What is LANAP? The Cutting-Edge Approach to Treating Gum Disease

Gum disease affects millions of Americans, but traditional treatments often involve invasive surgery with significant recovery time. At Raleigh’s NC Implants & Periodontics, Dr. Morelli offers a revolutionary laser treatment alternative to gum disease: Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). 

LANAP, an FDA-approved laser treatment, represents a significant advancement in periodontal care, providing effective results with less discomfort and faster healing.

This technology utilizes a specialized laser specifically designed to target diseased tissue while still preserving healthy gum tissue. This precision allows us to remove bacteria and infected tissue without cutting or suturing, stimulate bone regeneration around teeth, promote reattachment of healthy gum tissue to tooth surfaces, and kill up to 99% of bacteria in the treatment area.

The LANAP protocol is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. The procedure begins with a comprehensive assessment of your periodontal health, followed by application of local anesthetic for your comfort. We then insert a fiber optic laser tip (about the thickness of three human hairs) between the gum and tooth to precisely remove diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact. 

Next, ultrasonic cleaning of root surfaces removes tartar deposits. The procedure concludes with the formation of a stable blood clot to seal the area and promote healing, and adjustment of your bite to prevent excessive force on treated teeth.

Compared to traditional periodontal surgery, LANAP offers numerous advantages. The procedure is minimally invasive with no cutting or sutures, resulting in significantly less post-operative discomfort. Recovery is faster, with most patients returning to normal activities within 24 hours. You’ll experience reduced sensitivity due to less gum recession. 

LANAP stimulates your body’s own regenerative capacity, often saving teeth that might otherwise require extraction. It’s also the only FDA-cleared laser protocol for true periodontal regeneration with documented bone regrowth.

LANAP is an excellent option for most patients with moderate to severe gum disease, particularly those who:

• Are fearful of traditional dental surgery
• Take medications that may complicate healing
• Have health conditions that make traditional surgery riskier
• Wish to avoid the discomfort associated with traditional surgery
• Want to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible

We often incorporate laser therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other advanced procedures. For patients with bone loss, laser therapy can work in conjunction with targeted bone grafting to create the optimal foundation for dental implants or natural teeth.

LANAP’s effectiveness is backed by scientific research showing that the procedure can reduce pocket depths by an average of 50%, promote new attachment of gum tissue to tooth roots, stimulate the regeneration of supporting bone tissue, and achieve results comparable or superior to traditional surgery with less trauma.

If you’re struggling with gum disease or have been told you need gum surgery, LANAP could be the less invasive, more comfortable solution you’re looking for. Our team at NC Implants & Periodontics is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art dentistry in Raleigh using the latest advancements in periodontal treatment.

To learn if LANAP is right for you, call (919) 510-8888 or click below to schedule your consultation today. Take the first step toward healthier gums and a healthier smile with the advanced LANAP procedure at North Carolina Implants & Periodontics.