Minimally Invasive
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-approved, nonsurgical treatment at Des Moines Dental Center designed to resolve moderate to advanced gum disease with exceptional precision.
This minimally invasive gum treatment in Des Moines, WA, uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental laser to selectively remove infected tissue while preserving healthy gum structure. The laser’s targeted wavelength also helps eliminate harmful bacteria deep below the gumline without damaging surrounding healthy cells.
Gum disease is a common condition that affects millions of people, often progressing silently until severe damage occurs. LANAP laser treatment is an advanced treatment for moderate to severe periodontitis that targets infected gum tissue without cutting and suturing.
The LANAP procedure provides a gentler, less invasive alternative to gum surgery in Des Moines, WA, that has truly changed how our dentists manage gum disease. Laser gum surgery at Des Moines Dental Center is ideal for patients with dental anxiety, certain medical conditions, concerns about healing, or persistent gum disease that hasn’t responded to traditional treatment.
Gum disease can impact far more than your oral health, with research linking it to a wide range of serious medical conditions. Chronic gum inflammation, driven by your immune response, sends circulating inflammatory cells and oral bacteria into vital organs.
In addition to increasing the risk of tooth loss, untreated gum disease is associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory illness, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, certain cancers, and pregnancy complications.
Laser treatment for gum disease begins with our dentists carefully measuring pocket depths around each tooth to establish a baseline and track your healing over time. A thin laser fiber, about the width of a human hair, is then gently guided between the tooth and gum tissue to target harmful bacteria and diseased tissue while preserving healthy areas.
As the laser works, it creates heat that forms a protective fibrin clot to seal the pocket and encourage the gum tissue to reattach to your tooth roots. This protected environment supports your body’s natural healing response, helping to regenerate bone and creating healthier gum attachments around your teeth.
Laser treatment provides a precise, minimally invasive approach that can improve comfort, reduce recovery time, and help preserve your natural smile.
At Des Moines Dental Center, the LANAP procedure is typically completed in 2 visits, treating one side of the mouth per visit, usually about 1 week apart. In the first few days, mild soreness, swelling, and temporary tissue discoloration are common and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
For the first 1–2 weeks, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, resume flossing carefully, avoid hard or sticky foods, and don’t use tobacco products. Long-term care requires proper daily oral hygiene and scheduling routine professional cleanings every three months.
