 
						Oct
Reviewed by Dr. Ava Khodakhast
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Reading time: five minutes
Thanks to modern laser dentistry, treating gum disease today is nothing like it used to be. With LANAP, there are no scalpels, no cutting, and minimal downtime. This gentle treatment targets infection, removes diseased tissue, and helps your gums heal naturally while preserving the healthy areas around your teeth.
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after LANAP, and why so many patients prefer this modern approach to restoring gum health.
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It’s an advanced laser-based technique that treats gum disease by removing harmful bacteria and diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact.
Gum disease occurs when bacteria cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets that can eventually lead to bone loss. Traditional surgery often involves cutting and stitching the gums, which can be uncomfortable and lead to gum recession.
LANAP uses a specialized dental laser to precisely target infected tissue and bacteria. The laser also helps create a clean environment for the gums to naturally reattach to the teeth and stimulates bone and tissue regeneration. The result is healthier gums with minimal discomfort and faster healing.
As a full-mouth procedure, two appointments are usually necessary to complete your treatment. Generally, we ask that you set aside around two to four hours (based on intensity of the condition) for each procedure. Here’s what typically happens during a LANAP procedure:
At the second appointment, we will perform the same procedure on the other side. This is typically scheduled no later than one week after the initial procedure.
One of the biggest advantages of LANAP is how quickly patients recover. You can usually return to work or normal activity within a day or two.
LANAP provides several advantages over traditional gum surgery:
Professional cleanings are recommended every three months for the first year after LANAP treatment, rather than the usual six-month schedule. After this initial period, we will discuss the best long-term oral hygiene plan tailored to your individual needs.
LANAP laser therapy offers a gentle, effective way to treat gum disease and protect your smile without the cutting or stitches of traditional surgery. At Argyle Family Dental, Dr. Ava Khodakhast provides advanced care to restore gum health and support long-term oral wellness.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Centennial, CO, call (303) 770-2254 or request an appointment online.
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days, though full tissue and bone regeneration can take several months as your gums continue to strengthen.
LANAP is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. After treatment, your gums may feel slightly sore or tender for a short time, but most patients find the recovery to be very comfortable compared to traditional gum surgery.
As your gums heal and tighten around the teeth, slight movement can occur. During follow-up visits, your bite will be checked and adjusted if needed. In some cases, an oral splint may be recommended to help stabilize the teeth and support proper healing.
It is best to avoid coffee for the first few days after LANAP treatment. Hot beverages can irritate healing gum tissue and may interfere with clot formation. Once your gums begin to heal and any tenderness subsides, you can gradually reintroduce coffee at a comfortable temperature.
Alcohol should be avoided during the initial healing period, especially while taking prescribed medications. It can slow healing, dry out oral tissues, and increase the risk of irritation.
Argyle Family Dental offers LANAP treatment in Centennial, CO. Dr. Khodakhast provides advanced periodontal care using this minimally invasive laser technique to help restore gum health and preserve your natural teeth.
 
                    
                            Immerse yourself in the world of exquisite dental artistry crafted by Dr. Ava Khodakhast, a
                            distinguished prosthodontist whose journey is a testament to the fusion of science and art in
                            dentistry. With an unwavering commitment to elevating lives through her specialized expertise, Dr.
                            Khodakhast has redefined the landscape of prosthodontics, captivating hearts with her transformative
                            work.
                            
                            Embarking on her odyssey in 2000 as a Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Khodakhast's passion for her
                            craft led her to traverse continents for knowledge. She pursued her American DDS at the esteemed
                            University of Missouri, Kansas
                                City, setting the foundation for a remarkable career. Yet, her thirst
                            for mastery pushed her to delve deeper. Venturing into the realm of complexity, she dedicated three
                            intensive years at the Medical College of Georgia, earning a master's in Oral
                            Biology and seamlessly
                            entwining it with a Residency in Prosthodontics.
                            
                            Prosthodontics is the symphony of precision and creativity, where every note is a smile transformed.
                            Dr. Khodakhast is a virtuoso in this art, specializing in intricate cosmetic makeovers, implant
                            procedures, and comprehensive mouth rehabilitation. Recognized as a "Diplomate" by
                            the American Board of
                                Prosthodontics and as a "Fellow" by the American College of Prosthodontists, she soars
                            among the select few who define excellence in this arena. Her certification as a prosthodontist is a
                            testament to her rigorous education and training, making her a beacon of expertise for dental and
                            maxillofacial reconstruction and rehabilitation. Dentists themselves entrust their patients to her
                            care, a testament to her unparalleled mastery.
                            
                            A luminary in academia, Dr. Khodakhast served as the assistant director of Advanced Education in
                            General Dentistry at the University
                                of Missouri in Kansas City. She also worked in private practice
                            at UMKC, applying the techniques and skills she taught in complicated, aesthetic case settings.
                            During her junior year of college, she graced India with her charitable work, a touch of humanity
                            that infuses her artistry with compassion.
                            
                            Emanating from the core of her being is a dedication to her patient's well-being. You can rely on
                            her to provide unparalleled care rooted in scientific precision and artistic commitment.