LANAP® vs. Traditional Gum Surgery: What’s the Difference?

Being told you need gum surgery can feel overwhelming. Many patients immediately imagine stitches, pain, and long recovery times, and understandably so. But today, thanks to advanced dental technology, treating gum disease doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or disruptive.

At Brier Creek Implants & Periodontics, we offer LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), a minimally invasive laser option that treats gum disease without cutting or stitches.

What’s the Difference Between LANAP® and Traditional Gum Surgery?

Traditional gum surgery involves cutting and stitching the gums to access infected areas, often requiring longer healing time. LANAP® uses a laser to gently remove diseased tissue without incisions or stitches, offering faster recovery and a more comfortable experience.

Below, we break down the key differences between LANAP and traditional gum surgery so you can make an informed decision.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease (periodontitis) is a chronic infection that destroys the gum tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to:

• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss

More importantly, gum disease has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Treating gum disease is not only about saving teeth. It’s about protecting your overall health.

How Traditional Gum Surgery Works

Traditional periodontal surgery involves:

• Making an incision in the gums
• Folding back the tissue to access the roots and bone
• Cleaning out bacteria and infected tissue
• Reshaping the bone if needed
• Closing the area with stitches

Traditional surgery is effective, but it involves:

• Cutting
• Stitches
• Moderate downtime and post-operative soreness

How LANAP® Laser Surgery Works

LANAP® uses an FDA-cleared dental laser to target and remove diseased tissue and bacteria while preserving healthy tissue. No scalpel. No stitches.

Here’s what makes LANAP unique:

• The laser identifies and removes only infected tissue
• Healthy gum tissue is left untouched
• The laser stimulates your body to regenerate bone and gum attachment naturally

Patients love that LANAP feels gentle, has minimal bleeding, and allows them to return to normal routines quickly - often the very next day.

Quick Comparison: LANAP® vs. Traditional Surgery

LANAP is the only FDA-cleared laser protocol proven to regenerate gum tissue and bone.

Why Patients Choose LANAP®

✅ Minimally invasive
✅ No scalpel, no stitches
✅ Faster healing
✅ Comfortable treatment experience
✅ Helps stabilize loose teeth and promote bone regeneration

For patients with dental anxiety, LANAP offers a far more comfortable path to treating gum disease.

Is LANAP® Right for You?

LANAP may be an excellent option if you:

• Were told you need gum surgery
• Have bleeding or receding gums
• Have periodontal pockets that are not improving with deep cleanings
• Prefer a gentler, stitch-free approach

During your consultation, we will perform a full periodontal evaluation and determine whether LANAP is the best treatment for your needs.

Request a Consultation

If you've been avoiding gum treatment because you’re worried about pain or downtime, LANAP® may be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Brier Creek Implants & Periodontics
(919) 278-7298
www.briercreekimplantsandperio.com

Healthy gums support a healthy life - and with LANAP, repairing them has never been easier.‍