Fort Worth Periodontal is now Smiles Family Dental. Same Hulen St. office, same phone number, more ways to care for you. What's changing 3509 Hulen St., Suite 205(817) 737-0721
Smiles Family DentalFort Worth · Hulen St.
Call Fort Worth(817) 737-0721Book a visit
Laser periodontal therapy

LANAP Laser Gum Treatment in Fort Worth

LANAP uses a dental laser to treat moderate to advanced gum disease without cutting and stitching the gums. Many patients choose it because healing tends to be quicker and more comfortable than with traditional surgery.

Book a consultation (817) 737-0721
LANAP Laser Gum Treatment at Smiles Family Dental in Fort Worth
Full name
Laser-assisted new attachment procedure
Best suited for
Moderate to advanced gum disease
Scalpel or stitches
Typically not needed
Back to routine
Often within a day

How LANAP works

LANAP stands for laser-assisted new attachment procedure. It follows a set protocol using a type of laser designed for gum treatment. The laser fiber is very thin, so it slips into the pocket between gum and tooth without any cutting.

First, the laser light clears out bacteria and diseased tissue lining the pocket. Next, the roots are cleaned of tartar with ultrasonic tools. A second pass of the laser helps form a stable blood clot that seals the pocket while the gum reattaches. Finally, the bite is checked and adjusted so loose teeth are not under extra stress while they heal.

LANAP compared with traditional gum surgery

Older gum surgery often means cutting the gums back, cleaning the roots, trimming tissue, and stitching it into a new position. It works, but it can leave gums lower than before and teeth looking longer. Recovery can take a while.

With LANAP, the gum tissue stays in place. Patients often report less discomfort and less gum shrinkage. Because the laser removes diseased lining without cutting away healthy gum, more of the natural gumline is preserved.

  • No cutting of gum flaps in most cases
  • Less gum recession after healing for many patients
  • Little bleeding during the procedure
  • Often workable for patients on blood thinners after a medication review
Laser energy targets infected tissue below the gumline.
Laser energy targets infected tissue below the gumline.

Who is a good candidate for LANAP in Fort Worth

LANAP laser gum treatment in Fort Worth is usually considered when pockets are deep enough that a deep cleaning alone may not be enough. It can also help patients who have had gum surgery before and do not want to repeat that experience, or those who are nervous about scalpels and stitches.

It is not the right fit for everyone. Some cases call for grafting, extraction, or a different approach. After your exam and x-rays, we will explain whether LANAP makes sense for you and what results to realistically expect.

Our team also considers your overall health. Because LANAP involves little bleeding and no large incisions, it can be a gentler option for some patients with medical conditions that make traditional surgery riskier. We review your health history and medications carefully, and we may check with your physician before scheduling.

Laser care across Smiles Family Dental

LANAP is one part of a broader laser program at Smiles Family Dental. Our practice also uses Fotona laser systems, including TwinLight, which can be used for certain gum treatments, and NightLase for snoring. Having several lasers gives our team more gentle ways to treat soft tissue problems.

For patients in Aledo or Crowley, that can mean one convenient office on Hulen St. for laser gum care, checkups, and follow-up visits.

Healing after LANAP

Most patients go back to work or normal activities the next day. You will eat a soft or liquid diet for the first few days, then slowly add firmer foods over the following weeks. Gums may look darker or slightly gray at first. That is healing tissue, and it fades as it matures.

Bone and attachment changes happen slowly. Improvements in pocket depth are often measured over several months, and x-ray changes can take a year to show. Patience pays off here. Keeping up with maintenance visits protects the results while your body does its work.

Setting honest expectations

LANAP is a well-studied option, but it is not a shortcut around good home care. The laser treats the infection that is there today. Plaque begins to form again within hours, so daily brushing, cleaning between teeth, and regular maintenance visits are still the backbone of long-term success.

