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LANAP Treatment in Anaheim
If you have been told you need gum surgery to treat gum disease, LANAP treatment may offer you a better path. LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is the world's first and only laser protocol cleared by the FDA for true periodontal regeneration. Using a specialized PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental laser, Dr. Douglas Kim can remove diseased gum tissue, eliminate harmful bacteria, and stimulate your body to grow new bone and healthy gum attachment without a single incision or stitch.
Watch: How LANAP Treatment Works — First Dental Care, Anaheim CA
LANAP laser treatment offers significant advantages over conventional scalpel-and-suture periodontal surgery. Here is why patients throughout Anaheim and Orange County choose this advanced approach at First Dental Care.
No cuts or sutures
A tiny laser fiber about the width of three human hairs is inserted between the tooth and gum. No scalpel and no stitches required.
Fast recovery (~24 hours)
Most patients resume normal activities the same day or the next morning, compared to 2–4 weeks with traditional surgery.
Minimal discomfort
LANAP patients typically report far less post-procedure soreness than with traditional gum surgery.
True bone regeneration
The only FDA-cleared treatment proven to naturally regrow the bone and gum tissue destroyed by gum disease.
Precision targeting
The laser selectively eliminates diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy gum tissue completely intact.
For decades, the standard treatment for gum disease involved cutting into the gum tissue, manually removing infected areas, and closing the wound with sutures. While effective, this approach often came with significant discomfort, weeks of recovery, and visible gum recession afterward. LANAP treatment changes that equation entirely.
The table below shows why patients throughout Anaheim and Orange County are choosing First Dental Care's LANAP protocol over traditional periodontal procedures.
| LANAP | Traditional Gum Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions required | None | Yes — cuts into gum tissue |
| Sutures (stitches) | Not needed | Required after every session |
| Recovery time | Approximately 24 hours | 2–4 weeks |
| Bone regeneration | FDA-proven true regeneration | Resective — removes tissue only |
| Gum recession risk | Minimal | Common side effect |
| Post-op discomfort | Low — managed with OTC pain relievers | Moderate to high; prescription pain meds common |
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It is caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.
If plaque isn't removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Over time, these bacteria irritate and inflame the gums, leading to a cycle of infection that can damage the soft tissue. Without treatment, gum disease progresses from gingivitis (irritation and bleeding of gums) to periodontitis, an irreversible gum infection that destroys gum tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. This causes receding gums, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
The bacteria causing this infection don't stay in your mouth. It can enter your bloodstream and increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.
LANAP (which stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a modern, FDA-cleared treatment for gum disease without the need for scalpels or stitches.
Think of it as a surgical alternative that uses the power of light to heal your gums. Instead of cutting away tissue to get to an infection, a specialized dental laser selectively targets and destroys harmful bacteria and diseased tissue while leaving your healthy gums completely untouched.
LANAP works with your body's natural healing ability to clear away infection and help your gums firmly reattach to your teeth, giving you a second chance at a healthy smile.
Many patients feel apprehensive about dental procedures, especially when gum disease has progressed to a point where treatment is necessary. The good news is that LANAP treatment at First Dental Care is designed to be as comfortable and straightforward as possible. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough of exactly what happens during your visit with Dr. Douglas Kim.
1. Comprehensive Exam & Periodontal Charting
Dr. Kim begins with digital X-rays and a full periodontal charting to identify pocket depths, bone loss, and areas requiring treatment. You receive a personalized treatment plan before any procedure begins.
2. Local Anesthesia Applied
Dr. Kim administers local anesthesia to fully numb the treatment area. Most patients feel only mild pressure or gentle warmth during the procedure itself.
3. Laser Removes Diseased Tissue & Bacteria
A tiny fiber-optic laser tip roughly the size of three human hairs is gently inserted between the tooth and gum. The PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser vaporizes infected tissue and harmful bacteria while leaving healthy tissue completely intact.
4. Root Surface Scaling
An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove tartar deposits and plaque from the tooth roots. This eliminates the bacterial reservoirs that sustain gum disease and creates a clean, smooth surface for healthy gum tissue to reattach to the tooth.
5. Laser Seals the Gum Pocket
The laser is used a second time at a different setting to create a stable fibrin blood clot that seals the gum pocket. This clot acts as a natural biological bandage to keep bacteria out, initiates the regeneration of new bone and tissue, and promotes healing.
6. Healing & Follow-Up Monitoring
Most patients drive themselves home or back to work immediately after treatment. Dr. Douglas Kim schedules follow-up appointments to measure pocket depths and confirm that bone regeneration is progressing as expected. X-rays typically show measurable bone improvement in the months following the procedure.
LANAP is appropriate for a wide range of patients including many who may not qualify for traditional gum surgery due to medical history or current medications. Because the procedure does not involve cutting, it is especially well-suited for individuals who have been reluctant to pursue treatment due to fear of surgery.
You may be a strong candidate for LANAP at First Dental Care if any of the following apply to you:
The only way to know for certain if you qualify is through a consultation with Dr. Douglas Kim. Contact First Dental Care in Anaheim today to schedule your evaluation.
Serving patients in Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, and other Orange County communities
Dr. Douglas Kim is one of the few dental specialists in Anaheim, CA certified in LANAP. He completed a rigorous, year-long, hands-on training program to perform the LANAP protocol.
For our patients, Dr. Kim's certification means you are in the hands of a true specialist who combines advanced clinical expertise with a warm, patient-first philosophy. This unique combination ensures that you are receiving the most modern technology available.
Below are the most common questions patients ask when researching LANAP gum treatment in Anaheim and Orange County. If you do not see your question here, our team is always happy to answer it directly — just give First Dental Care a call or request a consultation online.
