The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease. This procedure manages the chronic infection that destroys the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. Instead of cutting and suturing to remove diseased tissue, LANAP utilizes a specialized dental laser to eliminate the infection. The primary goal is to encourage the body’s natural ability to regenerate the attachment structures lost to the disease.
Understanding the LANAP Technology
The LANAP protocol relies on the PerioLase MVP-7 device, which emits a specialized Nd:YAG laser. Operating at a wavelength of 1064 nanometers, this laser interacts selectively with certain tissues. The light energy is highly absorbed by pigmented tissue, such as diseased gum tissue and the specific bacteria responsible for periodontitis, which contain melanin and hemoglobin.
This selective absorption allows the laser to vaporize the infected lining of the periodontal pocket and kill pathogenic bacteria without damaging the underlying healthy gum tissue, tooth root, or bone. The laser can penetrate up to 4 millimeters beyond the tissue surface for effective bacterial elimination. This precision creates an optimal environment for true regeneration, including the regrowth of new cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone around the tooth root.
The Eight Steps of the Procedure
The LANAP protocol is a patented, sequential approach designed to ensure thorough infection removal and healing stimulation. The procedure begins by inserting a periodontal probe between the tooth and gum to measure the depth of the diseased pocket. Next, the first pass of the Nd:YAG laser fiber selectively vaporizes the diseased tissue and bacteria within the pocket.
After this initial laser sterilization, specialized ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments meticulously remove hard calculus deposits from the root surface below the gum line. The laser is then used for a second pass at a lower energy setting to warm the tissue and stimulate the blood, forming a stable, sticky fibrin clot that seals the top of the pocket.
Following clot formation, the gum tissue is compressed against the tooth surface to secure the new seal and prevent bacterial entry. The dentist then adjusts the patient’s bite (occlusion) to eliminate excessive forces that could interfere with healing. This process aims for the final, eighth step: the regeneration of new connective tissue attachment. The entire protocol is typically performed in two separate sessions, each treating one half of the mouth.
Recovery and Healing Expectations
Recovery following the LANAP procedure is generally quicker and more comfortable than traditional surgical methods. Patients can typically return to their normal daily activities almost immediately, often experiencing only minor swelling and tenderness. Discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers; prescription medication is rarely needed.
The stable blood clot acts as a protective bandage to facilitate healing. For the first few days, patients must adhere to a soft or liquid diet and avoid using a straw to prevent dislodging the clot. Patients are also instructed to avoid brushing or flossing the treated areas for up to two weeks. While initial tissue healing is rapid, bone and ligament regeneration continues over several months.
How LANAP Differs from Traditional Gum Surgery
The most significant difference between LANAP and traditional gum surgery (flap surgery) is the fundamental approach to accessing the infection. Traditional surgery requires a scalpel to cut and peel back the gum tissue for visual access to the root and bone, necessitating sutures afterward. LANAP avoids cutting the gum tissue, eliminating the need for stitches and significantly reducing trauma.
Because no tissue is cut away, LANAP results in minimal to no gum recession, preserving the natural appearance of the gum line and minimizing post-operative tooth sensitivity. Traditional surgery often intentionally reduces the gum line to decrease pocket depth, which can expose more of the tooth root. LANAP stimulates the regeneration of lost periodontal structures, whereas traditional surgery primarily focuses on excision and pocket depth reduction.