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: A Modern Approach to Treating Gum Disease

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.

How LANAP Restores Gum and Bone Health

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.

What Happens During LANAP Treatment

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:

1. Evaluation and planning: Dr. Khodakhast examines your gums, measures pocket depths, and reviews X-rays to determine which areas need treatment.
2. Local anesthesia: During the first appointment, one side of the mouth is treated. The treatment area is gently numbed to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
3. Laser cleaning: A tiny laser fiber is inserted between the tooth and gum, where it targets diseased tissue and selectively destroys harmful bacteria and toxins. The laser also helps remove hardened plaque (calculus or tartar) from the root surfaces.
4. Second laser pass: The laser is used again to form a natural seal that protects the gums and encourages healthy reattachment to the teeth.

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. 

What to Expect After LANAP: Recovery and Aftercare

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.

First Few Days (Days 1–3)

• Expect mild soreness or tenderness
• Stick to a liquid diet the first 24 hours
• Switch to a soft food diet day for three to seven days. Be careful not to chew on the treated side
• Avoid hot or spicy foods, and do not use a straw
• Rinse gently with salt water or as directed by Dr. Khodakhast
• Avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for 24 hours

Following Week (Days 4–7)

• Rinse with prescribed oral rinses three times a day 
• Continue gentle salt water rinses every few hours
• You will notice tiny blood clots in the treated area, do not dislodge them. 

After One Week

• Gradually return to a normal diet with soft solids.
• Healing continues below the surface for several weeks as the gums reattach to the teeth.
• You start brushing manually and only do electric brushing and also start floss (Supra-gingival) according to a timeline that we provide you with.

Benefits of LANAP

LANAP provides several advantages over traditional gum surgery:

• No cutting or sutures
• Faster healing and less downtime
• Minimal bleeding and swelling
• Promotes new bone and tissue growth
• Long-term gum health improvement
• Comfortable and precise treatment experience

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.

Schedule Your LANAP Treatment in Centennial, CO

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.

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