Understanding Gum Disease and Why Treatment Matters
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, affects nearly half of American adults over the age of 30. Left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss. Beyond oral health, periodontal disease has also been linked to systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions.
Traditionally, advanced gum disease required surgical intervention—procedures that often involved cutting and suturing the gums. However, advancements in dental technology have introduced a new standard of care: LANAP laser therapy, a minimally invasive, FDA-approved treatment that targets the source of infection while preserving healthy tissue.
What Is LANAP Laser Therapy?
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. This cutting-edge periodontal treatment uses a specialized laser to remove bacteria and diseased tissue from the gum pockets around your teeth—without the need for scalpels or stitches.
At Littleton Implant & Periodontics, our team utilizes LANAP to help patients achieve healthier gums, less discomfort, and faster recovery compared to conventional surgery. The laser selectively targets inflamed tissue and harmful bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact, allowing your body to naturally regenerate new bone and gum attachment around the teeth.
Key Benefits of LANAP
1. Minimally Invasive and Comfortable
LANAP requires no incisions or sutures, significantly reducing post-operative discomfort, swelling, and bleeding.
2. Faster Healing and Recovery
Because the laser stimulates your body’s natural healing response, recovery time is often shorter compared to traditional gum surgery.
3. Preservation of Healthy Tissue
The precision of LANAP ensures only diseased tissue is removed, helping to maintain the natural structure and integrity of your gums.
4. Proven Clinical Results
LANAP is the only laser treatment cleared by the FDA for true regeneration of bone and connective tissue around teeth affected by periodontitis.
5. Reduced Risk of Infection
The laser sterilizes the treatment area, dramatically reducing the risk of infection during healing.
The LANAP Procedure: What to Expect
- Assessment and Diagnosis:
During your consultation at our Littleton office, our periodontist will perform a thorough examination and take digital X-rays to assess the extent of gum disease. - Laser Treatment:
The LANAP laser fiber—about the thickness of three human hairs—is gently inserted between the tooth and gum to remove bacteria and diseased tissue. - Tartar Removal:
Once the infected tissue is removed, ultrasonic instruments are used to eliminate hardened tartar deposits. - Laser Sealing:
The laser is then used again to create a stable clot that seals the pocket, allowing healing to begin immediately. - Recovery and Follow-Up:
Most patients return to normal activities the next day, with minimal pain or downtime. Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and long-term gum stability.
Who Is a Candidate for LANAP?
LANAP is ideal for patients diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontal disease who want a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. It’s especially beneficial for those who:
- Have medical conditions that make surgery riskier
- Experience anxiety about dental procedures
- Want to preserve their natural teeth as long as possible
If you’ve been told you need gum surgery, LANAP may be the safer, more comfortable alternative.
Why Choose Littleton Implant & Periodontics
Our periodontists combine advanced technology with decades of expertise in dental implantology and periodontal care. We’re proud to offer LANAP therapy as part of our commitment to precision, comfort, and long-term oral health for our patients throughout Littleton and the greater Denver area.
From early diagnosis to full-mouth rehabilitation, our clinic provides comprehensive, evidence-based care in a professional and compassionate environment.
Schedule a LANAP Consultation in Littleton, CO
Don’t wait until gum disease progresses further. Contact Littleton Implant & Periodontics today to schedule your LANAP consultation and learn how laser periodontal therapy can help restore your gum health—comfortably and effectively.