Treatment options
- Laser Pocket Disinfection
For selected gum concerns - LANAP®
For periodontal disease - LAPIP®
For implant complications
LANAP® LASER GUM TREATMENT
LANAP Laser Gum Treatment in Milpitas
Save Your Natural Teeth. Healthier Gums. Stronger Smiles.
Advanced, minimally invasive laser treatment for gum disease with Dr. Larry Napolitano in Milpitas. If you are worried about losing a tooth, we aim to help you save your natural teeth.
Benefits
- PRESERVE NATURAL TEETH
- MINIMALLY INVASIVE
- CERTIFIED LANAP PROVIDER
TREATMENT GOAL
Save Your Natural Teeth
Healthier Gums. Stronger Smiles. Our goal with LANAP® laser gum treatment is to help you keep your own teeth, using a minimally invasive approach with Dr. Larry Napolitano.
What is LANAP laser gum surgery?
LANAP® stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is a laser-based protocol used to treat periodontal (gum) disease, and it is one option among several.
Gum disease occurs when harmful bacteria build up beneath the gumline and cause inflammation and damage to the gums and bone that support your teeth. If it is left untreated, it may progress to gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss.
LANAP uses a specialized PerioLase® laser to treat tissue within periodontal pockets and reduce bacteria, while aiming to preserve healthy surrounding tissue.
An exam determines whether deep cleaning, laser treatment, surgery, or another approach may be appropriate. LANAP is not right for everyone, and no procedure guarantees that a tooth or implant will be saved.
Educational artwork, not a clinical before-and-after result. Individual results vary.
How Does LANAP Work?
LANAP treats the tissues supporting natural teeth. This simplified diagram illustrates the protocol, not an expected result. Healing varies, and regeneration or preservation is not guaranteed.
1. Evaluate your gum health
Dr. Larry Napolitano examines your gums, measures periodontal pockets, and reviews dental X-rays to assess bone support.
2. Treat the gum pockets
The PerioLase® laser is used as part of the protocol to address diseased tissue and reduce bacteria beneath the gumline.
3. Clean the tooth roots
Specialized instruments remove hardened deposits and bacterial buildup from the root surfaces.
4. Support healing
The laser is used again as part of the protocol to support clot formation and tissue healing. Healing and results vary.
LANAP: an illustrated treatment overview
This graphic is for illustrative purposes only and is not a technical representation of the LANAP® protocol. Usage without permission is prohibited. © 2015 MDT, Inc. © 2015 IALD. All rights reserved.
The three goals of gum disease treatment
The three goals of gum disease treatment: calm inflammation, reduce pocket depth, and slow or stop attachment and bone loss.
1. Reduce or eliminate inflammation
The bacteria, and the endotoxins produced by the bacteria, start the infection in your body. Your gums become redder, not pink, and may swell. Generally, reducing or eliminating inflammation means your body is winning the fight against the disease.
2. Decrease pocket depth
As gum disease progresses, the microscopic ligaments that bind your teeth to your gums become broken and 'pockets' form. The 'pocket' is the space between your tooth and gum. As you can imagine, loose particles of food may get stuck in these pockets and make the bacterial infection worse.
3. Stop/slow attachment and bone loss
The microscopic ligaments that bind the teeth to the gum tissue and bone are commonly referred to as 'attachment.' The goal is to stop or slow the ligaments breaking. In severe cases of gum disease, the alveolar bone is also eaten away. Alveolar bone is the bone that holds your teeth; when it is eaten away your teeth will become loose and may fall out.
ADVANCED TRAINING. PERSONALIZED CARE.
Meet Dr. Larry Napolitano
Your periodontal care begins with a careful evaluation and a clear conversation about which options fit your needs.
Dr. Napolitano is a Fellow of the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, where LANAP training goes beyond the classroom. The year-long program combines hands-on learning with live-patient treatment, culminating in a LANAP proficiency certificate and fellowship upon completion of the final phase.
For you, that means care from a dentist with dedicated, practical training in the LANAP protocol—and a treatment plan built around your individual needs.
Credentials and experience
- Since 1984
practicing dentistry - Since August 2025
performing LANAP® and LAPIP® - Certified provider
in both LANAP® and LAPIP® protocols
A SEPARATE IMPLANT-CARE OPTION
LAPIP® for implant concerns
Dr. Napolitano is certified in LAPIP and provides LAPIP laser treatment. The section below explains when an implant-focused evaluation may be appropriate and how LAPIP fits into care.
