When patients hear the words “gum surgery,” they often imagine scalpels, stitches, and long recovery times. That’s why so many people are curious about LANAP, a laser-based treatment for gum disease that promises a gentler experience. The question we hear most often is whether LANAP is truly less painful than traditional periodontal surgery. The answer, for many patients, is yes—and understanding why helps make treatment decisions easier. At Precision Periodontal and Implant Center, we’ve seen how laser therapy can transform the way gum disease is treated.
Traditional gum surgery involves making incisions in the gum tissue to access and clean infected pockets, followed by sutures to reposition the gums. While effective, the process naturally causes more inflammation and takes longer to heal. LANAP is different. It uses a specialized dental laser to target infected tissue and bacteria with remarkable precision. Because the laser distinguishes between diseased and healthy tissue, it removes only what is necessary and leaves healthy tissue intact.
This selective approach dramatically reduces the trauma associated with treatment. Patients often experience less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort both during and after the procedure. Many describe LANAP as surprisingly easy, especially compared to what they expected. Local anesthesia keeps the treatment comfortable, and because there are no incisions or stitches, recovery is typically faster.
LANAP supports natural regeneration
The laser stimulates the tissues and bone around the teeth, encouraging them to heal and reattach. Patients often report that their gums feel firmer and healthier within weeks. In contrast, traditional surgery may initially cause gum recession or areas of sensitivity as tissues heal more gradually.
That said, comfort is only one part of the story. Effectiveness matters just as much, and LANAP has been shown to reduce pocket depths, eliminate bacteria, and promote new attachment in a predictable way. For patients who have been reluctant to pursue treatment because they fear discomfort, LANAP offers a meaningful alternative that doesn’t compromise results.
No two patients are the same
Some cases of advanced gum disease may require a combination of treatments, and your doctor will help determine the best approach based on imaging, pocket measurements, and overall periodontal health. But for many patients, LANAP provides the least painful and most conservative option available.
If fear has kept you from treating gum disease, you don’t have to wait any longer. Call 310-708-3938 to schedule a consultation at Precision Periodontal and Implant Center and learn whether LANAP is the right solution for your comfort, your confidence, and your long-term gum health.