Board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn provides advanced LANAP laser gum therapy for Anaheim residents. Consultations available at our Anaheim satellite office, with full LANAP procedures performed at our Costa Mesa flagship location.
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, and it represents a fundamental shift in how periodontists treat moderate to severe gum disease. Unlike conventional periodontal surgery that relies on scalpels, incisions, and sutures, LANAP uses the PerioLase MVP-7 digital dental laser to selectively target and remove diseased gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue completely intact. The result is a less invasive procedure, dramatically reduced recovery time, and clinical outcomes that traditional surgery simply cannot match.
The PerioLase MVP-7 is an Nd:YAG laser operating at a wavelength of 1064 nanometers. This specific wavelength is uniquely absorbed by darkly pigmented bacteria and diseased tissue, which allows the laser to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy cells at a molecular level. When the laser energy passes through healthy pink tissue, it does virtually nothing. When it encounters the darkened, inflamed tissue caused by periodontal infection, it vaporizes it on contact. This selective photothermolysis is what makes LANAP so precise and so effective.
What truly sets LANAP apart from every other laser protocol and every traditional surgical technique is its proven ability to stimulate true periodontal regeneration. LANAP is the only laser gum treatment that has received FDA clearance for true regeneration, and it is backed by published peer-reviewed human histological studies demonstrating the formation of new cementum, new periodontal ligament fibers, and new alveolar bone on previously diseased root surfaces. No other laser protocol has achieved this level of scientific validation. For patients in Anaheim and throughout Orange County dealing with gum disease, this means LANAP does not just stop the progression of the disease. It can actually reverse some of the damage that has already occurred.
The Loft Dental Studio operates an Anaheim satellite office conveniently located at 1007 W La Palma Ave Suite 5, Anaheim, CA 92801. Patients in Anaheim, Fullerton, Buena Park, and the surrounding North Orange County communities can schedule their initial LANAP consultation and periodontal evaluation right here in Anaheim. To book an appointment at the Anaheim office, call (714) 776-7132.
During your Anaheim consultation, Dr. Ahn will perform a comprehensive periodontal examination that includes full-mouth probing depth measurements, digital radiographs, and a thorough assessment of your gum and bone health. He will explain your diagnosis, discuss whether LANAP is the right treatment for your specific condition, and answer every question you have about the procedure, the recovery process, and the expected outcomes.
When it is time for the actual LANAP procedure, treatment is performed at our Costa Mesa flagship location at 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The Costa Mesa office houses the PerioLase MVP-7 laser, cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging, and the complete surgical infrastructure required for advanced periodontal procedures. This ensures that every LANAP patient receives treatment in a fully equipped, state-of-the-art clinical environment.
The drive from our Anaheim office to the Costa Mesa flagship typically takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The most direct route follows the 5 Freeway south to the Bristol Street exit. Patients coming from North Anaheim or Fullerton can also take the 91 Freeway west to the 55 Freeway south, which connects directly to the Costa Mesa area. Both routes are straightforward, and our front desk team will provide you with detailed driving directions and parking instructions when you schedule your procedure appointment.
Many of our Anaheim patients find this arrangement ideal. They appreciate the convenience of having their initial consultation, follow-up evaluations, and routine periodontal maintenance visits at the Anaheim office, while traveling to Costa Mesa only for the LANAP procedure itself. This typically means just one or two trips to the Costa Mesa location for the actual laser treatment.
For decades, the standard treatment for moderate to advanced periodontal disease was osseous surgery, also known as flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery. This involves cutting the gums open with a scalpel, folding back the tissue to access the tooth roots and underlying bone, manually scraping away infected tissue and bacterial deposits, reshaping damaged bone, and then suturing everything closed. While effective at reducing pocket depths, traditional surgery comes with significant drawbacks including post-operative pain, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and a lengthy recovery period.
LANAP achieves comparable or superior pocket depth reduction without any of these drawbacks. Here is how the two approaches compare across every key dimension that matters to patients:
For Anaheim patients who have been told they need gum surgery, LANAP offers a genuinely transformative alternative. The reduced pain, faster recovery, preservation of healthy tissue, and proven regenerative outcomes make it the preferred choice for patients and periodontists who have access to the technology and the training to use it properly.