Signs and symptoms of gum disease
Gum disease can be quiet at first. If you notice any of these signs, an exam can help identify what's happening beneath the gumline.
What can contribute to gum disease?
Plaque bacteria can irritate the gums. Without effective daily cleaning and professional care, inflammation may affect the supporting tissues around teeth. Smoking, some health conditions and medicines, and individual risk factors can also influence gum health.
When should I seek an evaluation?
Arrange a dental visit for persistent bleeding, swelling, gum recession, or changes in how your teeth fit together. Pus, increasing pain, or a loose tooth should be assessed promptly. Symptoms alone cannot determine the stage; a clinician may measure gum pockets and review X-rays.
Signs and symptoms
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
Healthy gums do not usually bleed.
Bleeding is often an early sign of inflammation. - Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that look darker red than pink, or feel sore, may be fighting an infection. - Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Bacteria trapped below the gumline can cause odor that does not go away with brushing. - Gums pulling away from teeth
Teeth may look longer, or you may notice small spaces where gum used to be. - Teeth that feel loose or shift
Bone and ligaments hold teeth in place. When they are affected, teeth can move. - Pus or discomfort when chewing
These can point to deeper infection and should be checked promptly.
OPTIONAL CLEANING ADJUNCT
Laser Pocket Disinfection (LPD)
LPD uses a dental laser to help reduce bacteria within periodontal pockets. This short, optional treatment typically takes about 10 minutes and may be offered alongside a professional cleaning. It is distinct from LANAP and does not replace a needed deep cleaning or comprehensive periodontal treatment. Results vary; additional benefits beyond conventional care are not guaranteed.
Optional adjunct · Separate fee
LPD is generally not covered by dental insurance. The team will discuss the fee, whether it may be appropriate, and obtain your consent before treatment. It does not replace routine cleanings.
LPD: Laser Pocket Disinfection
Current fee
First site $55 · Each additional site $25
A closer look at Laser Pocket Disinfection
These supplied educational illustrations simplify how laser light interacts with tissue and bacteria. LPD is an optional cleaning adjunct—not the LANAP protocol for advanced gum disease.
Tissue response depends on the laser, settings, and clinical technique. This illustration does not mean healthy tissue can never be affected.
The clinical goal is bacterial reduction—not complete elimination of bacteria, toxins, or infection. Additional benefits beyond conventional care are not guaranteed.
The laser light passes through the healthy tissues
...targets and destroys bacteria and toxins that cause inflammation and gum disease.
What is gum disease?
Watch this educational overview. Your dentist can evaluate your gums and explain what your individual symptoms may mean.
Having one of these signs does not confirm advanced gum disease. Deep pockets or bone loss may not be obvious at home; your dentist can measure pocket depth and use X-rays to assess bone support.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Scaling & root planing (deep cleaning)
During scaling and root planing (SRP), your dental team uses hand or ultrasonic instruments to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) below the gumline and clean the root surfaces. Your dentist may recommend an antibacterial gel or prescribe a rinse when appropriate.
Benefits
SRP is a well-established nonsurgical treatment for periodontitis that helps reduce bacteria and gum inflammation.
What to watch for
Temporary discomfort or tooth sensitivity may occur. SRP reduces bacteria but does not guarantee that gum disease is fully controlled. Follow-up assessment helps determine whether additional periodontal treatment is needed.
Scaling removes plaque and tartar deposits; root planing cleans the affected root surfaces beneath the gums.
LANAP BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS
Benefits and limitations of LANAP
Why Patients Consider LANAP
- 1. Preserve natural teeth when possible. LANAP aims to treat gum disease and support the tissues around natural teeth. Saving a tooth cannot be guaranteed.
- 2. Typically no scalpel or sutures. It is typically performed without traditional scalpel incisions or sutures. Your dentist will confirm what applies to your plan.
- 3. Targeted laser technology. The laser is used to address diseased tissue and harmful bacteria in periodontal pockets. It does not mean all bacteria or infection are eliminated.
- 4. Potential for supporting-tissue healing. Regenerative healing has been documented in selected cases. This does not mean every patient will regrow lost bone.
- 5. Personalized evaluation. Your dentist evaluates gum health, bone support, and options before recommending care.
Limitations to know about
- It is not suitable for every patient or every stage of disease.
- Results vary, and gum disease can return without ongoing home care and checkups.
