LANAP Laser Gum Treatment

A Better Way to Treat Gum Disease

If you've been told you need gum surgery, there's good news. At Glendale Dental Wellness, Dr. Ivan Chan offers LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), an FDA-cleared laser treatment that treats gum disease without cutting, without stitches, and with a fraction of the recovery time of traditional surgery.

LANAP uses the PerioLase MVP-7, a specialized dental laser that targets diseased gum tissue and harmful bacteria while leaving your healthy tissue completely intact. It's one of the most significant advances in periodontal care in decades, and it's available right here in Glendale.

What Is LANAP?

LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. Developed by periodontists Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthy, it's a patented laser protocol that treats moderate to severe periodontal disease using a specific wavelength of laser light (1064 nanometers) delivered by the PerioLase MVP-7.

What makes this wavelength special is its selectivity. It's absorbed by diseased, inflamed tissue and the bacteria causing your gum infection, but it passes harmlessly through healthy tissue, bone, and tooth structure. That means LANAP can thoroughly clean your periodontal pockets without the collateral tissue damage that comes with traditional surgery.

LANAP received its initial FDA clearance in 2004 and earned a landmark FDA clearance in 2016 for true periodontal regeneration, becoming the first and only laser procedure cleared by the FDA for regrowing bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament on previously diseased root surfaces.

Why Patients Choose LANAP

Traditional gum surgery involves cutting the gums, pulling them back from the teeth, cleaning the underlying bone, and then suturing them back in place. While effective, this approach is invasive, painful, and requires weeks of recovery. Many patients delay or avoid treatment altogether because of these drawbacks.

LANAP changes the conversation entirely. Here's what patients tell us they appreciate most:

• No scalpel, no stitches - The laser fiber is about the thickness of three human hairs. There's no cutting or suturing involved.
• Minimal pain - Most patients manage any post-treatment discomfort with ibuprofen alone. No prescription painkillers needed.
• Fast recovery - Most patients are back to their normal routine the next day, compared to 2-4 weeks with traditional surgery.
• Bone regeneration - LANAP is the only procedure FDA-cleared to regenerate new bone around your teeth.
• Preserves your gumline - Because there's no cutting, your natural gum contour is maintained.
• Safe for most patients - No need to stop blood thinners or other medications before treatment.

You can read more about the full benefits of LANAP or see how LANAP compares to traditional gum surgery.

Who Recognizes LANAP?

LANAP is supported by some of the most respected organizations in American dentistry and healthcare:

• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) - Granted 510(k) clearance for periodontal regeneration (K151763), the first clearance of its kind for any laser in any medical specialty.
• Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD) - The ADA CERP-accredited and AGD PACE-accredited organization that provides LANAP training and certification for dentists.
• American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) - Acknowledges laser-assisted periodontal treatment in its evidence reviews.
• American Dental Association (ADA) - Accredits the IALD's continuing education programs through its CERP program.
• U.S. Navy - Trains its periodontists in the LANAP protocol and deploys PerioLase MVP-7 lasers worldwide.

The procedure is also supported by over 25 peer-reviewed publications and two landmark human histology studies confirming true tissue regeneration.

Gum Disease Is More Common Than You Think

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of American adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Left untreated, gum disease doesn't just affect your mouth. Research has linked it to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and other serious health conditions.

The early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) can often be managed with professional cleanings and improved home care. But once the disease progresses to periodontitis, with deep pockets forming between your teeth and gums and bone loss beginning, more advanced treatment is needed.

That's where LANAP comes in. Rather than waiting until teeth need to be pulled, LANAP allows us to treat the disease at its source and give your body the best possible chance to heal and regenerate.

Signs You May Need LANAP Treatment

Gum disease often develops quietly, without obvious pain. Here are some warning signs that you may benefit from LANAP treatment:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath that doesn't go away
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Pus between your gums and teeth

If any of these sound familiar, find out if you're a candidate for LANAP or give us a call to schedule a consultation.

LANAP at Glendale Dental Wellness

Dr. Ivan Chan is committed to offering his patients the most advanced, evidence-based treatments available. LANAP represents a genuine leap forward in how we treat gum disease, and we're proud to offer it at our Glendale office.

When you come in for a consultation, we'll thoroughly evaluate your gum health, discuss your treatment options, and help you understand whether LANAP is the right choice for your situation. Every patient is different, and we believe in creating treatment plans that are tailored to your specific needs.

Ready to learn more? Explore our detailed guide on how LANAP works, or contact us today to schedule your periodontal evaluation.