If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease and are worried about traditional gum surgery, you may be a candidate for LANAP® laser periodontal treatment — a modern, minimally invasive alternative.

At Full Smile Perio, we specialize in advanced laser gum treatments that allow patients to treat periodontal disease with less pain, faster healing, and no cutting or stitches.

This guide explains exactly what LANAP is, how it works, and what patients can expect.

What Is LANAP?

LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared laser treatment used to treat moderate to severe periodontal (gum) disease without traditional surgery.

Instead of cutting the gums with a scalpel, LANAP uses a specialized dental laser to:

• Remove infected gum tissue
• Kill harmful bacteria
• Preserve healthy tissue
• Stimulate natural bone and tissue regeneration

The goal is to save teeth, stop disease progression, and regenerate healthy support structures.

How the LANAP Laser Protocol Works (Step-by-Step)

The LANAP protocol follows a precise clinical process:

1. Laser Removal of Infection

A dental laser targets and removes diseased tissue and bacteria deep within the gum pockets.

2. Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)

The tooth roots are cleaned to remove plaque and tartar.

3. Second Laser Pass

The laser is used again to stimulate clot formation and seal the pocket.

4. Natural Healing Begins

The body regenerates bone and tissue naturally around the tooth.

No scalpels. No stitches. No gum cutting.

Advantages of LANAP Over Traditional Gum Surgery

LANAP is one of the most advanced periodontal treatments available today.

Who Is a Good Candidate for LANAP?

LANAP is ideal for patients with:

• Moderate to severe gum disease
• Deep periodontal pockets
• Bleeding gums
• Bone loss around teeth
• Loose teeth
• Fear of traditional surgery
• Medical conditions that make surgery risky

A full periodontal evaluation is required to determine candidacy.

What Is the Patient Experience Like?

Most patients report:

• Little to no pain during treatment
• No needles or minimal anesthesia
• Short appointments
• Returning to work the next day
• Minimal bleeding
• Dramatically less discomfort than surgery

LANAP is often described as “shockingly easy” compared to expectations.

Healing & Recovery After LANAP

Healing is significantly faster than traditional surgery.

Typical Recovery:

• Mild soreness for 24–48 hours
• Soft foods for a few days
• Normal activities resume quickly
• No stitches to remove
• Gums tighten naturally over weeks

Full tissue regeneration continues for several months as bone and ligament fibers regrow.

Does LANAP Actually Regrow Bone?

Yes — clinical studies show that LANAP can:

• Stimulate bone regeneration
• Reattach gums to teeth
• Reduce pocket depth
• Improve long-term tooth stability

This makes it one of the only periodontal treatments that can reverse damage instead of just slowing it down.

Why Patients Choose Full Smile Perio for LANAP

At Full Smile Perio, patients benefit from:

• Board-certified periodontal specialists
• Advanced laser technology
• Conservative, tooth-saving approach
• Comfortable sedation options
• High success rates
• Personalized long-term care plans

We focus on preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.

Final Takeaway

LANAP is a revolutionary alternative to gum surgery that treats periodontal disease with less pain, faster healing, and better long-term outcomes.

If you’ve been told you need gum surgery, or if you want a second opinion, laser periodontics may be the solution.