Does LANAP laser gum treatment hurt?

LANAP is performed with local anesthesia. Many patients report less post-operative pain than with conventional flap surgery, and narcotic pain medicine is rarely needed. Your comfort plan is reviewed before treatment.

How is healing after LANAP compared with traditional gum surgery?

Healing after LANAP is often associated with less bleeding, swelling, and gum recession than traditional periodontal flap surgery when case selection is appropriate. Individual recovery still varies; our periodontists give written aftercare instructions.

How does LANAP differ from traditional periodontal surgery?

Traditional surgery often uses a scalpel and sutures to access infected tissue. LANAP uses a specialized Nd:YAG laser protocol to target bacteria and diseased tissue with a less invasive approach. It is not used for every case—our periodontists choose the most effective method after your exam.

Who is a candidate for LANAP?

Candidates are typically patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease around natural teeth who may benefit from laser-assisted therapy. Final candidacy depends on exam findings, pocket depths, bone levels, medical history, and treatment goals—determined by our periodontists at consultation.

Laser Assisted Periodontal Surgery FAQ's

Q: What is LAPIP for peri-implantitis?

LAPIP (Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure) is a laser protocol used to treat inflammation and infection around dental implants, with the goal of retaining the implant when possible. At our Murfreesboro office, LAPIP and related implant-repair care are provided by Drs. Steven Daniel, Joanne Gaydos-Daniel, and Sang Hun “David” Kim.

Q: Is LAPIP the same as LANAP?

No. LANAP treats periodontal disease around natural teeth. LAPIP is the related laser approach for peri-implant disease around implants.

Schedule Your Consultation Today! Appointments

Laser Assisted FAQs in Murfreesboro, TN

1.) What kind of laser do you use?
There are many types of lasers and many surgical procedures in medicine and dentistry in which lasers can be used. In our office we use an Nd;Yag laser designed specifically for soft tissue work.

2.) Is it safe?
Yes, when used by a surgeon trained on the technique and technology. Knowledge and experience matter!

3.) What are the advantages of laser assisted surgery?
In the eight years we have used this laser technology to care for our patients we have found the following:

Less post-operative pain (rarely requiring narcotics)
Less post-operative bleeding (important for our patients on anticoagulant therapy)
Less post-operative swelling
Less post-operative gum recession
Less post-operative tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
Comparable results to conventional periodontal regenerative surgery when good case selection is used.

4.) Do you use the laser for everything?
No. The laser we use is most effective in dealing with periodontal disease severe enough to require surgery. And, like every technology, it has its limits. Experience has taught us that some infected areas cannot be completely treated with the laser alone. Remember, our goal is to eliminate the infection in the gums and bones of the jaws and create conditions favorable for the regeneration of the tissue and bone destroyed by your infection. There is no “one size fits all” surgery for the effective management of this infection.

5.) So what do you use?
There are a number of effective surgical techniques for the elimination of periodontal infections and the regeneration of lost and damaged tissues and bone. An advantage to working with a periodontal surgeon is that you are working with someone trained, and experienced with, multiple surgical techniques. In our experience it is rare to be able to provide an optimal outcome for a patient with only one approach when surgery is required.

6.) How do you decide on the best treatment for me?
Making that decision begins with your examination and consultation appointment. This gives your doctor and team the opportunity not only to evaluate your dental needs but to get to know you. We want to know what you want most from treatment in our office. We also need to understand other factors of your health, such as medical conditions or medications you are taking, which may have an impact on how the care you need is delivered. We can then put this information together to create a treatment plan designed to help you achieve your treatment goals. This in often done in concert with your dentist and, when necessary, your medical doctor. We will then review the plan with you for your approval. The technology, and surgical techniques, we employ will be chosen based on the most effective, efficient and minimally invasive means of reaching your treatment goals and producing a great outcome.

Our Laser FAQs cover LANAP® for gum disease around natural teeth and LAPIP® for peri-implantitis around implants. For protocol details, see LANAP & LAPIP.

What is LAPIP® for peri-implantitis?

LAPIP® (Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure) is a laser protocol our periodontists use to treat inflammation and infection around dental implants while aiming to save the implant when possible. Drs. Steven Daniel, Joanne Gaydos-Daniel, and Sang Hun “David” Kim provide LAPIP and related implant-repair care. More: LAPIP section.

Is LAPIP the same as LANAP?

No. LANAP® treats periodontal disease around natural teeth. LAPIP® is the related laser approach for peri-implant disease around implants. Read the LAPIP overview.

Schedule an Appointment

Book online with NexHealth, or call us — we’ll get you in as promptly as possible.

New patients (615) 610-7999 Current patients (615) 890-7186

Periodontics & Implant Dentistry of Middle Tennessee
1255 North Highland Avenue
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Please allow about 60 minutes for your appointment. Before your visit, we recommend asking your referring office to send any relevant X-rays and photos. If you have pain or an emergency, we’ll do everything we can to see you that day.

Patient forms & scheduling

Dr. Steven Daniel, Dr. Joanne M Gaydos-Daniel & Dr. Sang Hun “David” Kim are Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology.

Click here to learn more>>

Text/HTML

Have Additional Questions? Call Now: (615) 610-7999

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment? Click Here!