- Some patients may still need other treatment, such as deep cleaning or traditional surgery.
- Soreness, swelling, bleeding, and tooth sensitivity can occur. Your dentist will discuss risks specific to your health and treatment plan.
EDUCATIONAL EXAMPLES · INDIVIDUAL RESULTS VARY
Before & after: X-ray examples
Review recovery precautions and when to contact the office. Read about FDA clearance, regeneration, and the clinical evidence in the FAQ.
If you are concerned about gum disease, schedule a periodontal evaluation to learn whether LANAP may be appropriate for you.
These supplied comparisons show pre-operative and follow-up X-rays at the intervals labeled in the images. They illustrate individual examples, not typical or guaranteed results.
X-rays alone do not establish periodontal regeneration or predict your outcome. Your dentist interprets them alongside an examination and gum measurements. These examples do not guarantee bone regrowth, tooth preservation, or freedom from further treatment.
Image credit: Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., as shown in the original watermarks. These educational images are not presented as cases treated by Dr. Napolitano.
Example 1 · 7 months follow-up
PRE-OP
7 MONTHS POST
Left: before treatment. Right: 7 months afterward, as labeled in the supplied image.
Example 2 · 1 year follow-up
PRE-OP
1 YEAR POST
Left: before treatment. Right: 1 year afterward, as labeled in the supplied image.
Example 3 · 1 year follow-up
PRE-OP
1 YEAR POST
Left: before treatment. Right: 1 year afterward, as labeled in the supplied image.
LANAP versus traditional gum surgery
Neither is best for everyone. Your exam findings, bone support, and goals guide the choice.
| Compare | LANAP | Traditional gum surgery |
|---|---|---|
| What it involves | A laser and instruments are used to treat periodontal pockets. Traditional scalpel incisions and sutures are typically not required. | Depending on the procedure, the gums may be opened with incisions so the dentist can access the roots or address bone. Sutures may be used. |
| Pain and comfort | Local anesthesia is typically used. Soreness, swelling, bleeding, or tooth sensitivity can occur. Less pain or faster recovery is not guaranteed. | Local anesthesia is typically used. Soreness, swelling, bleeding, or tooth sensitivity can occur during healing; experiences vary. |
| Recovery | Healing time and home-care instructions depend on the treatment plan and individual response. Ask what to expect in your case. | Recovery depends on the procedure and individual response. Your dentist will explain eating, cleaning, and follow-up instructions. |
| Effectiveness | May be appropriate for some patients after an exam. Results depend on the disease and ongoing care. | May be appropriate when the exam indicates a need for surgical access or another procedure. Results depend on the disease and ongoing care. |
| Cost and insurance | Cost depends on the treatment needed, provider fees, and insurance coverage. Request a written estimate and check your benefits. | Cost depends on the procedure, provider fees, and insurance coverage. Request a written estimate and check your benefits. |
| Could it avoid traditional surgery? | It may be an alternative for some patients, but it cannot guarantee that surgery or other treatment will not be needed. | It may be recommended when it best fits the exam findings or when another approach is needed. |
A minimally invasive approach
Dr. Napolitano can review your oral health, bone support, and goals before recommending care. No procedure guarantees tooth preservation or bone regrowth.
LANAP typically avoids traditional scalpel incisions and sutures. These English and Spanish graphics describe that usual approach. Their “no fear” slogan is not a promise of pain-free or risk-free care: soreness, bleeding, swelling, and other complications can occur.
English
- Typically no scalpel incisions or sutures; not a promise of no pain or risks.
Español
- Generalmente sin incisiones con bisturí ni suturas; no significa que esté libre de dolor o riesgos.
PerioLase® Nd:YAG technology
Advanced Laser Technology Designed for Precise Gum Disease Treatment
The PerioLase® laser used in LANAP® treatment is designed to interact with specific components of gum tissue, including pigments found in blood and inflamed tissues.
Unlike lasers that primarily target water, the PerioLase uses a specialized wavelength of light delivered in controlled pulses. This allows Dr. Larry Napolitano to treat diseased gum tissue while working to preserve as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible.
Why Does This Matter for Patients?
- Targeted treatment: Helps remove diseased tissue and reduce bacteria within periodontal pockets.
- Preservation of healthy tissue: Designed to limit unnecessary removal of healthy gum tissue.
- Controlled laser energy: Short pulses and adjustable settings help manage how laser energy interacts with tissue.
