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LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure)

Our doctors at Tampa Bay Periodontics and Implant Dentistry offer the FDA-approved Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™) as an alternative therapy when treating periodontal (gum) disease. The LANAP protocol is the only laser periodontitis treatment cleared by the U.S. FDA that is clinically proven based on scientific evidence to regenerate new gum tissue, ligament and bone. Simply put, the LANAP protocol can re-grow the tissues and bone lost to periodontal (gum) disease, and has the science and research to prove it.

The PerioLase used in the LANAP™ protocol is the Millennium MVP-7 Nd: YAG laser. The PerioLase utilizes a small, flexible laser fiber about the width of a paperclip. When placed into the periodontal pockets, the laser energy emitted through this fiber precisely removes the unhealthy diseased gum tissues lining the pocket while leaving the healthy gum tissues intact. After the unhealthy gum tissues have been removed, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and the laser is utilized at a different setting to stimulate the formation of a blood clot in the pocket. This blood clot assists with sealing the healthy gum tissues to the root surface. The LANAP protocol is a gentle, conservative, non-invasive method of treating gum disease without cutting, suturing or removing tissue. In many cases when using the LANAP protocol there is little or no loss of gum tissue volume and depending on the severity of the gum disease the whole mouth can be treated in one day.

Patients with moderate ­to severe gum disease can especially benefit from the LANAP protocol. The LANAP protocol is also an excellent treatment option for patients who are fearful of conventional scalpel surgery and patients taking certain medications, such as blood thinners. This provides an effective method to treat periodontal disease with a faster recovery. It is important to note, however, that not every patient may be a candidate for laser surgery, as it all depends on the individual patient and their specific needs. Our doctors will be happy to go over all of your treatment options with you and come up with an individualized solution most appropriate for your personal case.

  • LANAP Patient Case

    This case illustrates the bone regrowth that can be seen following LANAP therapy. This case was treated by one of our doctors on October 14, 2010 and the follow-up x-ray taken on October 10, 2011. The first two x-rays show different views of the same area. These x-rays are unaltered and of the same patient. The only treatment provided was LANAP therapy.

  • Steps Involved in LANAP Therapy
    • A. Periodontal probe indicates excessive pocket depth.
    • B. Laser light kills bacteria and diseased tissue.
    • C. Ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments are used to remove root surface toxins and tartar.
    • D. Laser finishes cleaning pocket and aids in stopping any bleeding so that a blood clot can form in the pocket.
    • E. Sticky blood clot encourages sealing of the gums to clean root surface so new germs cannot enter.
    • F. Bite trauma is adjusted so the tooth does not wiggle and break down the blood clot.
    • G. Healing occurs. When the seal of the gum tissues remains intact, regeneration of the bone and gum attachment can occur.
  • Benefits of LANAP Therapy

    The benefits of LANAP™ include the following:

    • Fast Healing – LANAP™ creates an environment that allows your body to heal itself. It is not invasive or obtrusive.
    • Little Discomfort – Many of our patients say that there is little or only minimal discomfort, during and after Laser Periodontal Gum Surgery with LANAP™.
    • Short Recovery – There is no significant recovery time – so no time needed off work or other activities.
    • Minimal Reduction of Gum Tissue – There is only negligible reduction of gum tissue during treatment (unlike traditional periodontal surgery).  A positive side effect of laser periodontal gum surgery is that in many cases regeneration and reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth and bone is possible
    • Reduced Inflammation – LANAP™ can decrease in the inflammation in your mouth
    • Elimination of Bacteria – This treatment can remove the infection associated with gum disease
    • Reduced Bleeding Gums – LANAP™ can decrease bleeding gums
    • Minimal Bleeding – There is only minimal bleeding during treatment unlike traditional surgery
    • Decreases Tooth Looseness – LANAP™ can reduce the severity of loose teeth

    In addition to the clinical benefits, the PerioLase laser treatment is also great for patients who have medical problems that would contraindicate traditional periodontal surgical treatment without discontinuing or modifying their medication usage. Patients on blood thinning medications drugs such as Plavix or Coumadin do not have to discontinue usage of these drugs with this laser therapy.

    These benefits make laser periodontal treatment ideal for patients who are fearful of conventional periodontal scaling and surgery. Of course, maintenance visits and good plaque control will be necessary following laser treatment.

    For patients who are concerned about conventional blade surgery to treat periodontal disease, the new laser treatment can be a life-changing event. Patients are able to preserve their natural teeth, enhance their smile, and avoid the potentially life-threatening systemic effects of untreated periodontal disease.

LAPIP (Laser Assisted Peri-Implant Procedure)

LAPIP is used to treat ailing dental implants. It is the only FDA-approved laser treatment for dental implants. While dental implants are truly a revolution in dental health, they may still have complications. Infections below the gum line (called Peri-Implantitis) can occur.

Before this remarkable procedure, the only way to treat Peri-Implantitis was through surgery and bone grafting, possibly even removing the implant. Like with LANAP, LAPIP utilizes a laser for most of the procedure, without the need for a scalpel or stitches. In some cases, the treatment has even shown to regenerate new bone around the implant!

Don’t think that an infected dental implant is going to lead to invasive surgery. Speak with one of our periodontal specialists about whether LAPIP is a good option for treating your infected implant.

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