Laser Therapy

LANAP is an acronym which stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. By using the Periolase MVP-7 laser, we are able to generate more bone and tissue attachment around severely compromised dentition. The LANAP protocol is a relatively painless procedure. Most patients experience little to no discomfort and depending on your individual pain tolerance, you can expect to return to work the day after surgery.

There is no cure for periodontal disease, the goal of the LANAP treatment is to reverse some of the effects of the disease and to help you maintain a healthy mouth.

Not all lasers are created equal. The pyramid of effectiveness hierarchy puts Periolase MVP-7 as the kingpin of all lasers. It is the next generation of the rapidly transforming landscape of periodontal treatment methods. Periolase has transformed the way periodontists treat advancing gum disease. The unique ability of the laser to target gum disease causing bacteria allows the laser to focus purely on diseased tissue yet completely sterilizes the environment allowing your own body a fighting chance to begin regeneration.

The Periolase MVP-7 is the 7th and the latest generation of gum disease treatment technology. The 6-watt running variable pulsed Nd:YAG dental laser is upgraded with digital technology that allows pinpoint controlled delivery of laser energy. 7 pulsed durations - the most of any type of dental laser - allows this machine the most robust and complete treatment repertoire.

Target use: Periodontal disease, aggressive periodontal infection, failing implants, gum pocket regeneration

Treatment of Gum disease is extremely important because of the systemic and bodily harm that can occur if gum disease is left untreated. In addition to the concern related to tooth loss from gum disease (75% of teeth lost after the age of 35 is due to gum disease), Periodontal disease has been shown to be a major risk factor for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s related changes. The mechanism that causes Periodontal disease to exacerbate these issues is due to the elevated level of chronic inflammation that occurs and accompanies periodontal disease. 

The treatment of gum disease can take many forms including deep scaling and root planning, pocket reduction surgery and laser assisted options. 

Over the last decade the advent of lasers specific to the treatment of gum disease has changed what was once a scary and intimidating procedure into one that has a higher degree of predictability, less pain following treatment and causes dramatically less change to the appearance of the gums following treatment. This treatment called LANAP (LASER ASSISTED NEW ATTACHMENT PROCEDURE) is the only FDA approved treatment protocol for the treatment of gum disease. 

Dr. Jessica Hsu is a certified LANAP doctor. As a periodontist, she is uniquely qualified to offer this service which on average results in a 50-90% reduction in pocket depths around teeth and implants following treatment.