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LANAP® Laser Gum Treatment
For moderate to severe gum disease: a laser protocol that treats infected pockets without cutting the gums away, from a LANAP® certified dentist.
Laser Gum Treatment
LANAP® Laser Gum Treatment in Long Beach
LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared laser treatment for gum disease. It is an alternative to traditional gum surgery: the laser clears infected tissue and bacteria from deep pockets without a scalpel or stitches.
It may suit you if you’ve been told you need gum surgery, if your pockets stayed deep after a cleaning, or if your teeth have started to loosen. Dr. Camille Adli is one of about 3,000 dentists worldwide certified in the protocol.
Compared
LANAP® and Traditional Gum Surgery
Both treat the infection below the gumline. The difference is how the dentist reaches it, and what that means for your gums.
Traditional Surgery
- The gums
- Cut and folded back to reach the roots
- Stitches
- Stitched back in place
- Healthy tissue
- Some may be trimmed away
- Afterward
- Soreness and swelling while the incisions heal
LANAP®
- The gums
- Not cut. A thin laser fiber goes into the pocket
- Stitches
- None
- Healthy tissue
- Left in place
- Afterward
- Usually less discomfort, swelling and downtime
The Process
What Happens During LANAP®
Measuring and X-Rays
Dr. Adli measures each gum pocket and reviews your X-rays to confirm LANAP® is the right fit and plan which areas to treat.
Numbing
The area being treated is numbed, so you should feel pressure rather than pain.
Clearing the Pocket
The laser fiber goes into the pocket and removes infected tissue and bacteria, leaving healthy gum in place.
Cleaning the Root
Tartar is cleaned from the root surface below the gumline.
Sealing the Pocket
The laser is used again to help form a stable seal at the top of the pocket while it heals.
Healing and Follow-Up
Treatment is usually spread over more than one visit, one area of the mouth at a time. We’ll see you to check healing, then for maintenance cleanings.
Benefits
Why Patients Choose LANAP®
Results vary from person to person. At your consultation we’ll tell you honestly what LANAP® can do for your gums.
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No Scalpel, No Stitches
The gums aren’t cut and folded back, so there are no incisions or stitches to heal.
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Keeps Healthy Tissue
The laser targets diseased tissue and leaves healthy gum in place.
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Usually an Easier Recovery
Patients typically have less discomfort, swelling and downtime than with traditional gum surgery.
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Designed to Regenerate
LANAP® is FDA-cleared for periodontal regeneration: the protocol is designed to help your body rebuild lost gum attachment and bone.
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A Chance to Keep Your Teeth
The aim is to save teeth that might otherwise be lost. Good home care and maintenance cleanings help the results last.
Who Treats You
Dr. Camille Adli
LANAP® Certified In Long Beach Since 1997
Dr. Adli is one of about 3,000 dentists worldwide certified in the LANAP® protocol, and she performs it with the PerioLase® MVP-7 laser. If you also need grafting or other gum surgery, our Board Certified Periodontist, Dr. Rafiel Rafiee, works in the same office. Read more about our periodontal care or meet our dentists.
Cost and Insurance
Coverage for LANAP® depends on your plan. Many PPO plans cover part of gum disease treatment, and we accept most, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, ILWU and Operating Engineers. We’ll check your benefits and go over your share before treatment. CareCredit and Sunbit offer monthly payments. See financing options.
Questions
LANAP® FAQs
It’s usually for moderate to severe gum disease, with deep pockets, bleeding or loosening teeth. An exam with pocket measurements and X-rays shows whether it suits you, or whether a deep cleaning or another treatment is a better fit.
The area is numbed first, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Afterward, patients usually have less discomfort and swelling than with traditional gum surgery.
The correct term is FDA-cleared, which is how the FDA reviews devices such as dental lasers. The LANAP® protocol with the PerioLase® MVP-7 is cleared for treating gum disease and for periodontal regeneration.
It’s usually spread over more than one visit, treating one area of the mouth at a time, with follow-ups as you heal. We’ll give you a timeline at your consultation.
It depends on your plan. Many PPO plans cover part of gum disease treatment, and we’ll check your benefits before you start. CareCredit and Sunbit can spread the rest into monthly payments.