LANAP Gum Disease Treatment

The traditional treatment for gum disease involves scalpels and stitches. Although effective, traditional gum surgery is painful, invasive, and prolongs recovery.

LANAP is an FDA-approved treatment used to treat periodontal disease. Instead of manual tools, the dentist uses a dental laser to target and remove diseased tissues. It’s a more precise and minimally invasive treatment for periodontal disease that promotes regeneration and faster healing.

Dr. Don Mungcal uses a technology-led approach to gum disease treatment. LANAP has revolutionized how we treat gum disease, and more patients are open to treatment because of its minimally invasive nature.

The following are the benefits of LANAP.

• Minimally invasive: Laser treatment eliminates the need for cutting or sutures, reducing trauma, bleeding, and recovery time. With minimal bleeding, laser therapy is especially beneficial for patients with conditions like diabetes or hemophilia, which can complicate healing and increase bleeding risks.
• Precision: The different wavelengths allow the lasers only to target harmful bacteria and diseased tissues. Preservation of healthy tissues promotes better long-term health outcomes. 
• Minimal post-op complications: Laser technology destroys harmful bacteria during treatment, reducing the risk of infections after the procedure.
• Faster recovery: Many patients recover after 24-48 hours. This is unlike traditional surgery, which needs days or weeks for recovery. Quicker recovery means fewer disruptions to your daily life. 
• Tissue regeneration: Laser technology stimulates bone and gum tissue regeneration to promote faster healing. 

LANAP is effective for moderate to severe gum disease. It can treat deep pockets up to 6mm, making it a versatile periodontal treatment.

Recovery from LANAP is relatively quick. Most patients feel well enough to resume normal activities within 24 hours, though following a soft diet for several days is advised. Full tissue healing and reattachment can take several weeks to months, depending on the severity of gum disease. Regular follow-up appointments help track progress. The gentle nature of LANAP means less swelling, minimal bleeding, and faster overall recovery compared to traditional periodontal surgery.

Yes, LANAP can help stabilize loose teeth caused by gum disease. By eliminating harmful bacteria and promoting the regeneration of bone and gum tissue, LANAP helps create a healthier foundation for your teeth. As the gums reattach and inflammation subsides, many patients notice their teeth feel more secure. Dr. Mungcal has used LANAP to successfully treat advanced periodontal issues and help patients preserve their natural teeth without extraction or more invasive procedures.

LANAP doesn’t cause gums to “grow back” in the traditional sense, but it does stimulate reattachment of the gums to the teeth. The laser removes diseased tissue while preserving healthy areas, allowing for natural healing and regeneration. Patients often see a noticeable improvement in gum health, including reduced pocket depth and firmer gum support. This regeneration process leads to a healthier, more stable smile and improved long-term outcomes.

The cost of LANAP with insurance varies depending on your coverage, deductible, and the severity of your condition. Some insurance plans cover a portion of the cost if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. At Beachside Smiles, the team can help verify your insurance benefits and give you a personalized cost estimate. Dr. Don Mungcal also offers financing options to help make advanced gum disease treatment more accessible to patients.

LANAP has a strong success rate—often between 85% and 90%—in reducing gum pocket depth, halting disease progression, and preserving natural teeth. It is FDA-cleared for true tissue regeneration and has been backed by numerous clinical studies. Dr. Mungcal uses LANAP to deliver precise, personalized treatment that improves long-term gum health while minimizing patient discomfort and recovery time.

Gums don’t fully regrow once they’ve receded, but non-surgical treatments like LANAP can encourage the reattachment of existing healthy gum tissue. LANAP is a minimally invasive alternative that removes infection and promotes healing without traditional scalpel surgery. While it won’t reverse all gum loss, it can greatly improve gum health and reduce the risk of further recession, making it an excellent choice for many patients.