Are LAPT and LANAP painful?

LAPT and LANAP prioritize patient comfort by offering safe and effective treatments for gum disease. These procedures are minimally invasive, resulting in little pain and discomfort. The use of advanced laser technology ensures a comfortable experience while removing dental plaque and tartar, making them ideal choices for individuals seeking relief from gum disease.

What is the recovery time for LAPT and LANAP?

LAPT and LANAP feature short recovery times, allowing you to resume your normal activities soon after the treatment. The efficiency of these procedures, coupled with their minimally invasive nature, contributes to a swift and comfortable recovery period.

Why LAPT or LANAP instead of traditional surgery or deep cleaning?

Traditional surgery or deep cleaning procedures can be invasive, causing significant pain and discomfort. Moreover, they may not be as effective as LAPT or LANAP in treating gum disease. LAPT and LANAP stand out for their minimally invasive approach, ensuring minimal pain and discomfort for patients. Additionally, the use of lasers in these treatments enhances their effectiveness in removing dental plaque and tartar, offering a superior alternative for individuals seeking relief from gum disease.

What are the risks of LAPT and LANAP?

LAPT and LANAP remain safe, comfortable, and effective treatments for gum disease. Their minimally invasive nature ensures minimal pain and discomfort, and the use of lasers enhances their effectiveness in removing dental plaque and tartar. These advanced treatments present minimal risks, making them reliable options for individuals seeking optimal solutions for gum disease without compromising on comfort and effectiveness.

LANAP for Gum Disease | Tacoma, WA, Periodontist

Advanced Gum Disease Care with LANAP Technology

Our Tacoma, WA, periodontist offers cutting-edge LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) treatment to reverse the symptoms of gum disease without invasive surgery. This minimally invasive laser treatment effectively targets diseased gum tissue, promotes tissue regeneration, and helps restore periodontal health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, loose teeth, or gum recession, call our Tacoma dental office today at (253) 761-5422 to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve Tacoma and surrounding areas, including Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, and University Place.

Woman smiling in the dental chair

What Is LANAP?

Developed by Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthy, LANAP is a revolutionary laser gum disease treatment designed to remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP is less invasive and more comfortable, offering faster recovery and better long-term results.

Using the PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG dental laser, LANAP eliminates bacteria and diseased tissue, stimulates bone regeneration, and seals treated areas to promote healing. This advanced procedure is ideal for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease, providing a modern alternative to conventional periodontal surgery.

Key Benefits of LANAP

There are many advantages to choosing LANAP for your gum disease treatment, including:

Preserves healthy gum tissue
Minimizes pain and discomfort
Promotes natural bone and gum tissue regeneration
Reduces recovery time
Provides long-term gum health improvements

How LANAP Works

The LANAP procedure follows a structured, minimally invasive approach:

Assessment: The depth of periodontal pockets is measured to evaluate tissue attachment loss.
Laser Application: Diseased gum tissue is targeted and removed using laser energy while healthy tissue remains intact.
Calculus Removal: Tartar and plaque are removed from the root surface.
Regeneration Stimulation: Laser energy stimulates bone and gum tissue to encourage regeneration.
Sealing: Treated areas are sealed to create a protective environment for healing.

Each LANAP session typically lasts one to two hours. Most patients can resume daily activities within 24–48 hours, making LANAP a convenient option for busy schedules.

The Laser Technology Behind LANAP

LANAP uses the PerioLase MVP-7 laser, a highly advanced tool specifically designed for periodontal therapy. Its precision ensures diseased tissue is removed without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. The laser also promotes true regeneration of bone, gum tissue, and the periodontal ligament.

Benefits of the PerioLase MVP-7 Laser:

Targets infected areas with pinpoint accuracy
Penetrates deep into tissues to eliminate bacteria
Stimulates growth factors for natural tissue regeneration
Reduces the risk of infection

Why Choose LANAP?

Minimally Invasive: No cutting or stitching is required, reducing discomfort and speeding up recovery.
Reduced Pain: Patients typically experience less pain compared to traditional gum surgery.
Faster Healing: LANAP encourages faster healing, allowing you to return to normal activities quickly.
Effective for Advanced Cases: LANAP treats even severe periodontal disease, regenerating bone and gum tissue.
Long-Term Results: By addressing the root cause of gum disease, LANAP supports lasting periodontal health.

Young woman getting a dental checkup

Is LANAP Right for You?

LANAP is suitable for patients with moderate to severe gum disease, especially those with:

Periodontal pockets deeper than 4 mm
Bleeding or receding gums
Loose teeth caused by periodontal disease
Bone loss around natural teeth

Patients with advanced gum disease who are not candidates for traditional surgery may find LANAP an ideal solution.

Post-Treatment Care for LANAP Patients

To ensure optimal results, follow these post-treatment guidelines:

Stick to a liquid diet for the first three days, transitioning to soft foods as advised.
Avoid brushing and flossing the treated areas for 10–14 days.
Use prescribed mouth rinses to maintain oral hygiene.
Minimize physical activity to promote healing.
Manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication as directed.

Comparing LANAP to Traditional Gum Surgery

Invasiveness: Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP is minimally invasive, involving no cutting or stitching.
Pain and Discomfort: Patients typically experience less pain with LANAP.
Recovery Time: LANAP offers a faster recovery period (24-48 hours), compared to traditional surgery (days to weeks).
Tissue Preservation: LANAP targets only diseased tissue, preserving more healthy gum tissue.
Outcome: LANAP promotes natural tissue regeneration, which isn’t a feature of traditional surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does LANAP treat gum disease?

LANAP uses laser energy to remove diseased tissue without harming healthy tissue, eliminate bacteria, and stimulate natural tissue regeneration.

Is LANAP painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the LANAP procedure. Local anesthesia is used to ensure a pain-free experience.

How long does LANAP take?

Each LANAP session typically lasts one to two hours, with most patients needing one or two sessions.

Can LANAP treat advanced gum disease?

Yes, LANAP is effective for moderate to severe cases of periodontal disease and can regenerate lost bone and gum tissue.

Schedule Your LANAP Consultation in Tacoma, WA

Take the first step toward healthier gums with LANAP. Our skilled periodontist in Tacoma is here to help you achieve optimal oral health using the latest laser technology. Contact our Tacoma dental office today at (253) 761-5422 to book your consultation and learn more about our periodontal treatment options. We proudly serve Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, and University Place.