Laser Gum Surgery (LANAP) Cost
Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is a minimally invasive treatment for moderate to severe gum disease where your dentist or periodontist, a gum specialist, uses a specialized instrument called a PerioLase.
LANAP involves removing bacteria and infected gum tissue without the use of a scalpel for incisions and stitches for recovery. The procedure helps preserve healthy gum tissue and typically includes less pain and swelling during and after surgery, as well as faster recovery time. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area so you feel no pain during surgery.
Although the acronym LANAP includes the word “new,” it is not a recent advancement in the treatment of gum disease. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved LANAP devices in 2004 for use as an alternative to traditional gum surgery. (The FDA does not approve or regulate actual surgical techniques or procedures, only the medical instruments used.)
Cost is Determined by a Variety of Factors
You should expect the approximate cost for LANAP to begin at $1,000 to $3,000 per quadrant (upper and lower, left and right). Full mouth treatment ranges from $5,000 to $10,000.
Cost is determined by a variety of factors:
- Your age
- Your location
- The severity of your condition
- Anesthesia
- The treatment plan your dentist or periodontist has developed
Because treatment for gum disease is usually considered medically necessary, dental insurance typically provides coverage for LANAP once you meet your deductible. However, LANAP can also be considered elective treatment, depending on your insurance plan. Treatment done only to improve appearance without an underlying issue of gum disease is not likely to be covered.
Always check with your dental insurance provider for a list of approved dentists in their network, as an in-network dentist will cost less than an out-of-network dentist. To help cover your overall cost, ask your dentist or periodontist about third-party financing or making monthly payments based on what you can afford.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
About half of American adults have some form of gum disease, a common oral health problem and the leading cause of tooth loss in adults:
- Gingivitis is a gum disease that affects only the gums. It is reversible if treated in its initial stages. Early symptoms include sensitive, irritated, and bleeding gums.
- Periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease, affects both the gums and the bones that support your teeth. Advanced symptoms include pain while chewing, loose teeth, or teeth that have moved in your mouth. If you lose bone around your teeth due to infection, your condition is too advanced to reverse.
Plaque buildup is the primary cause of gum disease. The plaque that naturally forms in your mouth from what you eat and drink contains many different types of bacteria that can potentially infect your gums.
Your best bet for preventing gum disease is practicing good oral hygiene at home—brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Quality Care That Fits Your Budget
Your dental professional is committed to providing quality care that fits your budget. Remember that estimated costs can vary, depending on the time and work that are required for your individual case. Follow-up appointments to monitor the results of complex dental procedures, such as LANAP, might cost more. Some dentists offer discounts if you are a new patient. Contact the individual dental office for more information.
Discuss your individual situation and overall needs with your dentist and periodontist. Work together with them to determine the best approach for your overall oral health.