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What Are LANAP and LAPIP? (Advanced Laser Procedures for Gum and Implant Health)

What Are LANAP and LAPIP? (Advanced Laser Procedures for Gum and Implant Health)

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects millions across Canada, with about 11% of Canadians experiencing severe cases, according to the Canadian Dental Association. Left untreated, the condition can lead to serious oral health issues, including tooth loss and bone deterioration. 

Traditional treatments often involve invasive surgery, but advancements in dental technology now offer a less invasive, highly effective alternative: the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), more commonly called laser gum surgery

Another similar, innovative treatment available is the Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure (LAPIP), specifically designed to treat peri-implantitis around dental implants. This blog will explore LANAP and LAPIP’s benefits, how they work, and why they are quickly becoming preferred choices for treating advanced gum disease and implant-related issues.

What is LANAP? (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure)

The LANAP procedure is an advanced surgical treatment designed to address periodontitis by promoting tissue regeneration rather than removing tissue

Created in the early 1990s by Dr. Robert H. Gregg II and Dr. Delwin McCarthy, this innovative procedure uses a specialized pulsed neodymium (Nd) laser with a 1064 nm wavelength. 

The laser allows for precise treatment within periodontal pockets, selectively targeting and removing diseased or infected tissue while preserving the healthy connective tissue beneath.

LANAP is generally recommended for patients with significant pocket depth (≥4 mm) as an alternative to traditional surgical methods. 

The LANAP technique is uniquely focused on encouraging the regeneration of new attachments to the tooth’s root. This process helps restore the structural integrity of the periodontium—the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. 

The Nd laser used in LANAP is highly effective at reducing harmful bacteria within the periodontal pockets, vaporizing only the unhealthy lining without harming surrounding tissue

The procedure has FDA clearance, with studies confirming its success in stimulating natural reattachment and bone regeneration (learn more below).

The precision of LANAP lies in its carefully developed protocol, proven effective through clinical research, which provides patients a targeted, less invasive option for addressing advanced gum disease.

What is LAPIP? (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure)

For patients with dental implants, LAPIP offers a targeted solution to treat peri-implantitis, an infection that affects the gums and bone surrounding an implant. Peri-implantitis can compromise the stability and longevity of an implant if untreated. 

LAPIP uses the same laser technology as LANAP but is specifically adapted for the unique needs of implant sites. By targeting and eliminating infected tissue around the implant, LAPIP promotes bone regeneration and helps reestablish a healthy, supportive environment around the implant.

Like LANAP, LAPIP is minimally invasive and aims to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. It allows patients with implants to receive effective, minimally invasive care that can help prevent further bone loss and maintain implant stability.

What the LANAP and LAPIP Procedures Entail

LANAP and LAPIP are methodical, precise treatments designed to tackle periodontal disease and peri-implantitis, respectively. Both procedures involve similar steps but are adapted based on whether the patient’s condition affects natural teeth or dental implants.

Here’s an overview of each critical step involved in the process:

Preparation – Patients with periodontal pockets deeper than 4 mm or peri-implant issues are first anesthetized locally, allowing a thorough examination with a periodontal probe to assess bone damage.

Laser Application (First Pass) – A fine optic fiber tip, measuring 0.3–0.4 microns, is placed along the root surface. The laser operates at 4 watts, delivering short pulses to selectively remove infected tissue while keeping healthy connective tissue intact.

Removing Plaque – Calcified plaque adhered to the root is carefully removed, clearing the way for healthy reattachment.

Selective Photothermolysis – The laser is used with precise settings to target and eliminate inflamed tissue without damaging surrounding structures, promoting hemostasis and tissue ablation.

Laser Application (Second Pass) – With adjusted laser settings, another pass helps form a stable fibrin blood clot that protects the pocket from debris, encouraging healing from within.

Closure – The gingival tissue is compressed against the root surface to seal the pocket firmly, using only a natural clot rather than sutures or glue. Teeth with moderate mobility may be stabilized with a splint.

Occlusal Adjustment – Minor bite adjustments are made to reduce any undue pressure on the treated areas, aiding in long-term recovery.

Post-Procedure Care – Patients receive specific instructions on diet and oral hygiene to support healing. Follow-ups are scheduled at one week, one month, and every three months for ongoing care. Probing is avoided for 6 to 12 months to allow full tissue reattachment.

Note this is just an illustrative description of the LANAP procedure, preparation and recovery. Your periodontist will tailor the procedure depending on the condition of oral and overall health and requirements. 

How Effective Are LANAP and LAPIP?

LANAP & LAPIP offer several key advantages over conventional periodontal surgery, making it an increasingly preferred option for both patients and clinicians. Here’s how LANAP and LAPIP compare to traditional methods in terms of effectiveness:

Minimally Invasive – Both procedures require no cutting or suturing, improving patient comfort.