- Minimally invasive approach: LANAP generally avoids the traditional scalpel incisions and stitches used in some periodontal surgeries.
- Supports periodontal healing: When combined with thorough root cleaning and appropriate follow-up care, LANAP can help improve periodontal health.
The science behind LANAP
Published human studies have examined both gum-health measurements and healing tissue. They offer useful evidence, but each has limits.
Research on laser gum treatment is still developing, and we’ll explain what it can and can’t do for you.
Study PDFs are hosted by Millennium Dental Technologies, the device manufacturer. Some cited studies report manufacturer funding or author relationships; the papers describe these disclosures.
The clinical follow-up studies above are additional evidence. The 2022 study was published after the 2016 clearance.
These studies do not establish that LANAP is broadly superior to conventional periodontal treatment. Your evaluation and treatment options matter more than a promise of a particular result.
For a professional perspective on the debate: Farran (2025), professional commentary (article). This is commentary, not a clinical trial.
9-month follow-up: Nevins and colleagues (2014)
A small prospective study followed eight patients for nine months and reported improvements in average gum-pocket depth and gum attachment measurements. It was not a randomized comparison with conventional treatment.
1-year case series: Yukna (2022)
A review of 22 consecutive patients reported improved pocket depths and other gum-health measures at 12–18 months. This was a retrospective case series—a look back at patient records—not a randomized trial.
Human tissue studies and FDA clearance
Studies published in the International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry examined treated tissue under a microscope and documented new attachment and, in some sites, periodontal regeneration. The FDA’s 2016 PerioLase clearance summary describes nine-month human tissue-study findings. Clearance applies to the device’s specified uses; it is not FDA approval or a guarantee that every patient will regrow lost bone.
Advanced technology with a personalized approach.
At Your New Dentist, Dr. Larry Napolitano is certified in the LANAP® and LAPIP® laser protocols and has been performing these treatments since August 2025. He has practiced dentistry since 1984.
Dr. Napolitano evaluates each patient’s gum health, bone support, and individual treatment needs to determine whether laser periodontal treatment is appropriate.
Schedule a consultation to learn whether LANAP laser gum treatment may be right for you.
BEYOND GUM AND IMPLANT TREATMENT
Other uses of the PerioLase® laser
Selected soft-tissue procedures are distinct from LANAP for gum disease, LAPIP for tissues around implants, and supplemental LPD. Ask which services are available and appropriate for your needs.
Have a bump in your mouth that keeps getting in the way?
Fibroma Removal: Laser vs. Traditional Surgery
A fibroma is a smooth, firm, benign bump of tissue, most often on the cheek, lip, or tongue. Oral irritation fibromas commonly form where tissue has been repeatedly irritated, such as by cheek biting, a rough edge, or an ill-fitting denture. The bump may persist and keep getting bitten. Removal is often a short procedure; traditional scalpel surgery and laser removal are two options. An examination and diagnosis come first, because other growths can look similar and not every bump is suitable for laser removal.
Either way: tissue analysis and healing
Whether removed with a laser or another technique, the tissue should be sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis to confirm the diagnosis. A growth should not be assumed to be a harmless fibroma based on appearance alone.
Healing may take about one to two weeks, but can take longer depending on the size and location of the area and your individual healing. Your dentist will explain the expected course and follow-up care.
Traditional removal (scalpel)
- The dentist numbs the area, removes the growth with a scalpel, and may close the site with stitches.
- Bleeding during the procedure is expected and managed with appropriate bleeding-control measures.
- A follow-up visit may be needed to remove stitches if non-dissolving sutures are used.
- A long-established, reliable method when appropriate for the lesion.
Laser removal (PerioLase MVP-7)
- The area is numbed, and the laser removes the growth using focused light energy.
- Laser energy can help seal small blood vessels and limit bleeding, but bleeding can still occur.
- Stitches may not be needed, depending on the growth and the procedure.
- Recovery may involve mild soreness, but comfort varies. Your dentist will advise which over-the-counter pain-relief options are safe for your health and medications.
- If you are nervous about surgery or take blood thinners, discuss this at your evaluation. Laser removal may be an option, but suitability depends on your medical history and bleeding risk.
Content notice: Shows an actual dental procedure and oral tissue removal. Playback does not start automatically.
