LANAP® Laser Periodontal Pocket Treatment - One Year Results

Method: 22 consecutive patients requiring full mouth treatment for moderate-advanced chronic periodontitis were treated a half mouth at a time with LANAP® surgery using the PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser and followed for at least one year, including regular maintenance, occlusal adjustments and a biteguard.  Patients were treated and measured by the author. Post-treatment evaluation was done without access to pre-operative data.

Result: The mean age was 45.6 years, gender division was almost equal, 6 were smokers, and a mean of 26.3 teeth (3540 sites) were present at the start. The following clinical changes were found: Bleeding on probing was reduced from 38.1% to 9.5%, probing depths ≤ 3mm increased from 52% (initial 3-12mm) to 93.5% of sites (none > 6mm), attachment level gain of ≥ 2mm in 54% of sites, mean recession of 0.1mm, mobility decrease in 64% of teeth, furcation closure of 51% overall (40% of Grade 2).  There was minimal discomfort reported and no swelling.  

Conclusion: This clinical case series suggests that the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) can be an effective therapy for moderate-advanced periodontitis, providing significant clinical improvements.