If you’ve been told you need treatment for gum disease, the idea of traditional surgery—with the scalpels, stitches, and extended recovery—can feel intimidating. What many people don’t realize is that there’s an alternative. A proven, less invasive option many patients in Augusta, GA, are choosing instead. It’s called LANAP. And this laser gum surgery offers a gentler path to healthier gums, with less pain and a faster return to everyday life.
What Is LANAP?
LANAP—which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure—is an FDA-cleared surgical protocol that treats gum disease using a specialized laser instead of a scalpel.
Rather than cutting away diseased tissue, the PerioLase MVP-7 laser targets and removes it with remarkable precision, leaving healthy gum tissue completely intact. The result is a true surgical treatment for periodontitis that feels far less invasive than conventional approaches.
LANAP received FDA clearance in 2004 (over 20 years ago!) and has since helped hundreds of thousands of patients across the country, including right here in Augusta, GA, achieve lasting gum health. For patients seeking laser periodontal therapy in Augusta, it represents one of the most significant advances in periodontal care in decades.
How Does Laser Gum Treatment Work?
The protocol for LANAP has been carefully sequenced to virtually eliminate infection, stimulate healing, and encourage the regeneration of bone and tissue damaged by gum disease.
Here’s how it works:
- Diseased tissue is removed. A thin fiber-optic tip that’s about the width of three human hairs is gently guided between the gum and tooth. The laser light specifically targets diseased and infected tissue. Most importantly, it removes the damaged tissue without disturbing the healthy tissue surrounding it.
- Root surfaces are cleaned. An ultrasonic scaler removes built-up tartar (calculus) from the root surfaces below the gumline to get rid of the bacterial deposits that drive gum disease.
- The laser seals and sterilizes. The PerioLase laser passes through the pocket a second time, sterilizing the area. Blood can then naturally clot, forming a seal that protects the site and allows healing to begin.
- The body regenerates. With the infection removed and the oral environment stabilized, your body can begin rebuilding the connective tissue and bone that support your teeth. A regenerative outcome that traditional surgery can rarely achieve.
The full LANAP treatment is typically completed over two 2-hour sessions, often scheduled one week apart, with one side of the mouth treated at each appointment.
Benefits of LANAP: Why So Many Patients Are Making the Switch
For patients comparing LANAP vs. traditional gum surgery, the differences are major, especially for those who have been putting off treatment due to the recovery timeline. Key benefits include:
Less pain and discomfort. Because no scalpel is used and healthy tissue is preserved, most patients report significantly less discomfort during and after LANAP than with conventional periodontal surgery.
Faster recovery. Many patients return to their normal routine—including work—within 24 hours. Traditional gum surgery often requires a recovery period of several days to two weeks.
No scalpels. No stitches. The laser does the work, which means no cutting and, in most cases, no sutures. For patients with dental anxiety, this alone can make this treatment preferable.
Minimal bleeding and swelling. The laser cauterizes as it works, reducing bleeding during the procedure and limiting post-operative swelling. Some patients say they barely noticed they had a procedure.
Stimulates bone regeneration. One of LANAP’s most clinically significant advantages is its ability to promote new bone growth around teeth. This is something conventional surgery typically cannot achieve. It could also be the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Safer for patients with pre-existing conditions. Because LANAP reduces bleeding and trauma, it’s often recommended for folks who are currently on blood thinners, managing diabetes, or who have heart conditions and thus can face higher risks with traditional surgery.
| LANAP | Traditional Gum Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions | None | Yes |
| Sutures | Rarely needed | Required |
| Recovery time | Typically 24 hours | Days to 2 weeks |
| Bone regeneration | Possible | Uncommon |
| Tissue preservation | High | Variable |
| Suitable for medically complex patients | Often yes | Greater risk |
Is LANAP Right for Me?
LANAP is designed to treat moderate to severe periodontitis—the stage of gum disease where pockets have formed between the gums and teeth, bone loss has begun, and scaling and root planing alone may no longer be enough.