Open the fibroma removal videoWatch on YouTube (new tab)Video: “Fibroma Removal with PerioLase MVP 7,” published by PerioLase4LANAP. This is third-party educational footage, not presented as a case treated by Dr. Napolitano or a guarantee of a particular result.
Laser Treatment for Hemangiomas and Vascular Lesions of the Mouth and Lips
A hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth made of blood vessel cells. Hemangiomas and other vascular lesions in the mouth may appear as soft, bluish-purple or red bumps on the lip, tongue, or cheek. Many are painless, but they can bleed if bitten or bumped, become irritated by eating or brushing, or cause cosmetic concerns. Similar-looking bumps can have other causes.
For selected vascular lesions, focused laser energy can help coagulate, or seal, small blood vessels within the lesion. This may help reduce the lesion and limit bleeding without traditional scalpel removal. Bleeding can still occur, and other treatments may be needed.
Who may be a good candidate?
Patients with a diagnosed benign vascular lesion that bleeds, gets bitten or irritated, or causes cosmetic concerns may wish to discuss laser treatment. A less-invasive approach may be an option for selected lesions. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, size, location, and your medical history; observation, another treatment, or specialist care may be more appropriate.
Don't ignore a new growth.
Any new or changing bump in your mouth should be examined by a dentist. Call Dr. Napolitano at (408) 263-6694 to schedule an evaluation.
What patients can expect
- A thorough examination first to assess the diagnosis and whether laser treatment is appropriate. Additional assessment or specialist referral may be needed; appearance alone cannot confirm that a lesion is benign.
- Local anesthetic to numb the area, as appropriate to your treatment plan.
- Procedure time varies. Stitches may not be needed, depending on the lesion and treatment.
- Soreness or swelling afterward. Over-the-counter pain relief may be appropriate, but your dentist will advise which options are safe for your health and medications.
- Healing over the following days to weeks, sometimes longer depending on the lesion and treatment. Follow-up care or additional treatment may be needed.
Content notice: Shows clinical treatment of a lip lesion. Playback does not start automatically.
Open the lip-lesion treatment videoWatch on YouTube (new tab)Video: “Hemangioma Removal with PerioLase Nd:YAG laser,” published by Wesley Haddix (@DrHaddix). This is third-party educational footage, not presented as a case treated by Dr. Napolitano or a guarantee of a particular result.
Dr. Larry Napolitano · Fellow of the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD)
Hemostasis (bleeding control)
Hemostasis means controlling bleeding. This educational video demonstrates the PerioLase MVP-7 being used for bleeding control during dental care. The appropriate method depends on the procedure and the patient’s medical history; other measures may still be needed.
Hemostasis is discussed here as a separate use of the laser. It does not mean that LANAP or other dental surgery is bloodless.
Questions about laser treatment? Call (408) 263-6694 or request an appointment online.
Content notice: Shows an actual dental procedure and bleeding. Playback does not start automatically.
Open the hemostasis videoWatch on YouTube (new tab)Video: “Hemostasis with the PerioLase MVP-7,” published by PerioLase4LANAP. This is third-party educational footage, not presented as a case treated by Dr. Napolitano or a guarantee of a particular result.
Can I have gum surgery or an extraction if I take blood thinners?
Often, yes. We review your medical history at your consultation and plan your care around your health. Never stop a blood thinner on your own.
Will I still need stitches?
Sometimes. It depends on the procedure and how much bleeding occurs, and we'll tell you what to expect ahead of time.
Does it hurt?
We numb the area first, and most patients find the experience comfortable. Comfort needs vary, and we'll discuss yours before treatment.
Laser frenectomy
Have you or your child been told you need a frenectomy? This video shows how the procedure can be done with a dental laser.
A frenectomy releases or removes a restrictive frenum, a small fold of tissue connecting the tongue or lip to surrounding tissue. A restrictive attachment can limit movement. Speech difficulty, feeding or latching concerns, tooth gaps, and gum recession can have several causes; an evaluation helps determine whether the frenum is contributing and whether treatment is needed.
This video illustrates tissue release with a PerioLase Nd:YAG laser. Local anesthesia may be used for comfort, depending on the patient and treatment plan. Laser treatment generally avoids traditional scalpel incisions. Bleeding may be limited and sutures may not be needed, but discomfort and healing time vary, and complications are possible.
Curious whether laser treatment is right for you? Call Dr. Napolitano to schedule a consultation.
Content notice: Shows an actual dental procedure involving oral tissue. Playback does not start automatically.
