Restore Your Gum Health Without Traditional Surgery
A Better Way to Treat Gum Disease. No Scalpels. No Sutures. Real Results.
Gum disease is one of the most common and most underestimated conditions in dentistry. It can progress quietly for years, gradually destroying the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place, before most patients realize anything is seriously wrong. Left untreated, moderate to severe periodontitis frequently leads to tooth loss and the need for more extensive and costly restorative care.
The infection can also travel beyond your mouth, contributing to systemic inflammation and increasing the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes complications. At Precision Family Dental & Specialty, Dr. Jesse Hofer offers LANAP® laser gum treatment as a clinically proven, minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery, giving patients with moderate to severe gum disease a more comfortable path to restored oral health.
What Is LANAP® and How Is It Different?
LANAP, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is an FDA-approved laser protocol specifically designed to treat moderate to severe periodontitis without the need for scalpels or sutures. Using the PerioLase® MVP-7™, a specialized dental laser, Dr. Hofer precisely targets and eliminates infected gum tissue and harmful bacteria deep within periodontal pockets, while leaving all surrounding healthy tissue intact.
Traditional gum surgery involves cutting the gum tissue back, removing diseased tissue, and closing the area with sutures, which can lead to longer recovery times, greater post-operative discomfort, and, in some cases, permanent gum recession. LANAP achieves the same clinical goals through a far gentler approach, with significantly less discomfort, faster healing, and no cutting of healthy tissue.
Could LANAP Be Right for You?
LANAP is designed for patients with moderate to severe gum disease who want effective treatment with less disruption to their daily lives. You may be a strong candidate for LANAP if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Bleeding, swollen, or tender gums that have not responded to routine cleanings
- A formal diagnosis of periodontitis
- Deep periodontal pockets or measurable bone loss around your teeth
- Gum recession or teeth that appear longer than they used to
- Teeth that feel loose or are at risk of being lost without intervention
- Systemic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, that make traditional surgery a greater concern
- Anxiety about conventional gum surgery or a desire to avoid the associated recovery
What to Expect During LANAP Treatment at Precision Family Dental & Specialty
Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation
Your care begins with a detailed assessment of your gums, teeth, and supporting bone structure. Dr. Hofer evaluates the depth of your periodontal pockets, the extent of bone loss, and the overall severity of the infection to develop a personalized treatment plan.
This evaluation provides a clear picture of what your gum disease looks like beneath the surface, allowing Dr. Hofer to approach your treatment with the accuracy and intention it requires.
LANAP Laser Therapy
The LANAP procedure is performed right here in our Oyster Bay office using the PerioLase® MVP-7™. Dr. Hofer carefully guides the laser along the gumline, into the periodontal pockets, where it selectively removes diseased and infected tissue while leaving healthy gum tissue completely undisturbed.
Ultrasonic instruments are then used to remove plaque and tartar deposits from the tooth roots, creating a clean surface that supports reattachment and long-term stability. The laser is applied a second time at a different setting to create a stable, protective seal over the treated area, initiating the body’s natural healing and regenerative response without the need for a single suture.
Healing and Tissue Regeneration
Because LANAP preserves healthy tissue and seals the treatment site, the healing process is notably smoother than recovery from traditional gum surgery. Some mild tenderness and sensitivity in the days following the procedure are normal and typically resolve quickly.
Over the weeks and months that follow, the body’s natural regenerative processes work to restore healthier gum attachment, reduce pocket depth, and in many cases regenerate some of the bone lost to the disease. Dr. Hofer’s team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and confirm your gums are responding as expected.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Long-term success after LANAP depends on consistent follow-up care and diligent home oral hygiene. Dr. Hofer will recommend a personalized maintenance schedule, typically more frequent than standard cleanings, to keep bacteria levels in check, monitor pocket depths, and catch any early signs of recurrence before they can progress. Patients who consistently adhere to their maintenance schedule achieve the best long-term outcomes.
LANAP Vs. Traditional Gum Surgery
Traditional Gum Surgery
- Requires incisions to cut and fold back the gum tissue
- Involves sutures and a longer, more involved recovery
- Greater post-operative discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity
- Often results in some degree of permanent gum recession
- May require time away from work or normal activities
LANAP® Laser Treatment
- No scalpels, no incisions, no sutures in most cases
- Significantly less discomfort and a faster, smoother recovery
- Preserves healthy gum tissue while precisely eliminating diseased tissue
- Stimulates natural regeneration of bone and connective tissue
- Most patients return to normal activities the following day
- Suitable for patients with systemic health concerns that increase surgical risk
- Performed entirely in-house by Dr. Hofer at our Oyster Bay office
Why Choose Precision Family Dental & Specialty for LANAP Treatment?
LANAP is a highly technique-sensitive procedure, and its results depend heavily on the skill and experience of the provider performing it. Dr. Hofer is a periodontist with advanced training in laser gum therapy and a deep clinical background in treating every stage of gum disease.
He performs LANAP entirely in-house at Precision Family Dental & Specialty, so your care is never split between providers or locations. Patients throughout Oyster Bay, Scarsdale, and Maspeth, NY, and the surrounding area trust Dr. Hofer to manage their periodontal health with precision, honesty, and a genuine commitment to preserving their natural teeth whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the LANAP procedure is compared to what they expected. Local anesthesia is used throughout the treatment, and sedation options are available for patients who would like additional ease. Post-treatment soreness is typically mild and manageable without prescription pain medication for most patients.
The full LANAP protocol is typically completed over two appointments, with each visit treating half of the mouth. Most appointments take approximately two hours. Dr. Hofer’s team will provide you with a clear timeline during your consultation, based on the extent of your gum disease and your individual treatment plan.
Most patients can return to their normal daily routine the day after their LANAP procedure in Oyster Bay, Scarsdale, and Maspeth, NY. Dr. Hofer will provide specific post-treatment guidelines, including dietary recommendations for the initial healing period, to support a smooth recovery.
Many dental insurance plans that cover periodontal treatment will cover LANAP, as they do traditional gum surgery.
Our team will review your benefits before treatment begins and help you understand exactly what your plan covers. Flexible financing options are also available for any remaining balance.
LANAP uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™, a laser system with a wavelength uniquely selective for diseased tissue and harmful bacteria, while leaving healthy tissue and the implant surface unharmed.
It is the only laser protocol with FDA clearance for true periodontal regeneration and the only one backed by peer-reviewed histological research demonstrating new bone, new cementum, and new periodontal ligament growth after treatment.
Without treatment, periodontitis continues to destroy the bone and tissue supporting your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
The infection can also spread systemically, contributing to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Early and consistent treatment is always preferable to waiting.