When your dentist or periodontist mentions new terminology, it’s only natural to have questions. And in our offices in North Carolina, we’ve gotten used to answering a host of LANAP laser therapy FAQs, including: Does it hurt? What’s the laser like? Is it like a high-tech flashlight or the laser pointer your cat chases around the living room? Does it burn away your gums?
While you could go to the internet or AI for answers, you’re likely to find dozens of strangers with more than a dozen opinions that may or may not be true. For better, more accurate answers, go straight to the source. The source being an experienced periodontist with decades of hands-on experience.
Dr. Van Scoyoc, for instance, has used LANAP to transform more than 2,000 smiles since 2009—making him an expert on this procedure.
So, let’s get to the LANAP laser therapy FAQs, starting with the ones we hear most often first.
LANAP Laser Therapy FAQs
What Is LANAP Laser Therapy?
LANAP, which stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a minimally invasive treatment for gum disease. It uses the PerioLase laser to remove diseased gum tissue, stimulate the bone underneath to regrow, and shrink the gum pockets where bacteria hide.
So, does it burn or is it more like a flashlight? It’s somewhere in between. And fortunately, it’s a lot gentler than it may sound at first.
The laser’s energy travels through a fiber that’s about as thin as a few strands of hair. It’s placed between the gum and the tooth where it can target the diseased tissue, and only the diseased tissue. You won’t see sparks or smell smoke. And it won’t tempt any cats to give chase.
How Is LANAP Different from Traditional Gum Surgery?
Traditional gum surgery has a positive reputation for effective treatment of gum disease, and it’s earned it. It involves scalpels, stitches, and a longer, often more uncomfortable recovery. In some cases, it may be the most appropriate treatment.
LANAP takes a different approach altogether. There’s no cutting. No sutures. There’s less loss of gum tissue, less root exposure, and less bleeding (typically). And it’s often done without the need for bone or gum grafting. Ultimately, that usually also means there’s less sensitivity after the procedure.
That doesn’t mean LANAP is right for every case, though. After evaluation, your periodontist can recommend which solution is best for your specific situation. For more information, see how we approach gum disease at Van Scoyoc Periodontics & Implants here.
Am I a Candidate for LANAP
You may have noticed your hygienist calling out a series of changing numbers during a cleaning and wondered what those numbers mean. In short, numbers above four indicate that gum disease has moved beyond the early stages and has infected gum tissue. Deep pockets and even bone loss in the jaw are now noticeable. LANAP is one solution for fighting gum disease.
The best way to know whether LANAP is right for you is to consult a periodontist, who will take further measurements, evaluate your entire mouth, and discuss the best options, from scaling and root planing to LANAP to gum surgery.
How Painful Is LANAP?
Honestly, it varies. Some patients report minimal discomfort. Others feel more. Pain, however, often isn’t the biggest obstacle. Instead, it’s often dental anxiety or just having to keep your mouth open throughout the procedure.
At Van Scoyoc, we work with patients to minimize pain, discomfort, and anxiety. For instance, we offer sedation dentistry to help patients stay relaxed and comfortable even when extensive work is needed. We may also be able to split treatment sessions into two shorter visits, so you don’t feel stuck in the dental chair for longer than necessary.
What’s Recovery Like After LANAP?
Before you leave the office, you’ll understand the full recovery process, which includes:
- A follow-up visit to check on your healing and review your home care routine 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure
- Regular periodontal cleanings every 3 to 6 months, depending on how your gums look
- A full evaluation of your results after 9 months
After that, we’ll build a maintenance schedule of 3 to 4 cleanings a year, depending on your results and risk factors. Some patients choose to alternate these cleanings between their regular dentist and periodontist.
What Does LANAP Cost, and Is It Worth the Investment?
This is a question we hear a lot, and it’s a fair one. A number of factors can affect the cost, such as how many teeth need to be treated, how advanced the disease is, and your insurance coverage. Because there’s so much variation, the best way to get the real numbers is with a consultation.
The investment, though, is always worth it. Untreated gum disease doesn’t reverse or go away on its own. Bone loss continues, causing teeth to shift, loosen, or even fall out. At this point, dentures or dental implants may become the only option. Both can be significantly more expensive in the long term.
Can LANAP Save Loose Teeth
This is one of the biggest benefits of procedures to address gum disease. LANAP has been shown to stimulate jawbone regrowth. This creates a stronger, more stable foundation for your existing teeth. If you do need dental implants in the future, that healthy bone provides a stronger foundation for better results.
Remember, your gums attach snugly around each tooth to help keep it in place. Shallower pockets mean the bacteria have fewer places to hide, so it’s easier for you to keep gum disease at bay with regular dental hygiene (i.e., brushing and flossing).
Why Choose Van Scoyoc Periodontics & Implants for LANAP?
You have many dental care options, and it’s important to find an office you trust and feel comfortable with. At Van Scoyoc, we’ve treated more than 2,000 patients with LANAP since we first offered the procedure in 2009. Dr. Van Scoyoc is also a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a past president of the Southern Academy of Periodontology. In addition, he founded and directs the Sandhills Symposium, an educational forum bringing dental professionals together to learn the latest advances.
Dr. Chandler Conner, a UNC-trained periodontist with deep North Carolina roots, rounds out our team, which patients say “treats them like family.”
Get Your LANAP Laser Therapy FAQs and Other Dental Questions Answered in Person
We know an article like this can only go so far. If you’re dealing with gum disease, you likely have even more questions about your options. We’d love to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation at either office. Southern Pines at (910) 692-6270 and Sanford at (919) 890-9727.
Bring your dental questions—all of them. We’re here to help.
