Overview
This guide explains what LANAP looks like before, during, and after treatment. It is written for patients diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease who are weighing surgical options.
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It uses a specific dental laser, the PerioLase MVP-7, to remove diseased tissue and bacteria from deep periodontal pockets without cutting and stitching the gums. Traditional periodontal surgery, called osseous or flap surgery, lifts the gum tissue away from the teeth and bone to clean the area directly. LANAP works around that step.
Gum disease, also called periodontitis, damages the bone and ligament that hold teeth in place. Without treatment, it can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss[1]. LANAP is one of several treatments a periodontist may recommend once the disease has reached a moderate or advanced stage. This article walks through what the procedure feels like, the typical recovery, what regeneration means, and how to know when laser therapy is the right path for you. For provider information, you can review the periodontics page.
Key Information About LANAP Results
LANAP aims to do two things: stop active gum disease and help the body rebuild the structures that hold teeth in place. Results show up gradually over several months.
Pocket Depth Reduction
A periodontal pocket is the space between the gum and the tooth. Healthy pockets measure 1 to 3 millimeters. In active gum disease, pockets deepen as bone and ligament are destroyed, and pockets over 5 millimeters are harder to clean and tend to keep losing support[1].
After LANAP, pocket depths typically decrease as inflammation resolves and tissue reattaches to the tooth surface. Reductions of 2 to 3 millimeters within the first year are reported in clinical studies, though the exact change depends on the starting depth, the tooth location, and how well the patient maintains daily oral hygiene. Deeper pockets often show larger reductions because there is more diseased tissue to remove.
True Periodontal Regeneration
Periodontal regeneration means growing back the lost parts of the tooth's support system: alveolar bone, cementum (the layer covering the tooth root), and the periodontal ligament that connects the two. Most periodontal therapies achieve repair, which is healing with scar-like tissue rather than true regrowth.
The LANAP protocol holds FDA clearance specifically for true periodontal regeneration based on histologic evidence from human studies. In plain terms, biopsy samples have shown new bone, new cementum, and new ligament fibers forming after LANAP treatment. This does not guarantee regeneration at every site or in every patient. The amount of regrowth varies based on the shape of the bone defect, smoking status, diabetes control, and oral hygiene.
Long-Term Outcomes
Researchers have followed LANAP patients for years to compare results with traditional flap surgery. Available long-term data suggests that, in many cases, pocket depth reduction and tooth retention with LANAP are comparable to conventional periodontal surgery. Results vary, and the strongest predictor of long-term success for any periodontal therapy is consistent home care plus regular professional maintenance every three to four months[1].
What to Know Before LANAP
LANAP is typically offered to adults with moderate to severe periodontitis, especially those with pockets of 5 millimeters or more. It is not used for routine cleanings or for patients with only gingivitis, which is the earliest, reversible stage of gum disease[2].
Before treatment, a periodontist will record a full periodontal chart, take X-rays, and review your medical history. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, active smoking, and certain medications affect healing and may change the treatment plan. Most periodontists will ask you to complete a thorough cleaning, called scaling and root planing, first. This sets a baseline and removes the heaviest deposits of tartar.
Plan the appointment for a day when you can rest afterward. Eat a normal meal beforehand because chewing will be limited for the first day or two. Arrange a ride home if you are receiving oral sedation. Bring a list of all medications, including blood thinners and supplements, since some may need to be adjusted in advance. Patients on bisphosphonates or recent radiation therapy should tell the periodontist before the procedure is scheduled.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
LANAP is usually completed in two visits, treating half the mouth at each appointment. Each visit takes about two to three hours. Local anesthetic numbs the area, and many practices offer oral sedation for anxious patients.
During the Procedure
The periodontist passes a thin laser fiber, about the width of three human hairs, into the pocket between the gum and tooth. The first laser pass targets diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy gum intact. Next, an ultrasonic scaler removes tartar from the root surface. A second laser pass then warms the blood at the base of the pocket to form a stable clot that seals the area, which is why LANAP does not require stitches.
Finally, the periodontist gently adjusts the bite if the teeth are slightly mobile. The goal is to take pressure off the teeth so healing can occur without movement disturbing the clot.
Recovery Timeline
Most patients describe day-of soreness similar to a deep cleaning rather than traditional surgery. Mild swelling, sensitivity, and pink-tinged saliva are common for one to three days. Most people return to work and normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Stronger pain relief is rarely needed; over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen is usually enough.
For the first 7 to 10 days, the diet stays soft and the surgical area is left undisturbed. The clot acts as a biological bandage and must not be brushed or flossed aggressively. After about two weeks, normal brushing and flossing resume. Reattachment of soft tissue continues for about three months. Bone fill and full regeneration develop over 6 to 12 months and are tracked with follow-up X-rays and pocket measurements.
Cost Factors
LANAP fees vary based on how many teeth are involved, the severity of bone loss, and the geographic area. Patients commonly see ranges from roughly $1,500 to $3,000 per quadrant, or about $6,000 to $12,000 for a full mouth. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity, so use these ranges as a starting point rather than a fixed price.
Several factors push the price up or down. Severe cases with deep pockets across many teeth take more time and resources. Practices that include adjunctive therapies, such as bone grafting material or follow-up laser visits, may bundle those into the fee. Sedation, if chosen, is usually billed separately.
Dental insurance coverage for LANAP is inconsistent. Some plans cover it under the same codes as traditional periodontal surgery; others classify the laser portion as experimental and pay only the conventional surgery rate. Ask the periodontist's office to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance before scheduling. Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) generally accept periodontal surgery as a qualified expense. Many periodontal offices also offer in-house payment plans or third-party financing.
When to See a Periodontist
See a periodontist if your general dentist diagnoses periodontitis, if your pocket depths are 5 millimeters or deeper, or if scaling and root planing has not stopped the disease. Periodontists complete three additional years of training focused on the gums, supporting bone, and dental implants[1].
Warning signs that justify a periodontal referral include persistent bad breath, gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, gums that look red or swollen, gum recession, loose teeth, or a change in how the teeth fit together when biting. Family history of gum disease, smoking, and diabetes raise risk and may justify earlier specialist evaluation.
A general dentist can manage early gum disease and provide periodontal maintenance cleanings. Cases that involve advanced bone loss, regeneration goals, or laser therapy are usually better suited to a periodontist who treats these problems daily. Your dentist and periodontist will typically share records and coordinate ongoing care.
Find a Periodontist Near You
If you are considering LANAP or any periodontal surgery, the next step is a consultation with a board-certified periodontist who has been trained in the protocol. Browse the periodontics page to find specialists in your area, review credentials, and request a consultation.
Search Periodontists in Your Area