Reduced Postoperative Pain and Complications – Patients experience less pain and lower morbidity rates compared to traditional surgery, leading to smoother recovery.

Decreased Sensitivity – These procedures are less likely to result in tooth sensitivity, an issue that can be common after conventional periodontal treatments.

Lower Risk of Gum Recession – These procedures minimize the likelihood of gum recession, preserving the natural gum line.

Faster Healing Time – LANAP/LAPIP promote quicker recovery, helping patients resume normal activities sooner.

Regeneration of Tissues Around Natural Teeth and Implants – LANAP encourages tissue regeneration around both natural teeth and dental implants, supporting long-term dental health.

Research conducted in 2007 shows that LANAP is effective in regenerating tissue in areas affected by gum disease. It demonstrated that LANAP-treated areas showed clear tissue regrowth, while untreated areas showed none. 

Can LANAP and LAPIP Help with Bone Regeneration?

LANAP and LAPIP have shown promising results in promoting bone regeneration, particularly in cases of moderate-to-severe periodontitis. 

In a 2009 study, three patients treated with LANAP showed clear bone regrowth in X-rays after using the Nd PerioLase MVP-7 laser.

The LANAP protocol, using the PerioLase MVP-7 laser, has shown significant results in patients with Type IV periodontitis, including new bone formation, periodontal ligament attachment, and overall periodontal stability.

In 2016, the FDA cleared the PerioLase MVP-7 for supporting true regeneration, not just repair, of bone and gum structures. 

LAPIP has demonstrated potential in promoting bone regeneration around dental implants. A retrospective cohort study published in General Dentistry in 2020 evaluated the clinical outcomes of LAPIP in treating peri-implantitis. The study reported consistent and progressive crestal bone fill over a 2-3 year period following the initial treatment, indicating successful bone regeneration in the treated areas.

Can LANAP and LAPIP Regrow Gums?

Yes, both LANAP and LAPIP can promote gum and tissue regrowth. These procedures not only remove harmful bacteria but also encourage new tissue attachment and regeneration around the teeth and implants. The laser helps create an ideal environment for gum and tissue regrowth by promoting blood clot formation, which protects and supports the healing tissue.

Pros and Cons of LANAP and LAPIP 

LANAP and LAPIP offer numerous benefits over traditional gum surgery, however, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

Pros of LANAP and LAPIP

Unlike traditional surgery, LANAP and LAPIP are minimally invasive and don’t involve incisions, meaning there’s minimal swelling, bleeding, or significant pain.

  • Most patients resume normal activities within a day or so, compared to the 2 to 4 weeks needed after conventional surgery.
  • Both LANAP and LAPIP not only remove damaged tissue but also promote natural gum and bone regrowth, crucial for long-term oral and implant health.
  • LANAP and LAPIP often cost about the same as traditional surgery and may be covered by insurance.
  • LANAP encourages tissue reattachment to teeth, reducing the need for extractions in many cases, while LAPIP provides similar benefits for implants, helping to maintain implant stability.
  • Both LANAP and LAPIP are suitable for a wide range of patients, including those with diabetes and certain other health conditions.

Cons of LANAP and LAPIP

  • In advanced cases of periodontitis, LANAP or LAPIP alone may not be sufficient, and traditional surgery could be necessary.

How Much Does LANAP and LAPIP Laser Treatment Cost?

The cost of LANAP and LAPIP treatments can vary based on factors like the severity of the condition, the specific clinic, and geographic location. On average, both LANAP and LAPIP tend to be comparable in price to traditional gum surgery.

Are LANAP and LAPIP Covered by Insurance?

Workplace and personal insurance plans often provide coverage for periodontal treatments, including procedures like LANAP and LAPIP. However, coverage can vary widely, so it’s best to review your specific plan details to understand what’s included.

In Ontario, it’s also important to know that OHIP generally does not cover periodontal or implant-related treatments, as these fall outside of primary health care.

If you are wondering about the costs of LANAP or LAPIP and whether your treatment will be covered, our team will be happy to help. What’s more, we offer affordable payment plans that allow you to receive the treatment you need without having to worry about financial constraints.

Make Your LANAP and LAPIP Investment Count

LANAP and LAPIP can be significant investments financially and personally, making it all the more important that you receive the results you expect. OMG Perio is a highly-rated periodontal clinic in Hamilton that helps people restore their oral health and quality of life.

Dr. Michael Glogauer and our experienced staff take the time to understand your ideal outcomes and tailor treatment plans. Schedule a consultation to understand if LANAP or LAPIP is the right option for you and what results you can expect.