What Is LANAP?
LANAP — Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure — is an FDA-cleared, patented protocol for treating moderate to severe periodontal disease using a specific wavelength of laser energy (PerioLase MVP-7). Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP does not require cutting healthy tissue or placing sutures.
The laser selectively targets and vaporizes diseased, bacteria-laden tissue while leaving healthy tissue completely intact. Remarkably, LANAP is the only periodontal treatment with human histological evidence of true periodontal regeneration — meaning it can stimulate the regrowth of the bone, cementum, and ligament lost to disease.
- FDA-cleared for the treatment of periodontitis
- Only periodontal therapy with regeneration histology data
- No scalpel, no sutures, no cut healthy tissue
How LANAP Works — Step by Step.
LANAP is a precise, four-step protocol completed in two appointments, each treating half the mouth.
Laser Targets Diseased Tissue
The PerioLase fiber tip is gently inserted into the periodontal pocket. The laser energy selectively destroys diseased tissue and kills the bacteria causing infection while leaving healthy tissue untouched.
Ultrasonic Scaling Removes Calculus
Ultrasonic instruments are used to thoroughly remove calculus (tartar) deposits from the root surfaces below the gumline — the hardened bacterial deposits that drive ongoing infection.
Laser Seals the Pocket
The laser is passed through the pocket a second time at a different setting, creating a stable fibrin blood clot that seals the pocket from bacteria and initiates the healing response.
Clot Forms and Regenerates
The sealed clot is protected from disruption, and the laser-stimulated environment promotes the regeneration of new cementum, bone, and periodontal ligament — a process unique to LANAP.
LANAP vs. Traditional Gum Surgery.
Traditional osseous surgery requires cutting the gums back, removing tissue, and placing sutures. LANAP achieves comparable — and often superior — outcomes with far less trauma.
No Cutting
The laser fiber is slipped into the pocket without any incisions. Healthy tissue is never disturbed or removed.
No Sutures
Because no tissue is cut, there are no sutures required. Post-procedure comfort is significantly improved.
Faster Healing
Most patients return to normal activity within 24 hours and experience minimal post-procedure discomfort.
Bone Regeneration Possible
LANAP is the only periodontal procedure with documented histological evidence of true bone regeneration around treated teeth.
Minimal Downtime
No diet restrictions after the first day. No suture removal appointments. No prolonged recovery period.
FDA-Cleared
LANAP is the only laser periodontal protocol cleared by the FDA specifically for the treatment of periodontitis.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LANAP?
LANAP is most appropriate for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease — stage II through stage IV periodontitis — who have significant pocket depths, bone loss, and/or bleeding on probing that has not responded to conventional scaling and root planing.
It is also an excellent option for patients who are medically compromised, on blood thinners, or simply want to avoid the bleeding and recovery of traditional surgery. LANAP has a strong safety profile and can be performed on most medically complex patients.
- Moderate to severe periodontitis (Stage II–IV)
- Patients who cannot tolerate traditional surgery
- Patients on anticoagulants or with complex medical histories
- Anyone seeking a minimally invasive alternative
Stop Gum Disease Without the Surgery You're Dreading.
LANAP delivers the clinical results of traditional gum surgery with a fraction of the discomfort, recovery time, and anxiety. Book a periodontal evaluation to find out if you’re a candidate.