Healthy gums are the foundation of a vibrant smile. Yet, nearly half of American adults over 30 suffer from some form of periodontal disease. While traditional gum treatments often involve invasive procedures that leave patients facing discomfort and recovery time, modern dental technology offers a better way forward. 

The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) represents a breakthrough in gum disease treatment. It uses precise laser technology to target infection while preserving healthy tissue. This innovative approach not only eliminates bacteria but also stimulates the body's natural healing processes, allowing patients to experience effective treatment without the drawbacks of conventional periodontal treatment. 

Read on to learn more about how LANAP offers a comfortable and efficient way to improve gum health and where to find the best gum disease treatment in Weehawken. 

What is LANAP and How Does It Work?

LANAP is an FDA-approved laser treatment designed to combat periodontal disease by targeting and removing infected gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue. The procedure uses a specialized dental laser to eliminate bacteria and diseased tissue from periodontal pockets while promoting the regeneration of bone and gum reattachment. 

Unlike traditional methods of treating gum disease, LANAP is a minimally invasive treatment that results in less discomfort and faster healing times. When comparing LANAP against traditional gum disease treatment, there are clear differences: 

  • Traditional surgery involves cutting and suturing gum tissue, whereas LANAP uses laser technology to remove diseased tissue without incisions.
  • LANAP patients often experience shorter recovery periods due to the procedure's less invasive approach.
  • LANAP precisely targets diseased tissue, which preserves more healthy gum tissue compared to traditional methods. 

What are the Benefits of Choosing Laser Dentistry vs. Traditional Gum Surgery?

Traditional gum surgery, also sometimes called osseous surgery or flap surgery, typically involves cutting the gums with scalpels, physically scraping away bacteria and infected tissue, and then stitching the gums back together. This approach has been the standard for decades, but it can be traumatic to oral tissues and challenging for patients. 

LANAP technology, first developed in the 1990s and FDA-cleared in 2004, represents a revolutionary alternative using a gentle laser system. This specialized dental laser operates at a wavelength that can distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue based on the color and composition of the tissue. 

The laser's ability to target only what needs removal while stimulating healing represents a fundamental shift in periodontal treatment philosophy. LANAP offers significant benefits to patients:

  • Minimally invasive procedure: The laser targets only diseased tissue without cutting healthy gums, eliminating the need for scalpels and sutures while preserving your natural gum structure.
  • Reduced pain and discomfort: Patients typically experience minimal pain during recovery and require fewer pain medications than traditional surgery.
  • Faster healing time: Most patients return to normal activities either the same day or the next day, rather than the weeks often needed after conventional surgery.
  • Preservation of gum appearance: LANAP laser dentistry causes minimal gum recession, which maintains your natural smile and reduces the risk of exposed tooth roots and tooth sensitivity.

What to Expect During and After LANAP Laser Dentistry

Your LANAP laser dentistry procedure typically takes two visits of about two to three hours each. Usually, one side of your mouth is treated per visit. To start, you'll receive local anesthesia, similar to when you get a filling, so while you'll be awake, you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Dental sedation options are also available if you're feeling anxious.

  • During the treatment, your gum pocket depths are measured with a special probe to establish your baseline. Then, they'll insert an ultra-thin laser fiber, about the width of a human hair, to gently treat diseased tissue. The laser's first pass eliminates bacteria and diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue untouched. Some patients notice a slight warming sensation or an iodine taste as the infection is removed.
  • Next comes a thorough cleaning where ultrasonic scalers remove hardened tartar from your tooth roots. The laser is then used a second time at a different setting to create a stable blood clot and stimulate healing stem cells in your bone and gum tissues to jumpstart the healing process. 
  • After a LANAP procedure, most patients experience only mild discomfort rather than actual pain. Many just take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed. You might notice some tissue color changes or tooth sensitivity, but these typically resolve quickly. Aftercare includes following a soft foods diet for about a week and using a gentle rinsing protocol to maintain cleanliness without disturbing the healing tissues.

Oral Care After LANAP Periodontal Treatment

After your LANAP surgical procedure, maintaining proper oral care becomes essential for long-term success in treating periodontitis and other forms of gum disease. Your dentist or periodontist will provide specific instructions that typically include gently brushing your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding flossing in treated areas for seven to 10 days to protect healing tissues. 

Unlike traditional gum graft surgery, LANAP laser gum disease treatment allows patients to get back to their normal oral hygiene sooner than conventional gum disease treatment. After initial healing, your dental health regimen will include: 

  • Regular scaling and root planing maintenance visits every three to four months to prevent bacterial recolonization. 
  • Follow-up dental procedures to help monitor your recovery and maintain results. 
  • A personal commitment to this care routine, regardless of your initial stage of gum disease, as consistent maintenance prevents reinfection and protects your investment in restoring your periodontal health.

Finding a Dentist Who Offers LANAP as the Best Gum Disease Treatment in Weehawken

Dr. Kaplan and his team at Skyline Dental Designs bring a thoughtful, patient-first approach to gum disease treatment that reflects both clinical excellence and genuine care. With a strong focus on prevention and early intervention, our team takes the time to educate about the signs of periodontal disease and uses state-of-the-art tools, including laser therapy, to treat it effectively and comfortably. 

Our Weehawken clinic is equipped with advanced technology and designed to make every visit feel calm and reassuring, whether you're coming from Hoboken, Edgewater, or West New York.