8 Steps of the LANAP Laser Periodontal Therapy Process

Periodontal treatment doesn’t have to disrupt your life. The PerioLase (LANAP®) protocol has completely transformed this reality through advanced laser technology that achieves exceptional results with minimal downtime. While traditional approaches often require patients to modify their schedules for days or weeks, most PerioLase (LANAP®) recipients return to normal activities within 24 hours. This remarkable difference comes from sophisticated technology that precisely targets diseased tissue while stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.

At Enso Dental Arts, Dr. Kevin Chen specializes in this innovative procedure that has fundamentally changed how patients experience gum disease therapy. By understanding the specific steps involved in PerioLase (LANAP®) treatment, you’ll discover why this has beome the only FDA-approved protocol and the preferred option for those seeking effective periodontal care with minimal disruption to their daily routines.

Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation

The PerioLase (LANAP®) process begins with a thorough assessment of your periodontal health. During this evaluation, Dr. Chen will examine your gums, measure pocket depths around each tooth, assess bone levels through digital radiographs, and document any inflammation or bleeding. This detailed examination helps determine if you’re an appropriate candidate for PerioLase (LANAP®) therapy and establishes baseline measurements to track your progress throughout treatment.

Advanced diagnostic tools like our intraoral scanner allow us to create detailed digital records of your current condition. These precise measurements help Dr. Chen develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and monitor improvements following the procedure.

Preparation for the Procedure

Before beginning PerioLase (LANAP®) treatment, we ensure your comfort by administering local anesthetic. One significant advantage of laser therapy is that it typically requires less anesthesia than traditional surgery. We take time to make sure you’re completely comfortable before proceeding with any treatment.

We’ll also review pre-procedure instructions, which may include guidance on medications and what to expect during your appointment. Most PerioLase (LANAP®) treatments can be completed in two appointments, with each session addressing one half of the mouth. This approach maximizes comfort and allows for better post-treatment care.

First Laser Pass: Removing Diseased Tissue

The PerioLase (LANAP®) procedure begins with the first application of the laser. Dr. Chen carefully inserts the fiber optic tip between the tooth and gum, directing the laser energy to target and eliminate bacteria and diseased tissue within the periodontal pocket.

What makes this step remarkable is the laser’s selectivity. The specific wavelength used in PerioLase (LANAP®) therapy specifically targets darkly pigmented bacteria and diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue untouched. This precision means significantly less trauma to your gums compared with traditional surgery, where healthy tissue is often affected during the removal of diseased areas.

Ultrasonic Scaling: Removing Tartar Deposits

Following the initial laser pass, Dr. Chen uses specialized ultrasonic instruments to remove calculus (tartar) deposits from the root surfaces. These deposits cannot be eliminated by the laser alone and must be physically removed to create a clean surface that promotes healing and reattachment of the gums.

The ultrasonic scaler breaks up and removes these hardened deposits through high-frequency vibrations, without the aggressive scraping associated with traditional tools. This step is essential for creating a biologically compatible surface where healthy gum tissue can reattach to the tooth.

Second Laser Pass: Forming a Blood Clot

After removing tartar deposits, Dr. Chen performs a second laser pass with different settings. This crucial step creates a stable fibrin clot that seals the pocket against bacterial reinfection and provides a protected environment for healing to occur.

The laser energy stimulates the formation of this biological seal while also promoting tissue regeneration. This closed, protected environment allows for the body’s natural healing process to progress without interference from oral bacteria—a significant advantage over traditional surgical approaches, where the treated area remains exposed.

Bite Adjustment

The final step in the immediate procedure involves checking and adjusting your bite if necessary. Traumatic bite forces can contribute to periodontal disease progression and potentially interfere with the healing process following PerioLase (LANAP®) therapy.

Dr. Chen will carefully evaluate how your teeth come together and make precise adjustments to eliminate any excessive forces that might compromise your treatment results. This attention to occlusal harmony helps ensure optimal conditions for healing and long-term periodontal stability.

Recovery and Follow-Up Care

Unlike traditional periodontal surgery, which often requires significant downtime, most patients experience minimal discomfort following PerioLase (LANAP®) treatment. You’ll receive specific post-procedure instructions, which typically include guidance on oral hygiene, temporary dietary modifications, and any medication recommendations.

Most people can return to their normal activities within 24 hours, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days. Some mild sensitivity is normal but typically resolves quickly. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and provide any necessary adjustments to your home care routine.

Long-Term Maintenance

Successful periodontal therapy requires ongoing maintenance to preserve results. Dr. Chen will recommend a personalized schedule for periodic evaluations and professional cleanings, typically at 3-4 month intervals initially.

These maintenance visits allow us to monitor your periodontal health, provide professional cleaning that reaches areas impossible to access at home, and make early interventions if any signs of disease recurrence appear. With proper home care and regular professional maintenance, the results from PerioLase (LANAP®) therapy can be maintained for many years.

Experience the PerioLase (LANAP®) Difference at Enso Dental Arts

The PerioLase (LANAP®) procedure offers a sophisticated approach to treating periodontal disease with minimal discomfort and excellent results. At Enso Dental Arts, our team is committed to providing this advanced care in a comfortable, supportive environment.

If you’re struggling with gum disease or have been told you need traditional periodontal surgery, PerioLase (LANAP®) therapy may provide a less invasive alternative with remarkable benefits. Contact our Albertson office today at (516) 484-2676 or schedule a consultation online to learn if this innovative treatment is right for you.