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LANAP laser gum treatment in Deerfield Beach

LANAP is a laser-based treatment for gum disease, performed with the FDA-cleared PerioLase MVP-7. If you've been told a tooth may have to come out because of gum disease, or you want to keep your natural teeth for as long as you can, ask us whether LANAP is right for you; the answer depends on your exam.

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In short

What is LANAP?

LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, a protocol from Millennium Dental Technologies performed with the PerioLase MVP-7, a pulsed Nd:YAG laser (a type of dental laser). The FDA has cleared the laser for this procedure and, when used in the LANAP protocol, for periodontal regeneration on a previously diseased root surface. Independent reviewers say the evidence comparing it with conventional treatment is still limited.

From the office of Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD, Deerfield Beach · (954) 427-3000

Last updated

Measuring a gum pocketTwo illustrations of a tooth root with gum and bone, side by side. In each, a periodontal probe with millimeter markings sits in the pocket between gum and root. The left one, labelled before, shows a deep pocket of 7 mm or more. The right one, labelled re-evaluation, shows the pocket measured again, shallower. Both are marked as an illustration, not a result.Illustration, not a resultBeforeDeep pocket7 mm or moreRe-evaluationMeasured againwith the same probeProbe marked in millimeters

Measuring a gum pocket

Illustration, not a result. Gum disease deepens the pocket between gum and tooth. Your dentist measures it with a probe marked in millimeters before treatment and again at re-evaluation, 1 year later. Some evidence supports adding an Nd:YAG laser for pockets of 7 mm or deeper. How your own pockets respond varies.7,8

Laser
PerioLase MVP-7, a pulsed Nd:YAG laser2
FDA status
FDA-cleared under 510(k) K030290 and K1517633,4
Used for
Moderate to severe periodontitis5
Typical visits
Two visits of about 2 hours, one side of the mouth per visit8
Re-evaluation
At 1 year, with pocket measurements and X-rays8
Maintenance
Cleanings every three months for at least a year8

Who asks about LANAP

LANAP is used for moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis). It may be worth asking about if:

  • You've been told a tooth may need to come out because of gum disease, and you want to hear your options first.
  • A dentist has measured deep pockets around your teeth.
  • You'd like to keep your natural teeth where that's possible.
  • You take blood thinners. The manufacturer says patients generally don't need to stop them, but check with your physician.

LANAP isn't right for every case. Some teeth can't be kept, and your exam, not this page, is where that gets decided.

How LANAP treatment works

  1. Measure

    Your gum pockets are measured and X-rays are taken, so there is a starting point to compare against later.8

  2. Treat one side

    The laser is used in the gum pockets on one side of your mouth, following the LANAP protocol.2,8

  3. Treat the other side

    The other side is treated at the next visit.8

  4. Bite adjustments

    Your bite is adjusted over several visits while the gums heal.8

  5. Maintain and re-measure

    Maintenance cleanings follow on a set schedule, then your pockets are measured and X-rayed again at the re-evaluation (see the facts above).8

LANAP and conventional gum treatment: what's known

Independent reviewers found the evidence inadequate to say laser treatment alone is superior or comparable to conventional therapy. So this table sets out facts, not a verdict.

LANAP and conventional gum treatment: what's known
AspectLANAPConventional gum therapy
Main toolA pulsed Nd:YAG laser, the PerioLase MVP-7, FDA-cleared for this procedure2,3,7Conventional periodontal instruments, without a laser
Who performs itAccording to the manufacturer, only dentists it has certified5,6Your dentist, choosing the approach for your gums
What independent evidence saysAs an add-on to conventional therapy, a laser may give a modest extra benefit (under 1 mm) in pocket depth and attachment7The established treatment that laser therapy is measured against
Visits for the full mouthOne side of the mouth per visit8Depends on your treatment plan
First days afterSoft diet, and no brushing or flossing of treated areas at first8Instructions depend on the procedure
Long termMaintenance cleanings on a set schedule8Regular maintenance cleanings

Recovery and visits

  • Expect mild aching, throbbing or soreness for a few days, managed with mild pain medication.8
  • Treated gum can look discolored for a while.8
  • Soft or liquid foods at first (the manufacturer's FAQ says for two weeks), then back to a normal diet after about a month.5,8
  • No brushing or flossing of the treated areas for the first 7–10 days.8

Questions patients ask

Is the LANAP laser FDA-cleared?

Yes. The PerioLase MVP-7 has 510(k) clearance, which is a clearance rather than an approval. K030290 (2004) cleared it for the laser-assisted new attachment procedure; K151763 (2016) added periodontal regeneration when used in the LANAP protocol. According to the manufacturer, LANAP is the first periodontal protocol to receive FDA clearance for true regeneration.3,4,5

Will LANAP work for me?

Nobody can say before your exam. Results vary, independent reviews describe the evidence as limited, and maintenance cleanings are part of the treatment. We look at whether it's a reasonable option for your gums.7,8

Who can perform LANAP?

According to the manufacturer, only dentists trained and certified through its Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD) can perform the LANAP protocol. Ask us about Dr. Berkovich's training at your consultation.5,6

Does insurance cover it?

Coverage varies by carrier and plan. Bring your plan details to the consultation and we look at them with you before any treatment is scheduled.5

Who you'll see

Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD

Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD

Dentist, trained at Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry

The office has the PerioLase laser used for LANAP. At your consultation, Dr. Berkovich measures your gum pockets and talks through whether LANAP, another gum treatment or removing a tooth makes sense for you.

Medical content reviewed by Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD on .

Office: 1348 E Hillsboro Blvd Suite A, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. (954) 427-3000

About Dr. Berkovich

Sources

  1. Millennium Dental Technologies (manufacturer): LANAP protocol: patient information
  2. Millennium Dental Technologies (manufacturer): About the PerioLase MVP-7
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration: 510(k) premarket notification K030290 (PerioLase)
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration: 510(k) premarket notification K151763 (PerioLase)
  5. Millennium Dental Technologies (manufacturer): LANAP patient FAQs
  6. Millennium Dental Technologies (manufacturer): LANAP training (Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry)
  7. PubMed: Mills et al. 2018, AAP best evidence consensus on lasers in periodontal therapy
  8. Millennium Dental Technologies (manufacturer): LANAP treatment: what to expect

General information, not a diagnosis or a promise of results. Individual results vary, and whether a treatment suits you depends on your exam.

Talk it through at a consultation

Bring your questions and any X-rays you already have. We'll look at your teeth and explain whether this treatment is a reasonable option for you, and what else could be.

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