Gum disease often begins with subtle signs, like gums that bleed when you brush or teeth that seem a little more sensitive than usual. Over time, if left untreated, what starts as mild inflammation can progress to periodontitis, a serious condition that breaks down the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth. For many people, the fear of traditional gum surgery, with its scalpels, stitches, and extended recovery periods, makes them delay the care they need. That hesitation is completely understandable, but now, through modern dentistry, there is a less invasive, highly effective path forward called LANAP.
At All Smiles Dentistry in Lake Stevens, WA, Dr. Jason Steinhubel and our team have always believed that fear should never stand between a patient and the essential care needed. It is why we offer laser dentistry as part of a comprehensive, technology-driven approach to treating gum disease with precision and compassion. Whether you have recently received a diagnosis of periodontal disease or have been slowly watching symptoms progress, LANAP may be the gentle, effective treatment that finally brings you the relief you deserve.
What Is LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is an FDA-cleared treatment developed specifically for patients with moderate-to-severe gum disease, and it represents a significant departure from how this condition has traditionally been managed. Gum disease creates pockets between your teeth and gums where bacteria thrive, and as those pockets deepen, the infection gradually breaks down the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. Instead of cutting into the gum tissue and suturing it back together, LANAP uses a specialized Nd: YAG laser to target and remove diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue completely untouched.
Think of it like a very precise weeding tool. Rather than turning over the whole garden to remove a few stubborn plants, it identifies exactly what does not belong and eliminates it without disturbing the healthy growth around it. The result is a cleaner environment where your body can begin to heal, regenerate, and rebuild from the inside out.
How Does LANAP Treat Gum Disease?
Maintaining strong oral hygiene routines can help slow the progression of gum disease in its early stages, but once deep periodontal pockets have formed around your teeth, a more targeted strategy becomes necessary. The LANAP procedure addresses gum disease through the following process:
- Dr. Steinhubel uses a specialized probe to measure the depth of pockets around each tooth.
- A laser fiber no wider than a human hair is gently inserted into each periodontal pocket.
- The laser precisely eliminates bacteria and infected tissue while preserving all healthy gum tissue.
- Heat from the laser forms a clot that seals the pocket and protects the healing environment.
- Over the following weeks, your body naturally regenerates lost bone and forms new gum attachments.
This regenerative response is what truly distinguishes LANAP from conventional treatments. Rather than simply removing infection and managing the disease, LANAP creates the biological conditions your body needs to rebuild what periodontal disease has damaged over time.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LANAP?
LANAP is designed for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease. However, it can also benefit those in the earlier stages of the condition who want a gentler, less disruptive approach. A clinical study published through the National Institutes of Health found that patients treated with LANAP showed substantial improvement in pocket depth and clinical attachment levels at the 12 to 18-month follow-up mark.
The treatment is especially well-suited for patients with dental anxiety who might otherwise avoid surgery, those managing health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease that affect healing, and patients who have undergone other treatments without achieving lasting results. Staying consistent with dental exams helps detect gum disease early, but if you are already dealing with deeper pockets or measurable bone loss, LANAP offers a modern, research-backed path to protecting your smile and preserving your natural teeth for years to come.
Get Gum Disease Treatment at All Smiles Dentistry
At All Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Jason Steinhubel has spent more than two decades serving the Lake Stevens community with care that is both advanced and approachable. His dedication to state-of-the-art technology, including LANAP and other laser-based treatments, reflects a deep commitment to offering each patient a more comfortable and effective dental experience. The entire team understands that choosing to treat gum disease is a significant step, and they are here to guide you through every part of the process.
You do not have to live with the discomfort and uncertainty of gum disease. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether LANAP is the right solution for your long-term oral health.