Facing the prospect of periodontal surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional methods involve cutting, stitching, and lengthy recovery periods that disrupt your daily routine. The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) represents a groundbreaking advancement in periodontal treatment that eliminates many concerns patients have about gum surgery while delivering superior clinical outcomes through precision laser technology.
At Rockland Dental Specialists, our periodontists and implant specialists utilize LANAP technology to provide patients with minimally invasive periodontal treatment options. With over 24 years of combined experience in periodontics, implants, and endodontics, our team has witnessed firsthand how LANAP transforms the patient experience while achieving excellent long-term results for advanced periodontal disease.
Understanding LANAP Technology and Benefits
LANAP utilizes a specialized laser that targets diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue, eliminating the need for traditional scalpel incisions and sutures. This FDA-cleared procedure represents the only laser treatment scientifically proven to regenerate periodontal attachment, bone, and connective tissue damaged by advanced gum disease.
The laser energy selectively removes bacteria and infected tissue from periodontal pockets without damaging healthy tissue or tooth roots. This precision targeting reduces trauma to surrounding areas and promotes faster healing compared to conventional surgical approaches. Unlike traditional surgery, LANAP typically requires no sutures and causes minimal post-operative discomfort.
Chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States, making effective treatment options crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing tooth loss. LANAP addresses this widespread condition with an approach that many patients find more comfortable and convenient than traditional surgical alternatives.
The LANAP Procedure Experience
Understanding what happens during LANAP treatment helps patients feel more confident and prepared for their procedure. The process begins witha comprehensive examination and imaging to assess the extent of periodontal damage and develop a customized treatment plan.
During the procedure, local anesthesia ensures your comfort while the laser precisely removes diseased tissue and bacteria from affected areas. The laser energy also stimulates blood clot formation that helps seal treated areas and promotes natural healing processes. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during treatment and can return to normal activities much sooner than with traditional surgery.
The procedure typically requires two appointments spaced about one week apart, allowing our periodontists and implant specialists to treat your entire mouth systematically. Each appointment usually lasts two to three hours, depending on the extent of treatment needed.
Recovery from LANAP generally involves less swelling, bleeding, and discomfort compared to conventional periodontal surgery. Many patients report being able to eat normally within hours of treatment and return to work the following day.
Comparing LANAP to Traditional Periodontal Surgery
Traditional periodontal surgery involves making incisions in the gums, folding back tissue to access infected areas, and then suturing the tissue back into place after cleaning. This approach often requires several weeks of restricted diet and activity while tissues heal.
LANAP eliminates many limitations associated with conventional surgery by preserving healthy tissue and promoting natural regeneration. The laser’s precision allows treatment of periodontal pockets without exposing tooth roots or requiring tissue grafts in many cases.
Post-operative care following LANAP is significantly simplified compared to traditional surgery. Patients typically experience less pain, reduced swelling, and faster return to normal function. The absence of sutures eliminates concerns about stitch removal and reduces the risk of post-operative complications.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
LANAP promotes genuine periodontal regeneration by stimulating the growth of new bone, connective tissue, and periodontal ligament attachment. This regenerative capability distinguishes LANAP from treatments that simply halt disease progression without restoring lost structures.
Studies demonstrate that LANAP provides stable, long-term results when combined with proper oral hygiene and regular maintenance care. The procedure’s ability to eliminate bacteria and toxins from periodontal pockets creates an environment conducive to healing and regeneration.
Ongoing maintenance following LANAP typically involves regular cleanings and monitoring to ensure continued periodontal health. Our periodontists and implant specialists provide detailed instructions for home care and schedule appropriate follow-up appointments to maintain treatment benefits.
Contact Rockland Dental Specialists for LANAP Treatment
LANAP offers hope for patients with advanced periodontal disease who want effective treatment without the drawbacks of traditional surgery. Our team at Rockland Dental Specialists combines advanced laser technology with extensive periodontal expertise to deliver comfortable, predictable treatment outcomes. Dr. Shalom Mintz, board-certified in periodontics and implantology, along with Dr. David Peto, use only the highest technologies to provide optimal results with minimal discomfort.
Whether you’re dealing with advanced gum disease or seeking alternatives to traditional periodontal surgery, LANAP may provide the solution you need to restore your periodontal health. To learn more about LANAP and determine if this innovative treatment is right for your situation, call us at (845) 400-9205 or visit our contact form to schedule your consultation.