LANAP Laser Gum Treatment

LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, a laser-based approach to treating gum disease that works without the scalpels, sutures, and lengthy healing many patients associate with periodontal surgery. At Dental Office of Dr. Salm, Kanner, and Grandeau, it is one of several tools available for patients dealing with gum disease that has progressed beyond what a cleaning alone can resolve.

What LANAP Laser Gum Treatment is

Traditional treatment for moderate to advanced gum disease often involved flap surgery: cutting back the gum tissue to access and clean the roots, then closing the area with stitches. LANAP uses a specific laser wavelength instead, which is directed between the gum and tooth to remove infected or diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue largely undisturbed. The laser also helps seal the treated area as it works, which is part of why sutures usually aren't needed.

Because the technique is less invasive than a surgical flap, it's typically associated with less bleeding during treatment and a more comfortable recovery afterward. It doesn't replace basic hygiene or scaling and root planing — it's generally used for gum disease that hasn't fully responded to those more conservative steps, or where a dentist wants to treat pockets around the teeth without traditional surgery.

How we use it at Dental Office of Dr. Salm, Kanner, and Grandeau

Laser-assisted periodontal therapy at our practice treats gum disease without scalpels or sutures, fitting alongside the periodontal services we already offer, including scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, antimicrobial therapy, gum grafting, and osseous surgery when it's needed. A gum evaluation typically comes first, so it's clear whether laser therapy, a non-surgical approach, or another periodontal treatment is the right fit for what's happening beneath the gumline.

We also have a soft-tissue laser on site, which is used for other gum procedures where minimal bleeding and quicker healing are the goal. Having laser-based options available means gum treatment can often be tailored to the specific area and severity involved, rather than defaulting to one approach for every patient.

What it means for you

For patients, the appeal of a laser-based approach is usually comfort and recovery. Without incisions or stitches, there's generally less swelling and a shorter adjustment period than with traditional gum surgery. Many patients are able to return to normal eating and speaking sooner than they would after a surgical flap procedure.

It can also mean fewer separate visits for some patients, since the laser both removes diseased tissue and helps the area begin healing in the same session. And because it targets diseased tissue precisely, it tends to be gentler on the healthy gum tissue surrounding it — something patients often notice in how the area feels in the days afterward.

What to expect during your visit

Before laser gum treatment, the treatment area is numbed, and comfort options like nitrous oxide are available for patients who feel anxious about dental visits. During the procedure, the laser is guided along the gumline to remove diseased tissue from the periodontal pockets. High-powered suction keeps the area clear and comfortable throughout, and patients who prefer some distraction are welcome to bring headphones and their own music.

Afterward, there's typically no stitching required, and most patients are comfortable eating soft foods again within a short time. Follow-up periodontal maintenance visits help track healing and keep gum disease from returning, since laser treatment addresses the current infection but ongoing care still matters for long-term gum health.

Frequently asked questions

Is LANAP safe?

Laser-assisted gum treatment is a well-established alternative to traditional gum surgery and is used specifically because it's less invasive than cutting and suturing the gum tissue. As with any dental procedure, whether it's appropriate depends on your specific gum condition, which is why an evaluation comes first.

Will it hurt?

The area is numbed before treatment, and most patients report less discomfort than they expected compared to traditional gum surgery, largely because there are no incisions or stitches involved. Comfort options like nitrous oxide sedation are available if you'd like extra support during the visit.

How long does treatment take, and how many visits are needed?

The length of treatment depends on how much of the mouth is affected by gum disease, so some patients need a single focused session while others require treatment across more than one visit. Follow-up periodontal maintenance appointments are typically part of the plan afterward to support healing and monitor gum health.

Who is a candidate for this treatment?

Laser gum treatment is generally considered for patients with gum disease that hasn't fully resolved with routine cleanings or scaling and root planing. A gum evaluation is the best way to find out whether this approach, a non-surgical option, or another periodontal treatment fits your particular situation.

If you'd like to talk about whether LANAP Laser Gum Treatment is right for you, reach out to Dental Office of Dr. Salm, Kanner, and Grandeau to schedule a visit.