LANAP vs Gum Surgery vs Deep Cleaning

In short

Is LANAP better than gum surgery?

The evidence doesn't show that. The American Academy of Periodontology's consensus found that lasers added to conventional treatment may give a modest extra benefit, and that the evidence is inadequate to say laser treatment alone is superior or comparable to conventional therapy. LANAP is an FDA-cleared option; surgery and deep cleaning are long-established ones. Your exam decides which fits.

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

Last updated October 1, 2026

First step for everyone: Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)^12,14
Laser as an add-on: May add a modest benefit of under 1 mm in pocket depth; some support in pockets of 7 mm or deeper¹
Laser alone vs surgery: Evidence inadequate to call it superior or comparable¹
LANAP laser: PerioLase MVP-7, FDA-cleared (510(k) K030290, K151763)^4,5,6
After any treatment: Maintenance visits every few months^11,12

Where each one fits in treatment

The European clinical guideline for periodontitis sets out treatment as steps. LANAP and surgery both sit at the later step.

Deep cleaning
Scaling and root planing below the gumline, with home care and risk factors such as smoking addressed.^12,14
Re-evaluation
Pockets are measured again. Many patients need no further active treatment.⁹
Pockets that stay deep
Pocket reduction surgery, regenerative procedures, or laser treatment such as LANAP may be considered.^10,12
Maintenance
Supportive care at an interval set by your risk, whichever treatment you had.^11,12

Deep cleaning, LANAP and pocket reduction surgery

A plain comparison. None of them is right for everyone.

Deep cleaning, LANAP and pocket reduction surgery
Aspect	Deep cleaning (SRP)	LANAP (laser)	Pocket reduction surgery
What it is	Cleaning below the gumline and smoothing the roots^3,4,9,10	A laser protocol in the gum pockets with the PerioLase MVP-7	The gum is folded back, the roots cleaned and damaged bone smoothed
Used for	First treatment for mild to moderate gum disease^7,12,14	Moderate to severe periodontitis	Pockets that stay deep after cleaning
Typical visits	1 to 2 hours, in one visit or two^8,14	Two visits of about 2 hours, one side of the mouth each	Depends on how many areas are treated
Afterwards	Some sensitivity; back to normal activities right away^8,13,14	Mild soreness for a few days, soft diet, no brushing treated areas for 7–10 days	Recovery of about 1 to 4 weeks
Evidence	The standard first step in clinical guidelines^1,10,12	Limited independent evidence; manufacturer studies are small	Long-established for deep pockets
Maintenance	Ongoing maintenance visits^8,11	Cleanings every three months for at least the first year	Ongoing maintenance visits

When one option is the better fit

If pockets are shallow to moderate, deep cleaning and good home care may be all you need. Many patients need no further active treatment.⁹
If you want the option with the longest record behind it for deep pockets, pocket reduction surgery is the established choice.^10,12
Lasers are not always effective for advanced disease, which may still need flap surgery.¹³
If bone has been lost in a way that regenerative procedures can rebuild, grafts or membranes may be part of the plan.¹⁰

Questions patients ask

Does LANAP hurt, compared with gum surgery?

We can't promise that, and Florida's rules don't allow a laser to be advertised that way. After LANAP, the manufacturer describes mild aching and soreness for a few days, managed with mild pain medication. Your own experience may differ.⁸

What did the American Academy of Periodontology conclude about lasers?

Its 2018 consensus statement is the independent review this page relies on. The press release that accompanied it noted no additional benefit to lasers beyond what is seen with traditional periodontal surgery. The facts table above summarizes the consensus findings.^1,2

Is the LANAP laser FDA-cleared or approved?

Cleared, not approved. The PerioLase MVP-7 laser is FDA-cleared through 510(k) notifications, the second covering periodontal regeneration when the laser is used in the LANAP protocol. A 510(k) is a clearance, not an approval.^5,6

Will insurance cover LANAP?

Coverage varies by carrier. We can check your benefits before treatment.^7,15

Who you'll see

Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD

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

Dr. Berkovich provides deep cleaning and LANAP with the PerioLase laser at the office, and will tell you if surgery or another approach suits your gums better.

Medical content reviewed by Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD on October 1, 2026.

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

About Dr. Berkovich

Sources

PubMed: Mills et al. 2018, AAP best evidence consensus on lasers in periodontal therapy
American Academy of Periodontology: Proceedings from the best evidence consensus meeting on lasers (2018)
Millennium Dental Technologies (manufacturer): LANAP protocol: patient information
Millennium Dental Technologies (manufacturer): About the PerioLase MVP-7
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: 510(k) premarket notification K030290 (PerioLase)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: 510(k) premarket notification K151763 (PerioLase)
Millennium Dental Technologies (manufacturer): LANAP patient FAQs
Millennium Dental Technologies (manufacturer): LANAP treatment: what to expect
American Academy of Periodontology: Non-surgical treatments
American Academy of Periodontology: Surgical procedures
American Academy of Periodontology: Frequently asked questions
PubMed: Sanz et al. 2020, treatment of stage I–III periodontitis: EFP S3 clinical practice guideline
Cleveland Clinic: Gum Disease Treatment
Cleveland Clinic: Dental Deep Cleaning: What It Is & What To Expect
Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD: Payment options (this website)

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

LANAP, gum surgery or deep cleaning?