Advanced Gum Disease Treatment
LANAP® stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It’s a minimally invasive periodontal (gum) treatment designed to help treat periodontitis (advanced gum disease) by reducing infection deep under the gums and supporting healthier healing.
Gum disease is extremely common. National data from the CDC show that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults age 30+ had periodontitis during 2009–2014. CDC
What LANAP® Treats
Periodontitis happens when bacteria and inflammation cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating deep “pockets.” Over time, this can lead to:
Treating periodontitis early helps protect your teeth and supporting bone.
How LANAP® Works
LANAP is different from traditional gum surgery because it uses a specialized dental laser to treat infected tissue inside periodontal pockets with less cutting and fewer sutures in many cases.
In general, the LANAP protocol involves:
LANAP® vs. Traditional Osseous Surgery
Traditional osseous surgery often involves reflecting the gum tissue to access deep deposits and reshape bone, then placing sutures. It can be very effective, but it is more invasive.
LANAP may be a good option for certain patients who want a less invasive approach. Many patients report:
That said, not everyone is a candidate, and some situations still require conventional surgery or other periodontal therapies.
Is LANAP “FDA approved”?
LANAP is commonly described as FDA-cleared rather than “FDA approved.” Millennium Dental Technologies received a 510(k) FDA clearance related to periodontal regeneration claims when the laser is used specifically within the LANAP protocol. FDA Access Data+1
Does LANAP Regrow Gum and Bone?
The primary goals of LANAP treatment are to:
Regeneration (new attachment/bone) may be possible in select cases, but outcomes vary by person and disease severity. The best results depend on factors like home care, smoking status, diabetes control, genetics, and consistent periodontal maintenance.
Also important: the broader periodontal community views laser therapy as an evolving area with mixed evidence depending on laser type, technique, and study design; it may offer similar or slightly improved outcomes in some contexts, but it isn’t considered a guaranteed replacement for conventional therapy in every case. American Academy of Periodontology+1
What to Expect and How to Recover
Most LANAP procedures are performed with local anesthesia, and sedation can be discussed if you’re anxious. Recovery is often straightforward:
Schedule a LANAP Consultation
If you’ve been told you have deep pockets, gum infection, or bone loss—or you’re noticing bleeding gums or loose teeth—LANAP may be an option.
Call Smile Bright Periodontics at (818) 584-1841 to schedule a consultation and find out whether LANAP is right for you.
