Laser treatment for periodontitis is often referred to as Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LPT) or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). It has gained popularity for its minimally invasive nature and potential benefits over traditional methods. How does it work? Are you a candidate for laser treatment? Read below...
There are different types of laser that have been used in clinical dental applications. Different laser machines have different physical properties and biological effects, all rooted on laser wavelength and different machine settings designed by laser companies.
Common types of laser that have FDA clearance in periodontal applications are: CO2, Er-YAG, Er, Cr-YSGG (Biolase Waterlase), Nd-YAG (Millennium PerioLase-7), Diode, etc. But only the ND-YAG lsaer by Millennium has the FDA clearance for treating periodontitis and gain "True Periodontal Tissue Regeneration". Hence, the company is the only one has this "LANAP" protocol to treat periodontitis (for more info, please check their website: https://www.lanap.com/protocols/lanap/)
How Laser Treatment Works in Treating Periodontitis:
- Targeting Infected Tissue: Lasers are used to remove inflamed or diseased gum tissue without harming healthy tissue.
- Bacteria Elimination: The laser can sterilize the area, killing bacteria that contribute to the infection.
- Stimulating Regeneration: Certain types of lasers may stimulate bone and tissue regeneration, promoting healing.
- Reduced Bleeding and Discomfort: The procedure typically causes less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional scalpel-based surgery.
See the following step-by-step protocol for LANAP procedure:
- Step 1-3 depicts how laser eradicate inflammatory lining of pocket, bacteria, and tarter
- Step 4-6 depicts how laser creates "blood clot carrier" to help periodontal regeneration inside the pocket
Effectiveness:
- Mild to Moderate Periodontitis: Laser treatment is often very effective for managing mild to moderate cases of periodontitis. It helps reduce pocket depths and promotes tissue reattachment.
- Severe Cases: In advanced periodontitis, lasers can still help but may need to be combined with other treatments, such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) or surgical interventions.
Benefits:
- Less invasive and more precise than traditional surgery.
- Faster recovery time.
- Reduced risk of infection and post-procedure discomfort.
- Can often be performed without the need for stitches.
Limitations:
- Cost: Laser treatments can be more expensive than traditional methods and may not always be covered by insurance.
- Provider Skill: The effectiveness of laser therapy depends on the dentist's expertise and the type of laser used.
- Not a Cure-All: It may not fully address severe bone loss or advanced gum disease without additional treatments.
Do I Really See Any Outcome from LANAP?
Yes! I'm very happy that I see a very good result from LANAP treatment.
Here's the radiographic comparison before (Right side, red circles) and 1-year after (Left side, green circles) I did the LANAP treatment for one of my patients.
Post-laser periodontal maintenance by a good hygiene professional and meticulous home care are both very important to get a wonderful outcome.
WHAT About Studies and Evidence?
Research supports the use of lasers as a viable treatment for periodontitis, showing improvements in pocket depth reduction and gum health. However, outcomes can vary, and the technique is often most effective when combined with good oral hygiene and regular dental care.
