What is LANAP?

If you suffer from gum disease, then there are a variety of potential treatments available to you. It’s a good idea to be aware of all your potential options, including LANAP. Here’s a quick introduction to this revolutionary technique.

LANAP and Traditional Techniques

“LANAP” is an acronym for “Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure”. In order to treat advanced cases of gum disease, a periodontist must remove dead, dying, and diseased tissue from the mouth, so that healthy tissue can recover or new tissue can be grafted in. This method traditionally requires moderately invasive procedures, which may involve extensive cutting and suturing. However, LANAP (as the name suggests) instead uses a specially designed laser beam to remove the diseased tissue, instead of a scalpel.

Quick and Easy

There are many benefits that can come from using this newer method of periodontal treatment. One major one is that the technique is efficient and in some ways easier for the patient than traditional techniques. Usually, a basic periodontal surgery may need to be conducted in two, three, or four sessions, with a number of follow-up appointments required to remove sutures and monitor healing. LANAP, however, can be completed with one or two hour-long sessions, and only one or two follow-up visits.

Additionally, LANAP is less invasive and more comfortable; less anesthesia is usually required and recovery time is generally less than 24 hours.

Great for Almost Anyone

LANAP is also a good choice because it preserves as much gum tissue as possible, which halts the spread of gum disease and prevents patients from experiencing problems such as sensitive teeth or even tooth loss. LANAP is also highly effective, with 98% of patients remaining stable for 5 years after the treatment. It can even be used for patients suffering from preexisting conditions such as diabetes.

If you’re interested in learning more about LANAP, then Dr. Andres R. Sanchez can help you determine if this treatment is right for you. Contact our office today to set up an appointment.