Open the laser frenectomy videoWatch on YouTube (new tab)Video: “Frenectomy in Los Angeles with Laser Gum Dentist Periolase,” published by Amir Sanjabi DDS. This is third-party educational footage, not presented as a case treated by Dr. Napolitano or a guarantee of a particular result.
A CLOSER LOOK AT LANAP
What to expect during LANAP treatment
Dr. Napolitano will confirm your visit plan and comfort needs. After-treatment eating, cleaning, and follow-up are covered in the Recovery & Home Care Instructions below.
How laser gum treatment works
LANAP uses a dental laser alongside periodontal instruments to treat diseased gum pockets around natural teeth. Your exam guides the treatment plan and goals for preserving tooth support.
Targeted
Laser energy interacts with specific tissue components.
Tissue Preserving
Treatment aims to limit unnecessary damage to healthy gum tissue.
Healing Focused
Part of a periodontal protocol designed to support healing.
1. Treatment visits
- Your evaluation includes gum measurements, X-rays, and a review of your health history.
- The number and length of treatment visits depend on the areas treated and your needs.
- Dr. Napolitano will confirm your schedule, treatment plan, and fees before treatment. Healing checks and maintenance are additional appointments.
2. Anesthesia and comfort
- Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the areas being treated.
- Your dentist will explain what you may feel and discuss your comfort needs beforehand.
- Tell the team if you feel pain or something does not feel right. Laser treatment is not pain-free for everyone.
Educational illustration of a laser fiber treating tissue inside a periodontal pocket. It is not a photograph of patient treatment or a prediction of results.
Recovery & Home Care Instructions
Additional treatment information
LANAP, LAPIP & treatment FAQs
Laser LANAP Surgery: treatment options & FAQs
Hope for Hopeless Teeth™
The LANAP® protocol is the world’s first and ONLY dental laser procedure FDA cleared and scientifically proven to regenerate bone and tissues lost to gum disease, helping to save your natural teeth. Compared with traditional surgery, the “no cut, no sew, no fear” LANAP® Protocol is more comfortable with faster recovery and less post-op sensitivity, swelling and gum recession.
LANAP is a paradigm shifting periodontal surgery that we now offer. LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. This is an FDA approved procedure that has been shown to have remarkable benefits in treating periodontal disease. Use of Millennium Dental’s NdYAG Periolase Laser eliminates the need for invasive scalpel surgery and sutures. This new tool uses a very fine fiber that is placed between the tooth and gum. The PerioLase fiber delivers a specific wavelength of energy that reduces the presence of harmful bacteria that live in the pocket between your teeth and gums. The laser also penetrates and kills bacteria that have invaded gum tissue and bone. In addition the laser removes unhealthy tissue without harming healthy tissue. The LANAP protocol has been carefully developed and has been used with great success and improved patient comfort and acceptance for over a decade. The techniques developed for LANAP periodontal surgery can be applied to local areas of gum disease. With the wide range of settings this NdYAG laser is helpful in a myriad of other procedures, both surgical and non-surgical. For example we are able to comfortably use this laser to enhance the value of your routine dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance visits with laser pocket disinfection.
Initial treatment options
In the early stages of gum disease, you may be offered a Laser Pocket Disinfection or Scaling/root planing (SR/P). SR/P is also commonly called 'deep cleaning.
Laser pocket disinfection (LPD)
Laser pocket disinfection (LPD) is a painless, patient-friendly procedure using a dental laser such as the PerioLase MVP-7. If you have gingivitis, LPD can help reverse symptoms. With LPD, laser light passes through the healthy tissues and targets and destroys bacteria and toxins that cause inflammation and gum disease. As a result, gums are healthier. LPD also can be used to treat patients as part of a perio-maintenance program.
Pros:
Generally less painful, and may be more effective at killing bacteria.
What to watch for:
Make sure your hygienist/dentist has taken proper education courses and is using the correct dental laser for the procedure. There are multiple types of lasers in dentistry with different uses.
Advanced treatment options
If initial treatment is not successful, or if your gum disease is identified in a later stage, your dentist may recommend gum disease surgery.
Osseous surgery
In traditional surgery, a periodontist uses a scalpel to cut your gums and fold them back. This allows the doctor to access to the tooth root to clean the target from the tooth and view the alveolar bone. If needed, the bone may be reshaped, and bone graft material is placed in the surgical site. The top of the gums may be cut back to make the pocket less deep and easier to keep clean. The gums are sewn back together. Dental laser is used to kill the bacteria in the pocket. Some states allow hygienists to use lasers, while other states only allow dentists to perform procedures using lasers.
