Laser Periodontal Therapy · Washington, DC
LANAP Laser Periodontal Therapy in Washington, DC
Laser-assisted periodontal therapy for qualified cases — minimally invasive, faster healing, no scalpel, no sutures.
Direct answer
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a laser-based treatment for gum disease that replaces traditional cut-and-stitch gum surgery in qualified cases. It uses a specific laser to remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue.
Why it matters: Many patients who avoid gum disease treatment because they fear surgery are candidates for LANAP — which has no scalpel, no sutures, and a recovery that most patients describe as easier than they expected.
Why see a periodontist: LANAP requires specific certification and a particular laser. Not every periodontist offers it. The technique is highly operator-dependent.
Next step in DC: DC Perio offers LANAP at both Washington, DC locations for qualified cases. A consultation determines whether your specific gum disease pattern is appropriate for laser therapy or whether traditional surgery is the better option.
How LANAP works
A specific PerioLase MVP-7 laser is used to selectively remove diseased gum tissue and bacteria while preserving healthy tissue. The laser also stimulates the body's regenerative response in the treated area.
Treatment is typically completed in two sessions, treating one side of the mouth per visit. No cutting. No sutures.
Who is a candidate
Patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis who would otherwise be candidates for traditional gum surgery.
Patients with bleeding gums, deepened pockets, and bone loss confirmed by exam and imaging.
Patients who want a less invasive alternative to scalpel surgery and are committed to the maintenance routine afterward.
Not every case is a LANAP candidate. We tell you honestly at consultation whether your specific pattern fits.
What to expect on treatment day
Local anesthesia. Most patients are comfortable throughout.
Approximately two hours per session. The treated side is cleaned, lased, and any tartar below the gum is removed.
You leave the office and resume light activity. Many patients return to work the next day.
Recovery and aftercare
Soft-food diet for several days. Avoid the hardest, crunchiest, or stickiest foods until the tissue settles.
Mild swelling and tenderness is common; significant pain is not typical.
Follow-up visits at one week and one month to confirm the tissue is healing as expected.
Common questions
Frequently asked about lanap
- What does LANAP stand for?
- LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is a specific patented protocol using the PerioLase MVP-7 laser to treat moderate to advanced periodontal disease without traditional scalpel surgery.
- Is LANAP less painful than traditional gum surgery?
- Most patients report less post-operative discomfort than they expect, and significantly less than traditional flap surgery. Local anesthesia is used during treatment. Recovery is typically faster.
- Will my insurance cover LANAP?
- Coverage varies by carrier and plan. Some plans cover LANAP at the same rate as traditional periodontal surgery; others treat it as a separate procedure. Our team reviews your specific coverage during the consultation.
- Can gum disease come back after LANAP?
- Periodontal disease is chronic. LANAP stabilizes the active infection and supports the body's healing. Without consistent maintenance, recurrence is possible — the same as with any periodontal treatment.
Your care team
Related care
Ready to talk through your options?
A consultation reviews your specific case and gives you honest options — not a pitch.