Laser Periodontal Therapy (LPT or LANAP)

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Laser periodontal therapy with the Nd:YAG laser has been used in our office since 2005. This form of gum surgery has taken the place of more traditional flap surgery for many of our patients. We regard laser therapy as a minimally-invasive technique. In our hands, the results of this treatment are equivalent if not superior to more traditional methods when we chose to use it. The goal of laser periodontal treatment is to save patient’s teeth. We achieve that goal by removing inflammation, decreasing pockets, and stopping (or sometimes reversing) bone loss. We find that our patients generally have very little discomfort with laser surgery.

As opposed to traditional flap surgery, laser surgery uses the unique properties of laser energy to remove the infected, inflamed epithelial lining of periodontal pockets. The laser energy also disinfects the surgical site while minimizing bleeding. Once the infected tooth roots are cleaned, the laser promotes a stable fibrin clot which allows a unique reattachment of the gums to the tooth root, thereby decreasing the depth of the periodontal pockets. Many times, regeneration of the lost support of the tooth can also be achieved.