Pros:
The classic treatment for advanced gum disease, generally done by a specialist with additional years of dental school.
What to watch for:
This surgery may cause your gums to recede, exposing more of your tooth root and leading to increased sensitivity.
Scaling & root planing
During SRP, the hygienist uses metal instruments to scrape away the tarter and calculus on the root surface. Depending upon your dentist, an antibacterial gel may be applied, or an antibacterial rinse prescribed.
Pros:
One of the industry's most commonly accepted ways to treat early gum disease.
What to watch for:
Patients may experience discomfort, treatment may not remove bacteria.
Post Operative Instructions for SurgeryRelated guidance: Post-operative instructions
Questions & Answers
What is Laser Periodontal Therapy™?
Laser Periodontal Therapy™ is a laser based technique for the treatment of periodontal disease using the Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc., PerioLase Laser. Fear of periodontal treatment vanishes when patients find out no scalpel or sutures will be used. Patient friendly laser treatment gets patients to agree to the treatment they need and continue with the follow-up care that is prescribed.
Our office is one of the first in the area to offer Laser Periodontal Therapy'' for the treatment of gingivitis and/or periodontitis. Following are commonly asked questions about this technology.
How does it work?
Tartar, associated with inflamed and bleeding gums, is removed form the root surface of the tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small.
Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy removes a tiny amount of diseased tissue and aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.
Does it hurt?
Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we may anesthetize the area for the patient's comfort. In this way we can precisely direct the laser for treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and of short duration.
How long does it take?
Initial treatment is focused on scaling and the use of small instruments to remove the tartar. Then, the laser portion of the treatment is performed and normally only takes a few minutes. Depending on the severity of the patient's periodontal disease, treatment may be accomplished in one office visit or in multiple visits. The estimated treatment time is reviewed with patients when we discuss their treatment plan.
Does this treatment cost more than traditional gum surgery?
Typically we use the same billing codes as traditional gum surgery and the laser treatment is generally no more expensive than traditional surgery. There are other factors which may affect the cost, such as the severity of the periodontal disease, and how many teeth are involved. Many insurance plans pay only for a portion of this treatment. Patients should discuss their payment options with the dental office personnel as we offer financing for this treatment.
The dramatically increased comfort for our patients made the new system attractive to our office. We do encourage patients to take care of the need now to reduce further damage to their gums, teeth and bone.
Laser-assisted regeneration
LAR Laser Assisted Regeneration for Laser on an implant
True Periodontal Regeneration
Periodontal regeneration-true regeneration of the attachment apparatus (new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone) on a previously diseased root surface when used specifically in the LANAP Protocol.
LAPIP implant treatment details
The LAPIP® Protocol for Saving Ailing & Failing Implants
The LAPIP protocol is a minimally-invasive approach to treating ailing and failing dental implants.
The LAPIP protocol utilizes the unique PerioLase® MVP-7™, a Nd:YAG free running pulsed laser requiring specific knowledge and skills derivative of the LANAP protocol.
To you, the patient, this means:
- Protect implant investment
- No cutting
- No bone grafting
- No stitches
- Less pain
- Less tissue removed
- Less down time
- Less recovery time
- Less bleeding
- Less swelling
The LAPIP protocol:
• Allows removal of diseased tissue without removing any of the healthy tissue
• Eliminates the infection
• Helps maintain the height of the tissue around implants
• Minimizes pain and discomfort to the patient
• Closes the periodontal pocket wound to allow healing to take place
The LAPIP protocol is a no-risk first line treatment that preserves other treatment options. Controlling peri-implant disease makes it possible to save and protect your implant investment.
Treatment Procedure
A) Periodontal probe indicates excessive pocket depth
B) PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser energy selectively vaporizes bacteria, endotoxins, and diseased tissues; and removes titanium corrosion contaminants in soft tissue around implant
C) Ultrasonic scaler tips remove debris from implant
D) Bone is modified to release stem cells
E) PerioLase MVP-7 finishes cleaning pocket, stimulates natural growth factors, and aids in sealing pocket closed so new germs cannot enter
F) Healing of gums to clean surface occurs
G) Bite trauma is adjusted
H) Regeneration of bone around implant