional gum surgery.
Many patients don’t know this option exists until the dentist recommends it. At Puri Dentistry, we’ve seen how LANAP helps people who want strong results but prefer a gentler approach than cutting and stitching. This blog breaks down how it works, who qualifies, and why more dentists rely on it for advanced gum concerns.
What Exactly Is LANAP? A Simple Explanation
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It uses a specialized dental laser to:
- Target bacteria.
- Remove infected gum tissue.
- Clean the roots.
- Help healthy tissue reconnect to the tooth.
Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP does not involve cutting the gums open. The laser only removes the damaged tissue and leaves the healthy tissue behind.
This is one big reason people searching for “gum disease treatment near me” often choose laser therapy once they understand the difference.
How Gum Disease Progresses and Why It Matters
Gum disease starts quietly. At first, you may notice light bleeding when you floss. Then the gums swell, pockets form, and bacteria slip deeper under the tissue. As these pockets grow, the bone can shrink, and the teeth lose support.
At this stage, a regular cleaning or even a deep cleaning may not be enough. Deep pockets, stubborn bacteria, and loose tissue require a more targeted approach, which is where LANAP comes in.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LANAP?
Not everyone needs laser therapy, but many people with moderate gum disease benefit from it. You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Gum pockets deeper than 5 mm
- Bleeding when brushing
- Early loose teeth
- Gum tissue that looks red or uneven
- Sensitivity along the gumline
- Gum recession linked to infection
If you’ve been searching online for “gum disease treatment near me”, LANAP is something to ask about, especially if your dentist mentions bone loss or advanced pockets.
Why Dentists Choose LANAP Over Traditional Gum Surgery?
LANAP is not just a “nicer” version of gum surgery. This method helps your body heal more effectively.
1. No cutting or stitches
This reduces soreness and swelling.
2. Laser targets bacteria without harming healthy tissue
It picks out infected cells based on color and moisture level.
3. Helps regenerate bone and connective tissue
The laser activates the body’s healing response.
4. Faster recovery
Most patients return to normal routines within a day or two.
5. Better long-term stability
Many studies show improved pocket depth reduction with laser therapy.
These advantages are why more clinics offering gum disease treatment have added LANAP to their list of treatments.
How LANAP Works (Step-by-Step)
LANAP is completed in a few structured steps.
Step 1: Measuring the pockets
We use a probe to check how deep the bacteria has gone.
Step 2: Laser passes through the pocket
The laser takes away only the sick tissue and germs.
Step 3: Cleaning the root
We use special tools to remove tartar deposits gently.
Step 4: Second laser pass
This helps the blood clot and seals the pocket to protect healing.
Step 5: Tissue reattachment
The gum tightens naturally around the tooth as it heals.
Patients who’ve had LANAP often say the process feels more like a focused cleaning than a surgical procedure.
What to Expect After LANAP
Recovery is typically smooth. Most patients notice:
- Less bleeding.
- Reduced swelling.
- Fewer deep pockets.
- Better breath
- Stronger gum attachment.
To get the best results during your gum disease treatment, your dentist may also review brushing habits, recommend antimicrobial rinses, or schedule follow-up cleanings.
When LANAP Might Not Be the Right Choice
LANAP may not work as well for:
- Extremely advanced gum disease with major bone loss
- Patients who cannot follow the healing instructions
- Teeth that are already too loose to save
In these cases, a different treatment plan may be safer.
Why Patients Choose Puri Dentistry for Laser Gum Care
We believe in choosing treatment that fits your mouth, not just the most common method. When we recommend LANAP, it’s because it gives a better chance at saving the gums and supporting long-term tooth stability. We want to help you find the best and safest gum disease treatment for your needs, right in your area.
FAQs
1. What is LANAP, and how does it differ from traditional gum surgery?
LANAP is a laser treatment that helps fix sick gums without cutting or stitches. It is easier and helps people heal faster than regular gum surgery.
2. Who is a good candidate for LANAP?
You might need help if your gums are swollen, bleed, or if your teeth feel loose. People who have more serious gum problems usually get the best help.
3. Does LANAP hurt?
Most patients say LANAP feels similar to a deep cleaning. Because there’s no cutting, most people experience only mild soreness afterward.
4. How long does it take to heal after LANAP?
Most patients feel normal within 24–48 hours. Healing is quicker compared to traditional gum surgery because there are no cuts or stitches.
5. Can LANAP help tighten loose gums?
Yes. LANAP helps gums reattach to the teeth by reducing bacteria, removing infected tissue and encouraging new tissue growth.
6. Will LANAP prevent my gum recession?
LANAP does not “reverse” gum recession, but it can stop further infection and stabilize the gums. It also helps prevent the recession from getting worse.
7. Is LANAP better than deep cleaning?
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) works well for early gum disease. LANAP is better when pockets are deep or when the infection is more advanced and deep cleaning alone isn’t enough.
8. When should I choose LANAP as part of my gum disease treatment?
LANAP is recommended when gum disease is moderate or severe, when pockets are deep, or when you want a gentler alternative to surgery with faster healing.