Results also vary from person to person. Smokers, people with uncontrolled diabetes, and teeth with very advanced bone loss may see less improvement. Some patients need a touch-up in a stubborn area later on. We will tell you what is realistic for your mouth before you decide, and we will put the plan in writing so you can review it at home. If LANAP does not seem like the best fit, we will explain the other paths, including traditional surgery, grafting, or continued nonsurgical care, and why each one might make sense.

LANAP may suit you if you have

  • Moderate to deep pockets around several teeth
  • Gum disease that returned after a deep cleaning
  • Loose teeth caused by bone loss
  • Worry about scalpels, stitches, or long recovery
  • A wish to keep as much natural gum as possible
  • A medical history that makes traditional surgery harder
At our Hulen St. office

What to expect, step by step

  1. Confirm the diagnosis

    We measure pockets, check tooth movement, and review x-rays or a 3D scan.

  2. Plan the session

    Most patients have LANAP done in one or two visits under local anesthetic, with sedation available.

  3. Laser and clean

    The laser treats each pocket, roots are cleaned, and a second laser pass seals the area.

  4. Adjust the bite

    We make small bite changes so healing teeth are not overloaded.

  5. Follow up over months

    Short checkups track healing, then maintenance visits keep your gums stable.

Patient questions

LANAP Laser Gum Treatment: common questions

Straight answers from our Fort Worth team. If your question is not here, call and ask. We are happy to talk it through.

More answers
Is LANAP better than traditional gum surgery?

LANAP is a strong choice for many patients, though it is not ideal for every case. It usually involves less discomfort, less bleeding, faster recovery, and less gum recession than traditional flap surgery. Traditional surgery or grafting may still work better for certain bone defects. Our Fort Worth periodontal team will explain which option fits your mouth and why.

How long do LANAP results last?

LANAP results can last many years when patients keep up with home care and periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months. The laser treats the current infection, but it cannot stop new plaque from forming. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and skipped cleanings can all allow gum disease to return, even after successful treatment.

Is LANAP covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover part of LANAP, often under the same codes used for other gum surgery. The final cost depends on how many teeth or areas are treated, whether you choose sedation, and your plan's coverage. Smiles Family Dental reviews your benefits first, and payment can be spread out with financing or covered with FSA or HSA funds.

Does LANAP hurt?

LANAP is done with local anesthetic, so most patients feel very little during the procedure. Soreness afterward is typically mild and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and many patients return to normal routines the next day. Sedation is available at our Hulen St. office in Fort Worth for anyone who prefers to be more relaxed during treatment.

What can I eat after LANAP?

For the first few days after LANAP, stick to liquids and very soft foods such as smoothies, soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Over the next couple of weeks, slowly add softer solid foods. Avoid chewing on treated areas, and skip hard, crunchy, sticky, or spicy foods until your periodontal team says your gums are ready.

Can LANAP save loose teeth?

LANAP can sometimes help loose teeth become firmer by clearing infection and supporting new attachment to the root. Results depend on how much bone has been lost and how the tooth fits into your bite. Some teeth with severe bone loss cannot be saved. Your exam and x-rays will show whether a loose tooth is a good candidate.

Paying for lanap laser gum treatment

We file insurance for you, accept FSA and HSA cards, offer monthly financing and have an in-house savings plan for patients without dental insurance.

See payment options
Keep exploring

Related treatments

Gum CareGum Disease Treatment

Bleeding, puffy, or receding gums are signs your body is fighting an infection. We find out how far it has gone and…

Gum CareScaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing clears tartar and bacteria from below the gumline so inflamed gums can heal. For many…

Sleep & LaserFotona Laser Dentistry

One laser platform lets our team treat gums, quiet snoring, and refresh the skin around your mouth and eyes. Many…

Fort Worth · Hulen St.

Ready when you are.

Call our Hulen Street office or request a time online. We will review your insurance, explain every option in plain language and give you a written plan before anything starts.

Book a visit (817) 737-0721