Q: What exactly is LANAP® or LAR laser treatment?
A: LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) and LAR (Laser-Assisted Regeneration) are advanced, FDA-cleared treatments for moderate to severe periodontal disease. These protocols use a specialized dental laser (PerioLase® MVP-7™) to selectively remove diseased tissue, kill bacteria deep in the periodontal pockets, and stimulate your body’s ability to regenerate bone and connective tissue without cutting or stitches.
Q: How is laser gum surgery different from traditional gum surgery?
A: Traditional surgery typically involves cutting away gum tissue and suturing it into a new position. While effective, this can cause gum recession, discomfort, and longer healing times. LANAP/LAR uses a laser to treat infection and preserve healthy tissue. This results in minimal discomfort, reduced gum shrinkage, and faster healing.
Q: Is laser treatment painful?
A: Most patients report little to no pain during or after the procedure. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and post-operative discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Since there’s no cutting or stitching, recovery is generally smoother and more comfortable.
Q: What does recovery look like after laser gum therapy?
A: Recovery is often faster and easier compared to traditional periodontal surgery. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the next. You may experience mild soreness or swelling for a few days. A soft-food diet is usually recommended for about a week while healing takes place.
Q: Can LANAP or LAR regrow bone lost to gum disease?
A: Yes. The LANAP protocol is the only FDA-cleared treatment proven to achieve true regeneration—this includes new bone, ligament, and connective tissue growth. The laser stimulates stem cells in the periodontal ligament to encourage natural regeneration of the supporting structures around teeth.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: Full-mouth LANAP treatment is usually completed in two visits, each lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. A follow-up cleaning and evaluation occur after the initial treatment to ensure optimal healing. For smaller areas, the procedure can be completed in a single visit.
Q: How long do the results last?
A: With proper oral hygiene and routine maintenance visits, the results can be long-lasting. LANAP-treated areas are more resistant to future infection than with traditional treatments. However, periodontal disease is chronic, and long-term success depends on regular professional care and at-home maintenance.
Q: Is laser therapy safe for medically compromised patients?
A: Yes. LANAP is especially beneficial for patients with medical conditions that make surgery riskier—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or those taking blood thinners. Because it is minimally invasive and doesn’t require sutures, it reduces the risk of complications.
Q: Does laser therapy cause gum recession?
A: No. One of the primary benefits of LANAP/LAR is that it preserves healthy gum tissue instead of removing it. This approach helps minimize the risk of gum recession and supports the natural appearance of your smile. However, as inflammation resolves and the gums heal and tighten, teeth may appear slightly longer — not due to recession, but due to restored gum health and tissue tone.
Q: Can LANAP or LAR save loose teeth?
A: Often, yes. Many teeth previously deemed hopeless due to deep pockets and bone loss have been saved using the LANAP protocol. By halting disease progression and stimulating bone regeneration, LANAP offers a second chance for compromised teeth.
Q: Will I still need cleanings after LANAP?
A: Absolutely. Laser therapy is one step in managing periodontal disease. You'll still need professional periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months and excellent daily home care to keep the disease in remission.
Q: Why might I need an occlusal adjustment after LANAP treatment?
A: After LANAP therapy, as the gums heal and tighten, certain teeth continue to bear more pressure than others, this can interfere with healing and potentially cause discomfort or damage.
Think of it like protecting a broken bone: just as you wouldn’t put weight on a healing fracture, we want to keep excessive biting pressure off healing teeth and gums. An occlusal adjustment gently reshapes small contact points on the teeth to rebalance your bite and prevent unnecessary force. It’s a conservative, painless procedure that helps ensure long-term comfort and healing success.
Q: Will the occlusal adjustment change the look of my teeth?
A: No. Occlusal adjustments involve removing only minimal amounts of enamel — typically fractions of a millimeter — from specific points of contact. This does not affect the visible shape or appearance of your teeth and is done with great precision.
Q: How do I know if I need occlusal adjustment?
A: Dr. Sakhai will evaluate your bite before and after treatment. If there's evidence of trauma from the bite — such as tooth mobility, wear facets, or discomfort when biting — an occlusal adjustment may be recommended. Some patients need it early in the healing phase, while others may require it after tissue tightening has occurred.
Q: Is the adjustment permanent?
A: In most cases, yes. However, in some situations — especially if there are pre-existing bite imbalances, grinding habits, or shifting teeth — periodic evaluation and minor refinements may be needed.
Q: Is laser gum treatment covered by insurance?
A: Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for LANAP/LAR under periodontal therapy codes, similar to traditional surgery. Our office will gladly help verify your benefits and provide a pre-treatment estimate.
Q: How do I know if I’m a good candidate for LANAP?
A: Ideal candidates have moderate to severe periodontitis with pocketing, bone loss, or gum inflammation. If you’ve been told you need gum surgery, or if you’re looking for a more comfortable and regenerative alternative, you may benefit from laser therapy. A consultation and exam with our periodontist will help determine the best course of care.
Occlusal Guard After LANAP – FAQ
Q: Why might I need a nightguard after LANAP?
A: After LANAP, your gums and bone are healing and reattaching to your teeth. A nightguard helps protect this healing process by preventing damage caused by clenching or grinding, especially while you sleep.
Q: What exactly does a nightguard do?
A: A nightguard (also called an occlusal guard) cushions your teeth and reduces the pressure caused by grinding or clenching. This helps prevent irritation, loosening of teeth, or damage to the healing gum tissue.
Q: I don’t think I grind my teeth — do I still need one?
A: Many people grind or clench their teeth without realizing it, often at night. We may recommend a nightguard based on your bite, any signs of wear, or how your teeth respond after treatment — even if you don’t notice grinding.
Q: How does this help with healing?
A: Think of it like protecting a broken bone — if you keep putting pressure on it, it can’t heal properly. Your gums and bone need a stable environment to regenerate after LANAP, and the nightguard helps create that by minimizing unnecessary forces.
Q: When and how should I wear the guard?
A: Typically, you'll wear it at night while you sleep. In some cases, we may advise daytime wear during high-stress periods. We’ll provide specific instructions based on your situation.
Q: Is it comfortable to wear?
A: Yes. A custom nightguard is made to fit your teeth precisely. Most patients find it easy to get used to and appreciate the added comfort and protection.