Revolutionary FDA-cleared laser treatment for gum disease—minimally invasive, no cutting or sutures, with bone regeneration potential
LANAP laser therapy is the only FDA-cleared laser protocol for true periodontal regeneration. For patients with moderate-to-severe gum disease who want to avoid traditional surgery, it is my first-line recommendation.
— Dr. Chanook David Ahn, DMD, Board-Certified Periodontist, Yale-trained
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It's an FDA-cleared surgical technique that uses a specialized Nd:YAG laser to treat periodontal disease with unprecedented precision. Unlike traditional gum surgery that requires cutting and suturing, LANAP selectively removes diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue, and it can stimulate bone regeneration.
Dr. Ahn uses the latest generation PerioLase MVP-7, the most advanced LANAP device available. This system offers:
LANAP works through a principle called selective photothermolysis. Different tissues absorb laser energy at different wavelengths. The Nd:YAG laser at 1064nm wavelength is specifically absorbed by pigmented (darker) diseased tissue while passing through healthy (lighter) tissue. This allows the laser to selectively destroy diseased tissue while sparing healthy gingival and periodontal tissues.
The specific wavelength of the Nd:YAG laser (1064 nanometers) was chosen for its unique properties: it's strongly absorbed by melanin and hemoglobin in diseased, inflamed tissue; it has excellent penetration depth for reaching bacteria in deep periodontal pockets; it stimulates collagen contraction and remodeling; and it triggers biological responses that promote healing and regeneration.
Beyond mechanical removal, the LANAP laser has direct antimicrobial effects. The laser energy kills bacteria through multiple mechanisms: direct thermal destruction of bacterial cell membranes; disruption of bacterial metabolism; and elimination of bacterial endotoxins. This is particularly valuable because it addresses bacterial biofilms that antibiotic therapy alone cannot penetrate.
One of LANAP's most important features is the formation of a stable fibrin clot over the treated area. This clot serves as a biological dressing that: protects the healing tissues; contains growth factors that stimulate healing; and acts as a scaffold for new attachment formation. The clot remains stable for days, providing protection during the critical early healing phase.
Unlike traditional gum surgery that often results in further bone loss, LANAP can actually promote bone regeneration. The laser energy stimulates osteogenic cells and triggers the release of growth factors that promote new bone formation. Studies show that LANAP can result in clinical attachment gain and bone regeneration in previously lost periodontal sites.
Dental anxiety should never prevent you from getting the gum disease treatment you need. Dr. Ahn offers IV conscious sedation for LANAP procedures, delivering medication directly into the bloodstream for immediate, deep relaxation. Unlike oral sedation, IV sedation is fully adjustable in real time — Dr. Ahn can increase or decrease the sedation level throughout your procedure for optimal comfort.
Patients under IV sedation remain conscious and breathing independently, but experience profound relaxation and typically remember little or nothing of the procedure afterward. This is especially valuable for full-mouth LANAP treatments that may take 2 to 3 hours. Your vital signs are continuously monitored with pulse oximetry, capnography, and blood pressure monitoring throughout the entire procedure.
We also offer nitrous oxide for mild relaxation and oral sedation for moderate anxiety. Recovery from IV sedation takes 1 to 2 hours in the office, and patients go home the same day with a driver. Learn more about our sedation options.
Compare recovery times, outcomes, and patient experiences between laser and traditional periodontal surgery.
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Read article →A week-by-week guide to what you can expect during your LANAP laser therapy recovery.
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Related: Not sure which approach is right for you? Read our detailed comparison of LANAP vs traditional gum surgery to understand the key differences in recovery, outcomes, and candidacy.
Dr. Ahn is certified in advanced LANAP therapy with the latest PerioLase MVP-7
Schedule Your LANAP ConsultationLANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared laser treatment for moderate to severe gum disease. Unlike traditional gum surgery that involves cutting and suturing, LANAP uses a specific Nd:YAG laser wavelength to selectively remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue. It is the only laser protocol scientifically proven to regenerate bone and reattach gum tissue to teeth.
LANAP offers several advantages over traditional osseous surgery: no cutting or suturing, less pain and swelling, faster recovery (most patients return to normal activities the next day), minimal gum recession after treatment, and the ability to regenerate bone. However, traditional surgery may still be recommended for certain cases. Dr. Ahn evaluates each patient individually to determine the best treatment approach.
Many dental insurance plans cover LANAP treatment under periodontal surgery benefits, as it is an FDA-cleared procedure for treating gum disease. Coverage varies by plan. Our office works with most PPO insurance plans and will help verify your benefits before treatment. We also offer financing options for patients without insurance coverage.
LANAP recovery is significantly faster than traditional gum surgery. Most patients can return to work and normal activities the day after treatment. You may experience mild soreness for a few days, manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Full healing of the treated gum tissue occurs over several weeks, with bone regeneration continuing for months after the procedure.
LANAP treatment typically ranges from $1,000-$4,000 per quadrant, depending on the severity of gum disease. Full-mouth LANAP treatment ranges from $4,000-$8,000. Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost under periodontal surgery benefits. We provide detailed cost estimates after your periodontal evaluation and help maximize your insurance benefits. See our Costa Mesa LANAP page for detailed pricing and insurance information.
Patients from across Orange County choose our private, quiet office for LANAP laser gum treatment — with free parking and a calm environment.