Periodontics

Laser Gum Surgery

Precision laser therapy for periodontal pockets and gingival tissue.

Periodontics

Precision laser therapy, gentler recovery.

Gum disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. If the condition goes untreated, it can lead to swollen or bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Common signs of gum recession include longer-looking teeth, visible roots, increased tooth sensitivity, inflammation, bleeding, and bad breath.

To prevent or reverse gum disease, your periodontist may recommend laser gum surgery treatment, an increasingly popular treatment option among periodontists and their patients, due to its efficacy, safety, and the fact that it is much less invasive than procedures involving scalpels. At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists our specialty-trained periodontists have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about laser gum surgery and treatment for gum disease, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.

The Procedure

What to expect from your treatment.

Here's what your laser gum surgery treatment looks like, step by step.

Unlike Traditional Treatment Methods

Unlike traditional treatment methods, which require the use of scalpels and sutures, laser gum therapy uses a laser that is specially calibrated to destroy P. gingivitis bacteria. Your periodontist will insert a fiber into the pocket of the diseased gum to kill the infected tissue and bacteria. After this is complete, the calculus is removed using an ultrasonic root cleaner. The laser is then used to heat up the blood in the pocket, which creates a seal that will disinfect and protect the corrected pocket from plaque and germs. As an added benefit, the laser will naturally stimulate the stem cells, which in turn will facilitate the formation of more bone, connective tissue, and collagen.

Lasers Have Become an Increasingly Popular Treatment Alterna

Lasers have become an increasingly popular treatment alternative to traditional methods because the laser minimizes swelling, limits the need for anesthesia, is less painful, and does not require stitches. The recovery process is also easier and faster.

Additional Unique Benefits to Laser Gum Treatment Include

Additional unique benefits to laser gum treatment include the following:

Immediately Stops Gums from Bleeding

Immediately stops gums from bleeding.

Suture Free

Suture free.

Reduced Discomfort and Post-surgical Pain

Reduced discomfort and post-surgical pain.

Recovery & Aftercare

A short recovery, a long-term result.

Most patients return to normal daily routines within a few days. Your periodontist will provide personalized aftercare instructions specific to your procedure and progress.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about this treatment.

What is Laser Gum Surgery (LANAP) Cost?

Laser gum surgery is generally priced per quadrant of the mouth, which lets us bill accurately to the extent of your disease. Expect roughly $1,000 to $3,000 per quadrant, or approximately $4,000 to $10,000 for a full-mouth treatment across all four quadrants. Cost varies by pocket depth, the number of teeth being treated, and whether the case is a first treatment or a re-treatment. Most dental insurance plans cover laser gum surgery at rates comparable to conventional gum surgery, since the outcome (elimination of periodontal disease) is the same. If you have insurance, we'll submit a pre-authorization so you know your out-of-pocket portion before treatment begins.

Is Laser Gum Surgery Painful?

Laser gum surgery replaces the scalpel and sutures of traditional periodontal surgery with a focused laser wavelength, which means far less trauma to the surrounding tissue and a much smoother recovery. Most patients tell us the treatment itself feels less intense than they expected — we numb the area with a local anesthetic, and the laser causes only mild pressure or warmth. Because there are no incisions and no stitches, post-op is typically limited to some tenderness for a day or two, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Compared to conventional flap surgery, patients generally report significantly less swelling, less bleeding, and a quicker return to normal eating and speaking.

What is Laser Gum Surgery?

Laser gum surgery is an innovative dental treatment performed for dental treatment, such as correcting gum disease. It is also often performed to contour the gums to improve a gummy smile. There are no scalpels and no incisions; laser gum surgery eliminates the need for any sutures and reduces bleeding dramatically. Periodontal or gum disease is an escalating infection affecting your supporting soft tissues and bone, which support your teeth. If your dental team identifies it in the earliest stage, known as gingivitis, it can be stopped and reversed with an improvement in your oral care routine. More advanced levels of gum disease will require professional intervention. The disease usually affects adults in their 30s and 40s. The risk factors that cause periodontal disease include:

Cost & Payment

Money shouldn't stand between you and the care you deserve.

The cost of using laser gum surgery to treat gum disease will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, and the severity of your case.

At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.

For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.

For your convenience, we accept:

Cash and check
Debit cards
Credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, Discover)
GreenSky Patient Solutions financing

Ask about your treatment

Precision Periodontics DC clinical workstation

Where We Practice

Care delivered at three Washington-area offices.

Washington, DC

2311 M Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20037

(202) 296-3360

Alexandria, VA

4660 Kenmore Avenue, Suite 300 & 312
Alexandria, VA 22304

(703) 823-2422

Reston, VA

1886 Metro Center Drive, Suite 610
Reston, VA 20190

(703) 689-4442

Request An Appointment

Let us help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.

Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation at our Washington DC, Alexandria, or Reston office. We look forward to welcoming you.