LANAP may be an excellent fit if you:
- Have been diagnosed with moderate or advanced gum disease
- Have avoided treatment because of fear of surgery or a difficult past dental experience
- Want a faster recovery with less disruption to your work or family schedule
- Have a health condition (such as diabetes, heart disease, or a blood-clotting disorder) that makes traditional surgery riskier
- Are hoping to save teeth that might otherwise need extraction
You may not need LANAP if your gum disease is in its earliest stage (gingivitis), which can often be resolved with a professional deep cleaning and improved home care. Your periodontist will evaluate the health of your gums, measure pocket depths, and review imaging to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
A consultation with an experienced LANAP-certified periodontist in Augusta is the best first step toward understanding your options.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After LANAP
Before your procedure, your periodontist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes measuring gum pocket depths, reviewing X-rays, and discussing your medical history and any medications you take. This is the time to share any concerns, ask questions, and let your provider know about health conditions that may affect your care.
During the procedure, the treatment area will be numbed with local anesthesia to help you stay comfortable throughout. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how relaxing the experience feels. There are no incisions, no stitches, and no need for general anesthesia in most cases. Each two-hour session treats one side of the mouth, and you’ll typically be able to drive yourself home afterward.
After LANAP, recovery is generally mild. Most patients experience some tenderness and sensitivity for a couple of days. Usually, this is managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Your periodontist will provide specific post-care instructions. This may include a soft diet for a short period. You may also need to modify your dental routine at home as you heal. Follow-up visits allow your provider to monitor your healing and ensure your gums are responding well.
For patients seeking effective gum disease treatment in Augusta, GA, the combination of a gentle procedure and a short recovery makes LANAP one of the most patient-friendly options available today.
Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP Laser Gum Surgery
- Is LANAP painful?
Most patients report that LANAP is significantly more comfortable than they expected. Local anesthesia is used throughout the procedure, so you should not feel pain during treatment.
Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and short-lived—most patients manage it with over-the-counter medication and feel back to normal within a day or two.
- How long does LANAP take?
The full protocol is completed over two appointments, each approximately two hours long. These sessions are usually scheduled about one week apart, treating one side of the mouth at a time. Compared to traditional surgery, this is a remarkably efficient treatment timeline.
- Is LANAP covered by dental insurance?
Many dental insurance plans that cover traditional periodontal surgery will also provide coverage for LANAP, as it is an FDA-cleared surgical procedure. Coverage varies by plan. Our office can help you verify your benefits and work with your insurance provider before treatment begins.
- How does LANAP compare to traditional gum surgery?
Traditional periodontal surgery involves cutting the gum tissue back, manually removing diseased tissue, and suturing the gums closed. LANAP accomplishes the same main goal—getting rid of infection and stabilizing the gum-tooth attachment. However, the treatment is done without incisions or sutures, with less post-operative pain, and with the added benefit of promoting bone regeneration. For most patients, LANAP offers an equivalent or superior clinical outcome with a far more comfortable experience.
- How do I find a LANAP provider in Augusta, GA?
LANAP is performed by periodontists who have completed specific training and certification in the protocol. Our practice in Augusta offers LANAP laser gum surgery performed by an experienced, LANAP-certified periodontist. We welcome patients from throughout the Augusta area, including Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, and surrounding communities.
Ready to Learn More? Let’s Talk.
Gum disease is serious and can be intimidating to treat. We understand that the decision to move forward with surgery takes real courage. At our Augusta periodontics practice, we believe every patient deserves compassionate, personalized care and access to the most advanced treatments available.
If you’ve been told you have gum disease, or if you’ve noticed symptoms like bleeding gums, gum recession, or loose teeth, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Our team will take the time to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you find a path to gum health that feels right for you.
Contact our Augusta, GA, periodontics office today to schedule your LANAP consultation.