What Are My Options For Gum Tissue Therapy And What Is Lanap?
Posted on 3/16/2026 by Strongsville Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
Let's talk about your gums! Healthy gums are super important for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. When gums get unhealthy, we often refer to it as gum disease, or periodontal disease. Luckily, there are ways to treat unhealthy gums and get them back in shape. This article will walk you through some of those treatments, including a special type of laser therapy called LANAP.
WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?
Gum disease is basically an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's usually caused by bacteria in plaque, that sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn't removed regularly by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar makes it even harder to clean your teeth properly and creates more places for bacteria to hide.
Over time, the bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed. This inflammation can lead to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis makes your gums red, swollen, and likely to bleed easily when you brush or floss. If gingivitis isn't treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. If left untreated, periodontitis can eventually lead to tooth loss.
TRADITIONAL GUM THERAPY OPTIONS
The goal of gum therapy is to remove the bacteria and infection causing the problem, and to create an environment where healthy gums can thrive. Here are some common traditional approaches:
•
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP): This is often the first line of defense. It's a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Scaling involves scraping off the tartar, while root planing smooths out the tooth roots to make it harder for bacteria to stick. Sometimes, this is done with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Multiple appointments might be required.
•
Flap Surgery: In more advanced cases of periodontitis, a periodontist (a gum specialist) might recommend flap surgery. This involves making a small incision in the gums to lift them away from the teeth. This allows the periodontist to see and clean the roots more thoroughly. The gums are then stitched back in place. This procedure can sometimes involve bone grafting to help regenerate lost bone around the teeth.
WHAT IS LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It's a laser-based treatment for gum disease. A special laser is used to target and remove the infected tissue and bacteria from the gum pockets, without harming healthy tissue.
HOW DOES LANAP WORK?
The LANAP procedure works in a few key steps:
1~
Measurement: The periodontist measures the depth of the gum pockets to assess the extent of the disease.
2~
Lasering: A specific laser is used to kill the bacteria and remove the diseased tissue in the gum pocket. This laser energy is specifically designed to only affect the diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue untouched.
3~
Tartar Removal: Ultrasonic instruments are used to remove any remaining tartar from the tooth roots.
4~
Clot Formation: The laser stimulates the formation of a blood clot in the gum pocket. This clot helps to seal the area and promote healing.
5~
Compression: The gums are then compressed against the tooth root to help them reattach.
6~
Bite Adjustment: Your bite may be adjusted to prevent too much pressure on the treated teeth.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF LANAP?
LANAP is often promoted as a less invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. Potential benefits may include:
•
Less Pain: Many patients report less discomfort after LANAP compared to traditional surgery.
•
Faster Healing: Because it's less invasive, healing time is typically quicker.
•
Reduced Bleeding and Swelling: The laser helps to seal blood vessels, minimizing bleeding and swelling.
•
Preservation of Healthy Tissue: The laser targets only diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact.
It's crucial to discuss your specific needs and expectations with your dental professional to determine the most suitable treatment approach for your gum health.
About Us | Dentist Strongsville OH Learn about Strongsville Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, led by Dr. Richard Weiser. More about our esthetics, technology and doctor here! Strongsville Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, 11925 Pearl Rd #206, Strongsville, OH 44136 ^ (440) 580-1028 ^ drweiser.com ^ 3/17/2026 ^ Page Keywords: dentist Strongsville OH ^
Let's talk about your gums! Healthy gums are super important for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. When gums get unhealthy, we often refer to it as gum disease, or periodontal disease. Luckily, there are ways to treat unhealthy gums and get them back in shape. This article will walk you through some of those treatments, including a special type of laser therapy called LANAP.