The Science Behind Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure LANAP
If you have been told you have gum disease, you might be feeling a mix of concern and anxiety. Traditional treatments for advanced periodontal disease often involved scalpels, sutures, and a significant amount of discomfort and downtime. But what if there was a way to treat gum disease that was not only gentler but actually encouraged your body to regrow the bone you’ve lost?
At Pomona Dental Group, we believe in providing our patients with the most advanced, minimally invasive care available. That is why we are proud to offer laser gum treatment in Pomona through the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or LANAP.
In this post, we’ll dive into the fascinating science behind LANAP, explaining how this revolutionary technology works to restore your oral health and why it is the gold standard for treating gum disease today.
What is LANAP? The Modern Approach to Gum Health
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is a specialized protocol designed to treat moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis) without the need for traditional "cut and sew" surgery.
Unlike conventional methods that focus on cutting away diseased tissue, LANAP uses a highly specific laser: the PerioLase MVP-7: to target and eliminate bacteria and infected tissue while leaving your healthy gums completely intact.
The goal of LANAP is simple yet profound: to create an environment where your gums can heal and reattach to your teeth naturally. This isn't just about managing symptoms; it’s about true periodontal regeneration.
The Revolutionary Technology: The PerioLase MVP-7 Laser
The secret to LANAP’s success lies in the physics of the laser itself. The PerioLase MVP-7 is a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. This specific wavelength is key because it is selectively absorbed by pigments.
Selective Photothermal Ablation
In your mouth, the "bad" bacteria that cause gum disease and the inflamed, diseased tissue both have dark pigments. The LANAP laser is attracted to these pigments. When we pass the laser fiber through your gum pockets, it seeks out the infection and vaporizes it, but because healthy tissue lacks that same dark pigment, the laser passes right through it without causing any harm.
This is what we call selective photothermal ablation. It allows us to be incredibly precise, removing only what is necessary to restore health while preserving the vital, healthy tissue that supports your teeth.
How LANAP Actually Regrows Bone
One of the most remarkable things about LANAP: and the reason we are so passionate about it at Pomona Dental Group: is its ability to regenerate bone.
For years, dentists believed that once the bone supporting your teeth was lost to gum disease, it was gone forever unless complex bone grafting was performed. LANAP changed that narrative.
The Only FDA-Cleared Protocol for Regeneration
The LANAP protocol is currently the only laser treatment scientifically and clinically proven to regrow bone, cementum, and PDL (periodontal ligament) ligaments. In 2016, the FDA granted clearance for this specific protocol, acknowledging that it can achieve true regeneration of the "attachment apparatus" that keeps your teeth stable and healthy.
How does it do this?
- Bacterial Decontamination: The laser kills the pathogens that destroy bone.
- Fibrin Clot Formation: The laser energy creates a stable, sticky "super clot" (fibrin clot) at the top of the gum pocket.
- The Perfect Seal: This clot acts as a biological bandage, sealing the pocket and protecting the underlying bone and roots from outside bacteria.
- Stem Cell Stimulation: Within this sealed environment, your body’s own stem cells are stimulated to go to work, regrowing the bone and ligaments that were previously lost.
By choosing laser gum treatment in Pomona, you aren't just cleaning your teeth; you are giving your body the tools it needs to rebuild its own foundation.
The LANAP Procedure: What to Expect
We know that "surgery" can be a scary word. That’s why we make the LANAP experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here is a step-by-step look at how we perform this precise procedure:
- Precision Diagnosis: We start with a thorough examination, often using CBCT imaging to get a 3D view of your bone levels.
- Pocket Measurement: We use a small probe to measure the depth of your gum pockets and determine the extent of the infection.
- Laser Pass One: We use the PerioLase MVP-7 to remove diseased tissue and kill the bacteria deep within the pockets. You’ll feel very little during this process, as the area is thoroughly numbed.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: We use ultrasonic scalers to remove any tartar (calculus) from the root surfaces.
- Laser Pass Two: The laser is used again, this time to finish cleaning the pocket and to form the protective fibrin clot that seals the area.
- Bite Adjustment: We ensure your teeth fit together perfectly so that no excessive pressure is placed on the healing bone and tissues.
The entire process is minimally invasive. Because there are no scalpels or stitches, the recovery is incredibly fast. Most of our patients return to their normal activities the very next day.
LANAP vs. Traditional Gum Surgery
If you are weighing your options for treating gum disease, it helps to see the benefits of LANAP compared to traditional osseous (flap) surgery.
| Feature | Traditional Surgery | LANAP Laser Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | Scalpels and Sutures | Laser Fiber |
| Tissue Removal | Both healthy and diseased tissue removed | Only diseased tissue removed |
| Pain Level | Moderate to high; requires downtime | Minimal; patients often work the next day |
| Recession | Gums often recede, making teeth look "long" | Minimal to no gum recession |
| Regeneration | Usually requires external grafts | Stimulates natural bone/ligament regrowth |
| Sensitivity | Common post-op sensitivity | Rarely causes long-term sensitivity |
By opting for laser gum treatment in Pomona, you are choosing a path that prioritizes your comfort and focuses on long-term wellness rather than just removing tissue.
Saving "Hopeless" Teeth
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at Pomona Dental Group is helping patients save teeth that other dentists might have recommended for extraction.
When gum disease is advanced, teeth can become loose due to bone loss. In the past, the only option was to pull the tooth and replace it with implants or dentures. While those are excellent solutions when necessary, keeping your natural teeth is always our first choice.
LANAP has a proven track record of stabilizing loose teeth by regrowing the supporting structures. If you’ve been told you need extractions due to gum disease, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us first to see if LANAP could save your smile.
Why Choose Pomona Dental Group for Your Care?
We understand that choosing a dental provider is a big decision. At Pomona Dental Group, we differentiate ourselves through our patient-first approach. We aren't just treating teeth; we are treating people.
- Experienced Team: Our clinicians are highly trained in the LANAP protocol and the use of the PerioLase MVP-7.
- Comprehensive Services: From routine cleanings to advanced restorative procedures like LANAP, we offer everything you need under one roof.
- A Stress-Free Environment: We’ve designed our office to be welcoming and clean, ensuring you feel at ease from the moment you walk through our doors.
- Insurance Friendly: We take most insurance plans to make this life-changing technology accessible to as many families in Pomona as possible.
Your Path to a Healthier Smile Starts Here
Gum disease is more than just a dental issue; it’s a systemic health concern. Research has linked periodontitis to heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions. Taking action now to treat your gum disease is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
If you are looking for laser gum treatment in Pomona, look no further than Pomona Dental Group. We are here to answer your questions, ease your anxieties, and provide you with the gentle, effective care you deserve.
Are you ready to restore your oral health and regrow your confidence?
Contact us today to schedule your LANAP consultation. Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful for years to come.