LANAP® Laser Treatment: A Non-Surgical Solution for Gum Disease
If you’ve been told you have gum disease and need surgery, you might be picturing scalpels, stitches, and a long recovery. Fortunately, there is another option that many people are pleasantly surprised to learn about. LANAP® laser treatment for gum disease offers a non-surgical approach that’s designed to be more comfortable, precise, and effective.
At VIDA Dental Studio in Santa Fe, we believe gum health is a vital part of your overall wellness. When we treat periodontal (gum) disease, we’re going beyond your smile to actually help to protect the foundation that supports your teeth and contributes to systemic health.
“Healthy gums are not optional,” says Dr. Devin Giron, DDS, “They’re an important part of a healthy body. Treating gum disease supports your health as a whole, not just your teeth.”
What Is LANAP Laser Treatment for Gum Disease?
LANAP is an acronym for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. This FDA-cleared protocol treats moderate to severe periodontal disease with a specialized dental laser, allowing gum surgery to be performed without traditional cutting or sutures.
Understanding Periodontal Disease: A Brief Overview
When a bacterial infection takes hold of the tissues that support your teeth, you may be diagnosed with periodontal disease. This condition often begins as gingivitis, which may cause:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
Gingivitis can often be reversed with proper dental care and improved oral hygiene at home. But left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads below the gumline, where it can damage the connective tissues and jawbone that secure your teeth in place. Without diagnosis and treatment, periodontitis can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
In its early stages, gum disease is often painless. This is why many people don’t realize there’s a problem until damage has occurred. Early diagnosis and appropriate gum infection treatment are key to protecting your long-term oral health, making regular dental visits and proper home care paramount.
The Science Behind LANAP: How Lasers Heal Gums
For gum disease, LANAP laser periodontal therapy uses a specific wavelength of light delivered through the PerioLase® MVP-7 laser®. This technology is precisely calibrated to target diseased gum tissue and harmful bacteria without sacrificing healthy gum tissue.
The laser energy also stimulates healing by supporting the formation of a stable blood clot at the treatment site. As part of your body’s natural healing process, this encourages connective tissue and bone around the tooth to regenerate. Simply put, it helps your body rebuild the support lost due to gum disease.
How Does the LANAP Procedure Work?
The PerioLase MVP-7 Laser: Precision in Action
The PerioLase MVP-7 is the only laser system designed specifically for the LANAP protocol. Its precision allows us to:
- Selectively remove infected tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact
- Reduce bacterial levels in periodontal pockets
- Minimize trauma to healthy structures
- Promote reattachment of the gum to the tooth
Compared to traditional gum surgery, LANAP offers more precise control that makes it minimally invasive.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Your Treatment
If you have gum disease and are considering LANAP treatment in Santa Fe, here’s what the process typically involves:
- Numbing of the area with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.
- A laser fiber is gently placed between the tooth and gum to remove diseased tissue and bacteria.
- Specialized instruments remove hardened buildup from the root surface.
- The laser is used again to help seal the area and encourage clot formation.
With LANAP, there are no scalpels. Stitches (or sutures) are typically unnecessary. After the procedure, most patients return to their normal activities quickly, with only mild soreness.
Key Benefits of Non-Surgical LANAP Therapy
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Minimally Invasive With Less Pain and Swelling
LANAP is designed to preserve healthy gum tissue, for less pain and swelling when compared with traditional gum surgery. Many patients experience:
- Less post-procedure discomfort
- Minimal swelling
- Little to no bleeding
- Reduced need for pain medication
When facing the prospect of gum surgery, many gum disease patients feel anxious. LANAP’s minimally invasive approach often feels more manageable.
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Faster Healing and Recovery Time
With traditional gum surgery, healing can often take weeks, but recovery is often quicker with LANAP. While every patient’s healing process is different, many of them return to work and normal routines within a day or two.
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Preserves Healthy Gum Tissue and Bone
One advantage of LANAP laser treatment for gum disease is its selective targeting. Instead of removing sections of healthy gum tissue to access infection, the laser can be precisely focused on diseased areas. This approach aims to preserve as much of your natural tissue and bone as possible, and supports healthy regeneration.
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Reduced Gum Recession and Tooth Sensitivity
Conventional periodontal surgery can sometimes lead to additional recession of gum tissue, exposing more of the tooth root and potentially increasing tooth sensitivity.
Because LANAP preserves more healthy tissue, it may reduce the likelihood of additional gum recession and sensitivity compared to traditional scalpel surgery.
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Safe for Patients With Underlying Health Conditions
If you’re managing conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular concerns, LANAP’s ability to minimize surgical trauma can be beneficial. We’ll review your medical history carefully and coordinate with your physician when appropriate.
