Struggling with gum disease and tired of invasive, painful treatments? LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) provides a revolutionary alternative to traditional gum surgery, offering effective treatment with significantly less pain and recovery time. This FDA-approved laser therapy offers a minimally invasive approach to treating periodontal disease, allowing your body to heal naturally and even promoting the regeneration of bone tissue previously lost to periodontal disease.
At Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Dr. Leora Walter, Dr. Michelle Kamel, and our team specialize in advanced laser dentistry techniques, including LANAP therapy. As one of the few dental practices in the area equipped with the PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser, we’re committed to bringing our patients the most effective, comfortable periodontal treatments available. Our practice philosophy centers on minimally invasive, preventive dentistry using the most advanced technology.
What Is LANAP/Laser Cleaning?
LANAP is a breakthrough procedure that treats gum disease using a specialized dental laser rather than traditional surgical tools. The PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser used in LANAP therapy is specifically designed to target diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue—something traditional surgical methods cannot achieve with the same precision.
Unlike traditional periodontal surgery, which involves cutting, suturing, and significant recovery time, LANAP is minimally invasive and remarkably gentle. The laser selectively removes inflamed tissue and bacteria while stimulating healthy tissue attachment and bone regeneration. For patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease, LANAP offers an effective alternative that doesn’t require scalpels or sutures.
Laser cleaning, a related but distinct procedure, uses laser technology during routine dental cleanings to disinfect the gum pockets of bacteria, leaving your mouth even healthier than with a traditional cleaning. This preventive approach helps maintain gum health and can prevent the progression to more serious periodontal conditions.
Benefits of LANAP and Laser Cleaning
LANAP and laser cleaning offer numerous advantages over traditional periodontal treatments:
- Minimally invasive with no cutting or suturing required
- Significantly less discomfort during and after the procedure
- Reduced bleeding, swelling, and gum recession
- Much shorter recovery time—most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours
- Preserves more healthy gum tissue than traditional surgery
- Stimulates bone regeneration in areas previously affected by periodontal disease
- Reduces the risk of infection compared to traditional surgery
- Fewer post-procedure restrictions and complications
These benefits make LANAP an excellent option for patients looking to maintain their teeth long term.
The LANAP Procedure
The LANAP can be done in one visit or split into 2 depending on your particular case.. Here’s what to expect:
Before Treatment
Before recommending LANAP, we’ll conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including measurements of your gum pockets and evaluation of bone loss through digital X-rays. This helps us determine if LANAP is the right treatment option for your specific condition.
During Treatment
The LANAP procedure follows a specific protocol:
- We’ll ensure your comfort with local anesthesia.
- The PerioLase laser’s first pass removes bacteria and diseased tissue from the gum pocket.
- Specialized ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments remove tartar from the root surfaces.
- The laser makes a second pass, creating a stable blood clot to seal the pocket and promote healing.
- We make final adjustments to your bite to reduce excessive force on teeth, supporting the healing process.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure and are often surprised by how gentle it feels compared to their expectations.
After Treatment
Recovery from LANAP is remarkably quick compared to traditional surgery. You may experience some soreness for a day or two, but most patients return to their normal activities within 24 hours. Our periodontists provide detailed aftercare instructions, including a soft food diet for a short period, to ensure optimal healing and results.
Laser Cleaning for Preventive Care
For patients without advanced periodontal disease, we offer laser cleaning as part of our preventive care services. During your regular dental cleaning, we use the laser to disinfect your gum pockets of bacteria, leaving your mouth even healthier than with a traditional cleaning alone.
This approach is particularly beneficial for:
- Patients with gingivitis or early-stage gum disease
- Those with a family history of periodontal issues
- People with health conditions that increase susceptibility to gum disease
- Patients seeking to maintain optimal gum health between regular cleanings
Regular laser cleanings can help prevent the progression of gum disease and maintain better overall oral health with minimal additional time during your regular cleaning appointments.
Why Choose Dental West NYC for LANAP and Laser Cleaning
At Dental West NYC, we’re committed to providing the highest standard of minimally invasive dental care on the Upper West Side. Our investment in advanced laser technology reflects our dedication to patient comfort and optimal outcomes.
Aside from their respective dental specialties, Drs.Walter and Kamel have additional training in laser dentistry. The PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser is an incredible piece of equipment that delivers remarkable results for patients suffering from gum disease and those seeking preventive care.
Our patients consistently report less anxiety, minimal discomfort, and faster recovery times with our laser procedures compared to traditional treatments. We prioritize your comfort while providing the most effective, scientifically advanced care available.
Contact Us for LANAP/Laser Cleaning on the Upper West Side
If you’re struggling with gum disease or simply want the most thorough, comfortable dental cleaning available, the team at Dental West NYC is ready to help. Our preventive, restorative, and laser dentistry practice on Manhattan’s Upper West Side focuses on helping you maintain your natural teeth for life using the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques available.
Don’t let fear of traditional gum surgery prevent you from addressing periodontal disease. Experience the remarkable difference that LANAP and laser cleaning can make in your oral health and overall well-being. Contact us today at (212) 580-4520 or book your appointment online through our website to learn more about how our laser dentistry services can benefit you.
FAQ About LANAP
What is LANAP?
LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared laser treatment for gum disease that offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. The laser selectively removes diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue, sterilizing the pocket, and stimulating bone and tissue regeneration. This results in less pain, minimal bleeding, and faster healing.
How does LANAP work?
LANAP uses a specific wavelength of laser light that targets only diseased gum tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact. The laser removes infected tissue, kills bacteria in periodontal pockets, and creates an environment that encourages new attachment between gums and teeth. The process also stimulates bone regeneration, helping to reverse some of the damage caused by gum disease.
What is the recovery time for LANAP?
LANAP recovery is significantly faster than traditional gum surgery. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours with minimal discomfort. You may experience slight sensitivity for a few days, but there’s typically no need for sutures, minimal swelling, and little to no bleeding. Most patients can eat normally the same day and return to work immediately.
Is LANAP better than traditional gum surgery?
LANAP offers several advantages over traditional gum surgery including no cutting or sutures, less pain and discomfort, minimal bleeding, faster healing, preservation of healthy tissue, and the ability to stimulate true tissue regeneration. While traditional surgery may still be necessary for certain severe cases, LANAP provides excellent results for most patients with periodontal disease.
How much does LANAP cost?
LANAP costs vary depending on the severity of gum disease and how many areas need treatment. While it may have a higher upfront cost than traditional surgery, many patients find value in the reduced pain, faster recovery, and better outcomes. Many dental insurance plans cover LANAP similarly to conventional periodontal surgery since it’s an FDA-cleared treatment for gum disease.
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