September 28, 2026
When gum disease becomes advanced, treatment is often necessary to control infection, protect the structures supporting the teeth, and help preserve your natural smile. For many years, traditional periodontal surgery has been an effective way to treat advanced gum disease. Today, however, patients may have another option that uses advanced laser technology to accomplish many of the same goals with a less invasive approach.
At Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants, we offer LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, as a minimally invasive treatment for moderate to severe periodontal disease. Instead of relying on traditional scalpel surgery, LANAP uses specialized laser technology to selectively remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue. For patients who are concerned about conventional gum surgery or the recovery involved, LANAP may offer several important advantages.
1. LANAP Is a Less Invasive Approach to Gum Disease Treatment
One of the biggest differences between LANAP and traditional gum surgery is how we access and treat diseased areas around the teeth. Traditional periodontal surgery can require incisions in the gums so that the periodontist can reach deeper areas affected by bacteria, inflammation, and periodontal disease.
LANAP takes a different approach. During the procedure, we use laser technology to target diseased gum tissue while helping preserve healthy tissue. Because the treatment does not require the same type of conventional cutting associated with traditional periodontal surgery, patients may find the idea of treatment less intimidating. Our practice specifically offers LANAP as a minimally invasive treatment option for advanced gum disease.
A less invasive procedure can be especially appealing to people who have postponed periodontal treatment because they are nervous about surgery. Delaying treatment, however, can give gum disease more time to progress. Having a minimally invasive option may make it easier for some patients to move forward with the care they need.
2. LANAP May Mean Less Discomfort and an Easier Recovery
Another reason patients may prefer LANAP is the recovery experience. Because laser treatment is designed to selectively address diseased tissue, there may be less trauma to surrounding healthy gum tissue than with more traditional surgical techniques.
Our post-operative guidance notes that periodontal laser procedures usually result in little or no discomfort following surgery. Some patients can still experience temporary soreness, tenderness, swelling, light bleeding, or tooth sensitivity, so LANAP should not be viewed as a procedure with absolutely no recovery period. However, the minimally invasive nature of the treatment can make recovery easier for many patients.
Patients generally need to follow certain instructions during the early healing period, including avoiding brushing or flossing the treated area for a short period and following a soft-food diet as directed by their doctor. Following these instructions helps protect the treatment area while the gums begin to heal.
For patients balancing work, family responsibilities, and other daily activities, the possibility of less discomfort and reduced downtime can be an important consideration when choosing a periodontal treatment.
3. LANAP Targets Diseased Tissue While Preserving Healthy Tissue
Treating periodontal disease is not simply about removing gum tissue. Our goal is to address infection while preserving as much healthy tissue and natural tooth structure as possible.
With LANAP, the laser selectively eliminates diseased tissue while allowing us to preserve healthy tissue. This precision is one of the major differences patients may notice when comparing laser periodontal treatment with conventional surgery.
Preserving healthy tissue is particularly important because the gums, periodontal ligament, and supporting bone all play essential roles in keeping teeth stable. Periodontal disease damages these supporting structures over time. By focusing treatment on the areas affected by disease, we can work toward controlling infection while protecting the healthy structures that remain.
This approach also supports one of our central goals as periodontists: saving natural teeth whenever possible. Our practice provides a range of periodontal treatments based on the severity of each patient's condition, from scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance to advanced therapies such as LANAP, gum and bone grafting, and regenerative procedures.
4. LANAP Can Support Regeneration Around the Teeth
Periodontal disease does more than cause red, swollen, or bleeding gums. In advanced cases, infection can lead to destruction of the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. As that support is lost, periodontal pockets may deepen and teeth can eventually become loose.
LANAP is designed not only to address infected gum tissue but also to promote healthier attachment around the teeth. Our practice has seen patients treated with LANAP experience significant improvements in severe periodontal pocketing. We have also treated patients with advanced periodontal disease and bone loss where LANAP was used as part of an effort to stimulate new bone growth and improve periodontal health.
This regenerative potential is an important advantage when we are trying to preserve a patient's natural teeth. Rather than simply removing diseased tissue, the goal is to create an environment that supports healing and improved periodontal stability.
Every patient's level of bone loss and gum disease is different, so results cannot be guaranteed. We evaluate periodontal pocket depths, gum health, bone levels, and other factors before determining whether LANAP or another form of periodontal treatment is the most appropriate choice.
5. LANAP May Make Necessary Gum Treatment Feel More Approachable
Fear of gum surgery can sometimes prevent people from receiving treatment when they need it. Patients may worry about incisions, stitches, discomfort, or the recovery associated with traditional periodontal procedures. Unfortunately, periodontal disease does not usually resolve simply because treatment is postponed.
LANAP may provide a more approachable alternative for patients who are hesitant about conventional surgery. The procedure uses advanced dental laser technology to treat moderate to severe periodontal disease in a less invasive manner. At our practice, we combine this technology with specialized periodontal care and individualized treatment planning to determine the right approach for each patient's needs.
Having another treatment option does not mean LANAP is automatically better for every patient. Traditional periodontal surgery remains valuable and may be recommended in situations where direct access, grafting, regeneration, or another surgical technique is necessary. The right choice depends on the location and severity of the disease, the condition of the supporting bone and tissue, and the patient's overall treatment needs.
Is LANAP Better Than Traditional Gum Surgery for You?
LANAP offers several potential advantages over traditional gum surgery, including a minimally invasive approach, less disruption of healthy tissue, the possibility of a more comfortable recovery, regenerative benefits, and a treatment experience that some patients may find easier to consider.
At Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to periodontal care. We evaluate each patient's gum and bone health carefully before recommending treatment. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or have delayed periodontal treatment because you are concerned about surgery, we can help you understand whether LANAP may be an appropriate option for restoring and protecting your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP
What does LANAP stand for?
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is a laser-based periodontal treatment designed to target diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue and supporting healing around the teeth.
Is LANAP painful?
Patients can experience some temporary tenderness, sensitivity, swelling, or soreness after treatment, but periodontal laser procedures typically result in little or no discomfort following surgery. We provide specific post-operative instructions to help patients protect the treated area and remain comfortable while healing.
Can LANAP treat advanced gum disease?
LANAP may be used to treat moderate to severe periodontal disease. We first perform a periodontal evaluation to determine the extent of infection, periodontal pocketing, tissue damage, and bone loss before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
Can LANAP help save natural teeth?
One of the goals of periodontal treatment is to control disease and preserve natural teeth whenever possible. Because LANAP targets diseased tissue and can support healthier periodontal attachment, it may be an option for patients whose teeth have been affected by advanced gum disease.
Is everyone with gum disease a candidate for LANAP?
No single periodontal treatment is appropriate for every patient. We consider the severity and location of gum disease, bone loss, periodontal pocket depths, overall oral health, and other individual factors before determining whether LANAP, traditional periodontal surgery, or another treatment is best.
At Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants, we take a family approach to periodontal care while using advanced technology and specialized treatment to help our patients maintain healthy gums and teeth. With offices in Albany and Malta, we provide comprehensive periodontal and dental implant care tailored to each patient's needs. To learn whether LANAP could be right for you, contact us today to schedule an evaluation.