Short answer:
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) does not “grow new bone” like a bone graft, but it can stimulate natural regeneration. LANAP® bone regeneration works by stimulating the body’s natural regenerative processes, allowing bone and ligament support around teeth to stabilize and, most times, to regenerate. It is FDA-cleared to support the regeneration of periodontal attachment structures.
For many patients with periodontal disease, this is one of the most exciting advantages of laser treatment for gum disease and modern laser dentistry.
Understanding Bone Loss in Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the tissues supporting your teeth.
When bacteria accumulate under the gums:
- The immune system responds with inflammation
- The gum tissue pulls away from the tooth
- Bone supporting the tooth begins to dissolve
Over time this leads to:
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
- Deep periodontal pockets
- Eventual tooth loss
Traditional treatments aim to stop the infection, but they often do not stimulate the regeneration of lost support structures.
What Is Laser Treatment for Gum Disease?
Laser treatment is a modern periodontal therapy for gum disease. Unlike traditional gum surgery, laser dentistry targets infected areas inside periodontal pockets. This removes infection and bacteria from beneath the gums while preserving healthy tissue.
One of the most advanced laser treatments for gum disease is LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure). This periodontal therapy offers a minimally invasive approach that supports the healing and regeneration of connective tissue and bone around the teeth.
How Does LANAP® Work?
LANAP® uses a specialized dental laser designed for periodontal therapy to treat gum disease without cutting the gums.
The laser targets infected tissue and bacteria inside periodontal pockets while leaving healthy tissue intact.
The process typically involves:
- A laser fiber is inserted between the tooth and the gum
- Removal of infected tissue and bacteria
- Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar beneath the gums
- A second laser pass that creates a stable blood clot
This clot acts as a biological seal that protects the area and allows healing and tissue attachment to occur.
Can LANAP® Regrow Bone? Understanding LANAP® Bone Regeneration
In most cases, LANAP® can stimulate bone regeneration.
Clinical studies on LANAP® have shown:
- Reduction in periodontal pocket depth
- Reattachment of connective tissue fibers
- Evidence of bone fill in certain periodontal defects
The reason is that LANAP® helps create an environment where the body can rebuild attachment structures around the tooth.
This includes:
- Periodontal ligament fibers
- Cementum (the tooth root surface)
- Supporting bone
However, the amount of regeneration depends on several factors and varies from patient to patient.
Factors That Influence Bone Regeneration After LANAP®
Not every patient experiences the same level of bone recovery. LANAP® bone regeneration results depend on:
Severity of bone loss
Mild to moderate bone loss responds best.
Patient health
Smoking, diabetes, and immune conditions can reduce healing.
Oral hygiene after treatment
Successful LANAP® outcomes depend heavily on maintaining low bacterial levels.
Defect type
Certain vertical bone defects are more likely to regenerate than horizontal bone loss.
Stabilization
Teeth must remain stable for regeneration to occur. Wearing a nightguard or a splint is recommended to support stabilization during healing.
LANAP® vs Traditional Gum Surgery
Traditional periodontal surgery often requires:
- Cutting the gums
- Pulling tissue back from the teeth
- Sutures and longer healing
While effective for cleaning roots, traditional surgery may lead to:
- Gum recession
- Increased sensitivity
- Longer recovery
When considering LANAP® vs traditional gum surgery, the most significant difference is the approach. LANAP® is minimally invasive and biologically regenerative, while traditional methods surgically remove the tissue.
Benefits include:
- Less discomfort
- No scalpels or stitches
- Faster healing
- Potential regeneration of bone and connective tissue
Laser Treatment for Gum Disease: Pros and Cons
All dental procedures have benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the pros and cons of laser treatment for gum disease helps patients make informed decisions about their periodontal care.
Pros:
- Minimally invasive
- Reduced bleeding and swelling
- Faster healing
- Potential for bone and connective tissue regeneration
- Better preservation of natural gum tissue
Cons:
- Results may vary depending on the severity of the disease
- Advanced bone loss may still require additional treatments
- Long-term success depends on oral hygiene and maintenance
Does Laser Treatment for Gum Disease Work?
Clinical outcomes suggest that LANAP® laser periodontal therapy is highly effective at reducing infection and improving gum attachment. Studies have shown reduced periodontal pocket depth, improved connective tissue reattachment, reduced inflammation and bacteria, and better long-term tooth stability.
By creating an environment that promotes healing and regeneration, LANAP® can help stabilize teeth affected by moderate-to-severe periodontal disease.
Signs You May Be a Candidate for LANAP®
You may benefit from LANAP® if you experience:
- Bleeding gums when brushing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Deep periodontal pockets
- A diagnosis of moderate to severe gum disease
Patients exploring advanced dental services often consider LANAP® as an effective, minimally invasive periodontal treatment that treats infection while helping preserve natural teeth.
Recovery After LANAP® Laser Treatment
Healing after LANAP® is typically easier than traditional surgery.
Most patients experience:
- Mild soreness for a few days
- Minimal swelling
- Ability to return to normal activities quickly
The biological regeneration process continues for months after treatment, as bone and connective tissues remodel and strengthen around the teeth.
The Goal: Saving Natural Teeth
The ultimate goal of LANAP® treatment is not just infection control. It is to:
- Preserve natural teeth
- Stabilize bone support
- Restore healthy gum attachment
- Prevent tooth loss
For many patients, LANAP® offers a modern, effective alternative to traditional gum surgery with the strong potential for regenerative healing.
✅Bottom line:
So, does LANAP® regenerate bone? LANAP® cannot magically rebuild all lost bone, but it can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms that support bone regeneration and connective tissue repair.
In many cases, this leads to improved bone support, stronger attachment around teeth, and long-term stabilization of periodontal health.
⭐If you are experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, or loose teeth, early treatment is critical. Modern laser periodontal therapy may help stop gum disease and preserve your natural smile. Contact us to book an appointment and explore if LANAP® is the right treatment for you.
For new patients, here’s everything you need to know before your first visit.
