The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is a specialized, minimally invasive technique for treating moderate to severe periodontal disease. This method uses a specific pulsed laser to remove diseased tissue and bacteria from gum pockets without traditional scalpels or sutures. Determining the exact price for LANAP is challenging because the final cost is highly dependent on individual factors.
Average Cost Expectations
The total price for LANAP treatment generally falls within a broad national range, reflecting the complexity and advanced technology of the procedure. For a single quadrant of the mouth, the cost typically ranges from approximately $1,000 to $4,000. This price is often comparable to the fee associated with traditional surgical treatments for gum disease.
When a patient requires a full-mouth procedure to address widespread periodontitis, the projected price range is substantially higher. Full-mouth LANAP treatment commonly costs between $4,000 and $15,000, depending on the number of teeth involved and the total time required. These figures are generally higher than non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing, primarily due to the specialized laser equipment and the extensive training required for certified periodontists.
These figures are estimated ranges, not fixed prices, as the final bill is influenced by the specific protocols and services included by the dental practice. Some practices include follow-up visits and post-operative care in the initial package price, while others bill these services separately. Patients should request a comprehensive, written treatment plan that itemizes all projected fees before committing to the procedure.
Variables That Change Your Total Bill
The primary determinant of the final price is the severity of the gum disease, which dictates the length and intricacy of the LANAP protocol. Patients with advanced periodontitis, characterized by deep periodontal pockets and significant bone loss, require a more extensive and time-consuming procedure. This increased complexity translates directly to a higher treatment fee compared to a case with moderate disease progression.
The geographic location of the dental practice also creates significant price fluctuations for the same procedure. Providers in major metropolitan areas or regions with a high cost of living often charge substantially more than those in suburban or rural settings. This variation reflects differing operational costs, including rent, staff wages, and general overhead.
The experience and professional designation of the dental care provider is another important variable. A board-certified periodontist, a specialist with additional years of training, may charge more than a general dentist who has completed the certification course. This difference often reflects the specialist’s depth of expertise and focused experience in managing complex periodontal cases using LANAP technology.
The listed price may or may not be a complete package that covers all associated care. Some offices bundle the cost of the initial consultation, necessary X-rays, local anesthesia, and post-operative check-ups into a single fee. Other practices itemize necessary adjunctive procedures, such as pre-treatment scaling and root planing or required bite adjustments, which can significantly raise the total cost beyond the advertised price.
Navigating Payment and Insurance Coverage
Securing coverage for the LANAP procedure can be inconsistent, as dental insurance plans vary widely regarding advanced periodontal treatments. While most dental insurance covers a percentage of traditional gum disease treatments, LANAP is often classified as an elective or specialized procedure. This classification means patients may find their coverage limited or denied entirely, even if the procedure is medically necessary.
Since there is no specific Current Dental Terminology (CDT) code designated solely for LANAP, providers typically submit the claim using codes intended for traditional gum surgery procedures. This practice helps patients receive benefits, but it does not guarantee coverage, as the insurance company may still review the treatment method. Patients should work closely with their dental office staff to submit a pre-treatment estimate to their insurer to confirm their out-of-pocket responsibility.
For costs not covered by insurance, patients have several alternative payment methods. Many periodontists offer in-house payment plans that allow the fee to be spread over several months, often without interest. Medical credit cards, such as CareCredit, are widely accepted and function as a line of credit specifically for healthcare expenses, frequently offering deferred interest options.
Patients can also utilize pre-tax funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for the LANAP procedure. Since the treatment addresses a recognized medical condition, these accounts provide a tax-advantaged way to cover qualified dental expenses. Understanding these financing options helps make the investment in specialized periodontal care more financially manageable.