Dr. Giron explains, “Our goal is always to provide thorough and thoughtful care. For every patient, we don’t just look at pocket measurements, but at the whole person, their health, lifestyle, and individual concerns.”
LANAP vs. Traditional Gum Surgery: A Clear Choice
The Drawbacks of Conventional Scalpel Surgery
While conventional gum surgery has benefitted gum disease patients for decades, the traditional approach typically involves more invasive techniques, such as:
- Cutting and folding back the gums
- Removing infected tissue manually
- Suturing the gums back into place
While effective in many cases, this method can be more uncomfortable for the patient, with longer healing times and greater gum recession.
Why Choose LANAP’s Non-Surgical Approach for Your Gums?
Choosing a non-surgical gum disease treatment like LANAP may offer:
- A more comfortable experience
- Shorter recovery time
- Preservation of healthy tissue
- Reduced post-op pain and complication risk
For patients with gum disease, we’ll always discuss appropriate treatment options so you can make an informed decision about periodontal disease treatment in Santa Fe.
Am I a Candidate for LANAP Treatment?
Diagnosing Gum Disease: When to Consider LANAP
You may be a candidate for LANAP laser treatment for gum disease if you have:
- Moderate to advanced periodontitis
- Deep periodontal pockets
- Persistent bleeding gums
- Bone loss around teeth
At VIDA Dental Studio, gum disease evaluations include measuring pocket depths and taking diagnostic images to assess bone levels. This allows us to determine whether laser periodontal therapy is an appropriate option for you.
Addressing Your Specific Gum Health Needs
Your treatment plan with us will be tailored to match our clinical findings, your overall health, and your goals. In earlier stages, we can help you manage gum disease with deep cleaning and close monitoring. In more advanced cases, we may recommend LANAP to get you back on the road to oral health.
Preparing for and Recovering From Your LANAP Procedure
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What to Do Before Your LANAP Appointment
Preparing for LANAP is generally simple. We’ll go over the specifics with you, but we may recommend:
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene
- Discussing medications with your physician if needed
- Eating a light meal before your visit
We’ll provide detailed insight into the procedure, so you feel confident and prepared.
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Post-Procedure Care and Tips for a Smooth Recovery
After your LANAP procedure, you’ll enter a gentle healing phase. We’ll give you specific instructions for aftercare, but our advice may include:
- Following a soft-food diet for several days
- Avoiding brushing or flossing treated areas temporarily
- Using prescribed antimicrobial rinses
- Monitoring healing with follow-up visits
For most patients, healing from LANAP is smoother than they expected.
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Maintaining Long-Term Results
Ongoing care is required for successful periodontal treatment. After LANAP, we’ll likely recommend a customized periodontal maintenance schedule. These specialized cleanings are designed to help prevent reinfection and protect your results.
Expert LANAP Treatment in Santa Fe, NM at VIDA Dental Studio
Why Choose VIDA Dental Studio for Your Gum Health?
At VIDA Dental Studio, we approach periodontal disease treatment in Santa Fe with a whole-person perspective. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and put you at ease with a treatment plan that feels doable for you.
Combining advanced technology, including the PerioLase MVP-7, with a relationship-centered approach, we’ll keep you informed and reassured at every step.
“Dentistry is both science and art,” says Dr. Giron. “LANAP is an advanced science that helps create healthier, more stable smiles in a way that respects and leverages the body’s natural healing process.”
Schedule Your LANAP Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, or have been told you need gum surgery, we invite you to explore whether LANAP treatment in Santa Fe is appropriate for you. Come in for a personalized consultation, where we’ll evaluate your needs and discuss your options in a supportive, patient-centered setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP Laser Treatment
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Is LANAP Treatment Painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after LANAP. We’ll use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable, and many people find recovery easier than with traditional surgery.
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How Long Does the LANAP Procedure Take?
Treatment time depends on the extent of gum disease. In many cases, LANAP can be completed in one or two visits. We’ll discuss your specific timeline during your consultation.
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What Is the Success Rate of LANAP?
When the LANAP protocol is properly followed, clinical studies have demonstrated favorable outcomes in reducing pocket depths and stabilizing periodontal health. Each patient’s results vary depending on home care, overall health, and disease severity.
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Is LANAP Covered by Dental Insurance?
Insurance plan contributions vary. Because LANAP is a form of periodontal therapy, some insurance plans may provide benefits similar to those for traditional gum surgery. Our team will help you review your benefits and provide clear financial information before treatment.
If you’re ready to take a proactive step toward healthier gums, we’re here to help you explore your options in Santa Fe. Contact our office for a consultation.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.
