Discover the recovery process after LANAP gum surgery. Learn what to expect and how to ensure a smooth recovery. Follow our tips for a quick return to health.

While no one wants a diagnosis of periodontal disease, it is fairly common among adults in the United States. On average, four in 10 adults struggle with some form of periodontal disease, some of whom might need extensive treatment to restore their oral health. 

Thanks to major developments in the treatment of gum disease, it's now easier (and far less painful) than ever to restore your gum health. LANAP gum surgery is one such treatment that dental professionals recommend and rely on to rectify diseased gum tissue. 

But what exactly does LANAP surgery involve and what can you expect post-treatment? This blog outlines everything you ought to know.

What is LANAP Gum Surgery?

Also known as laser-assisted new attachment procedure, this is a cutting edge treatment for those with mild to advanced periodontal disease. In short, LANAP uses a specific type of laser therapy to treat the effects of periodontitis. 

Thanks to highly specialized laser physics, LANAP surgery uses a specific laser wavelength to target diseased gum tissue, while leaving healthy gum tissue unaffected. The laser penetrates to a depth of approximately 4mm into the gum, killing off bacteria as it does so. 



Once the bacteria is removed, the laser wavelength and your body's natural hemoglobin interact to form blood clots, allowing your gum tissue to regenerate.

LANAP vs. Traditional Gum Surgery

The key difference between traditional gum surgery and LANAP treatment is that the latter is far less invasive. There is no need for physical cutting or stitching of the gums, as in traditional gum surgery. 



This also makes for a longer healing and recovery period as well as more painful post-operative care. The use of laser therapy encourages natural gum regeneration as well as a faster healing/recovery period.

Are You a Candidate for LANAP?

If you're wondering whether you're a good candidate for LANAP surgery, here's what to know: 

• This treatment is suitable for those in the early to middle stages of gum disease.
• It's also suitable for those with more advanced periodontal disease, with pockets up to 6mm deep, bleeding gums, and loose teeth.
• LANAP surgery can also treat more advanced gum recession, in non-surgical cases. 
• If you've had deep cleanings before and struggle with ongoing periodontal disease, you're a good candidate if you're looking for a minimally invasive treatment.

If you have extreme/severe damage to your gums (beyond 6mm deep), you might need a more extensive form of surgical grafting.

This is something your dentist will advise on.

What to Expect Post-Surgery: Results

In terms of results, you can expect LANAP surgery to dramatically improve your oral health over the coming weeks, post-treatment.

This treatment will reduce bleeding and swelling of the gums and reduce tooth sensitivity. It also improves the depth of gum pockets, which helps to reduces instances of recurring gum infection.



Long-term, LANAP can also improve your chewing ability, improve your experience of eating and drinking in general, eliminate bad breath, and tooth sensitivity. All in all, this makes for simpler home care and less dentist visits.

Laser Gum Treatment Recovery

Naturally, your gums will feel sensitive post-surgery, you might feel some discomfort a few hours later for which you can take regular, over-the-counter painkillers. But this sensation shouldn't last much longer than 24 hours. 

Your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic and an anti-microbial mouth rinse. Carefully follow their instructions on taking both of these in order to avoid infection. 

In terms of bleeding, you can expect little to none - it is quite rare to bleed after a LANAP treatment. However, if you are on blood thinner medication, this can happen. You can expect your gum tissue to change in color slightly - this is all normal. 

Diet and Exercise

• Your dentist will precaution you on exercise, but generally it's recommended that you do no intense physical activity for a day post-surgery. This is just to keep swelling and discoloration to a minimum. 
• Your dentist will also advise you to stick to a liquid-only diet for the first 24-hours.
• You'll then need to follow a soft-food diet for three to seven days, per your dentist's recommendation.
• Try to avoid foods that are very spicy, hot, hard, or chewy.

Don't forget to keep up a good water intake for the first week post-treatment. This helps to flush out toxins from the body and promote healing.   

Post-Surgery Care and Hygiene 

Dental surgery aftercare is paramount to your end results. The success of your LANAP treatment hinges on how well you prioritize your oral health after surgery. Here are a few LANAP recovery tips to keep top of mind: 

• Make sure to rinse with your prescribed oral rinse three times a day. 
• You should also rinse your mouth gently, every three hours with warm salt water. 
• Due to the tiny blood clots that form in the gums following the surgery, take extra precaution not to dislodge them. This is why it's so important to eat a primarily soft-food diet for up to seven days. 
• Prioritize mouth cleanliness as much as possible for atleast a week post-treatment. 
• Your dentist will advise on when you can brush and floss your teeth, post-treatment. Be diligent and follow their instructions.
• Avoid any strenuous activities/forms of exercise that might result in injury to the mouth for atleast a week. 

Remember that it's 100 percent normal to experience a slight amount of tenderness, soreness, and tooth sensitivity for up to 48 hours post-surgery. It's also normal to see a thin red or white clot around your teeth in the gum line. 

Make sure to contact your dentist immediately if you experience severe pain, prolonged periods of pain, excessive bleeding, or an elevated temperature. 

Interested in LANAP Gum Surgery?

When it comes down to it, only your dentist can decide whether you are a good candidate for LANAP gum surgery. That's why it's so important to schedule your consultation sooner, rather than later to prevent periodontal disease from becoming worse. 

At Smile Savers Dentistry, Dr. Patel and her team offer years of unrivaled experience and expertise when it comes to LANAP gum surgery. If you're looking for the ultimate solution to your oral health, get in touch with us today.