The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, commonly known as LANAP, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of gum disease. This protocol is a minimally invasive method that has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating moderate to severe periodontitis. The procedure utilizes a specialized Nd:YAG free-running pulsed laser to target infection and stimulate tissue recovery. LANAP offers patients a less traumatic alternative to traditional scalpel-and-suture surgery, helping to restore health to damaged gum tissue and bone.
Understanding Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by bacterial infection below the gum line. If left untreated, the infection causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating deepening spaces known as periodontal pockets. Within these pockets, harmful bacteria thrive, and the body’s inflammatory response begins to destroy the underlying connective tissue and alveolar bone that anchor the teeth.
This destruction of supporting structures leads to a loss of attachment, resulting in loose teeth and eventually tooth loss. The chronic infection has also been linked to systemic health issues, making effective treatment necessary for overall well-being. Successful intervention aims to eliminate the infection, reduce pocket depth, and encourage the reattachment of healthy tissues to the tooth root surface.
The LANAP Procedure Step-by-Step
The LANAP protocol is a precise, seven-step process that uses the specialized PerioLase MVP-7 laser system. The first step involves using a periodontal probe to accurately measure the depth of the gum pockets, establishing a baseline for attachment loss. Next, the laser fiber is inserted into the pocket to selectively vaporize the disease-causing bacteria and infected tissue. The unique wavelength of the Nd:YAG laser targets the dark pigmentation of the diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving the healthy tissue unharmed.
After this initial laser pass, specialized ultrasonic instruments are used to remove hardened plaque, known as calculus, from the root surface below the gum line. The laser is then used a second time in a different setting, which stimulates the soft tissue, root, and bone. This second pass helps to create a stable fibrin clot at the bottom of the pocket.
This clot acts like a natural seal, forming a protective barrier that prevents new bacteria from entering and provides a sterile environment for healing. Finally, the soft tissue is compressed against the tooth root surface without the need for sutures, securing the clot and promoting reattachment. A slight adjustment to the bite may also be performed to minimize traumatic forces on the treated teeth and support the healing environment.
Comparison to Traditional Gum Surgery
The primary distinction between LANAP and traditional periodontal surgery, often called flap or osseous surgery, lies in the level of invasiveness and the biological outcome. Traditional surgery requires the use of a scalpel to cut and peel back the gum tissue, providing the dentist with direct visual access to the tooth root and bone. Once cleaning is complete, the gums are repositioned and secured with sutures, which often results in a degree of gum recession.
In contrast, the LANAP protocol is minimally invasive, using the laser light inserted directly into the pocket without requiring incisions or stitches. This “no cut, no sew” approach reduces trauma and preserves healthy gum tissue, minimizing the risk of post-operative gum recession. The laser’s ability to discriminate between diseased and healthy tissue ensures that only the infected areas are removed.
The most significant difference is the regenerative capacity of LANAP. The FDA-cleared LANAP protocol is proven to promote the true regeneration of the attachment apparatus, including new cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Traditional flap surgery primarily focuses on pocket reduction through tissue removal. LANAP, however, aims to halt disease progression and encourage the body’s natural processes to regrow lost supporting structures, translating to better long-term stability and preservation of the natural teeth.
Post-Procedure Recovery and Expectations
The recovery period following the LANAP procedure is typically much shorter and less uncomfortable compared to traditional surgery. Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort, often manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, and they can usually resume normal daily activities within 24 to 72 hours. The initial healing phase is focused on protecting the newly formed fibrin clot, which is the foundation for regeneration.
Patients are advised to adhere to a soft diet for the first few days to a week, avoiding anything that could disrupt the clot. Oral hygiene instructions initially involve avoiding brushing or flossing the treated areas, relying instead on prescribed antimicrobial rinses. While immediate recovery is rapid, deeper tissue regeneration, including bone growth, continues over several months, typically taking three to six months to reach full recovery. Regular follow-up appointments monitor the healing progress and confirm the long-term success of the new tissue attachment.