LANAP is designed specifically for patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis, which is the advanced form of gum disease characterized by deep periodontal pockets, bone loss around the teeth, and ongoing bacterial infection beneath the gum line. If you have been diagnosed with periodontitis by your general dentist or if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be an excellent candidate for LANAP laser treatment:
LANAP is particularly well-suited for patients who are anxious about traditional surgery, those with medical conditions that make conventional surgery riskier, patients on blood-thinning medications, and anyone who needs to minimize their recovery time due to work or personal commitments. During your consultation at our Anaheim office, Dr. Ahn will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the treatment approach that will produce the best long-term results for your oral health.
Understanding the step-by-step LANAP process helps patients feel prepared and confident heading into treatment. The procedure is typically completed in two sessions, with each session treating one side of the mouth. Here is exactly what happens during a LANAP treatment at The Loft Dental Studio:
Dr. Ahn begins by administering local anesthesia to ensure complete comfort throughout the procedure. Unlike general anesthesia, you remain fully awake and aware but feel no pain in the treatment area. The anesthesia used is the same type your general dentist uses for fillings and other routine procedures.
A tiny laser fiber, approximately the width of three human hairs, is gently inserted between the tooth and the gum tissue into the periodontal pocket. The PerioLase MVP-7 laser energy selectively removes the diseased, bacteria-laden tissue lining the pocket while leaving the healthy connective tissue completely intact. The laser also kills the bacteria causing the infection on contact.
With the diseased soft tissue removed and the pocket cleaned of bacteria, Dr. Ahn uses ultrasonic instruments to carefully remove calculus (tarite) deposits from the root surfaces. This step is similar to a deep cleaning but is performed with greater precision because the laser has already cleared away the infected tissue that would normally obscure the view.
The laser is used a second time at a different power setting to stimulate the bone and remaining healthy tissue. This pass creates a stable fibrin blood clot that seals the pocket like a natural biological bandage. The clot protects the surgical site, contains growth factors that promote healing, and provides the scaffold on which new bone and tissue will regenerate over the following months.
Dr. Ahn checks and adjusts your bite as needed. Proper occlusion is essential for allowing the treated areas to heal without excessive pressure, which supports optimal regeneration and long-term stability of the results.
The entire procedure for one side of the mouth typically takes between one and two hours. Most patients report feeling only mild pressure during treatment and describe the experience as significantly more comfortable than they expected.
One of the most significant advantages of LANAP over traditional gum surgery is the dramatically shorter and more comfortable recovery period. Because there are no incisions to heal and no sutures to manage, your body can focus its energy on the regenerative process rather than healing surgical wounds.
After your LANAP procedure, you can drive yourself home. Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness similar to the feeling after a thorough dental cleaning. Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen is usually sufficient to manage any discomfort. You should plan to rest for the remainder of the day and begin a soft diet immediately.
Most patients return to work and normal activities the day after treatment. Some mild swelling and tenderness is normal during this period. Continue taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication as directed and stick to soft foods such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soups. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could disturb the healing blood clot.
Gradually transition back to your normal diet as comfort allows, but continue to favor softer foods for the full two-week period. The fibrin clot that formed during the procedure is still maturing and providing the foundation for bone and tissue regeneration. Avoid vigorous brushing or flossing in the treated areas during this phase. Dr. Ahn will provide you with specific oral hygiene instructions and any prescribed rinses.
The regenerative process continues well beyond the initial healing phase. New bone growth begins forming within the first few months and continues to mature and strengthen for up to 12 months following treatment. During this period, you will have periodic follow-up appointments with Dr. Ahn to monitor your healing progress, measure pocket depth improvements, and take radiographs to document bone regeneration. These follow-up visits can be scheduled at either the Anaheim or Costa Mesa office for your convenience.
The total cost of LANAP treatment near Anaheim typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on several factors specific to each patient. The severity and extent of your periodontal disease, the number of teeth and quadrants that require treatment, and whether any supplemental procedures such as bone grafting are needed will all influence the final cost. During your consultation, Dr. Ahn will provide you with a detailed treatment plan and a clear breakdown of all associated costs before any treatment begins.
The Loft Dental Studio accepts most PPO dental and medical insurance plans. Because LANAP is an FDA-cleared treatment for periodontal disease, it is covered under the periodontal surgery benefits of most insurance plans at rates comparable to traditional osseous surgery. We work with all major PPO carriers, including:
Our administrative team will verify your insurance benefits and provide you with a complete estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before treatment. We handle all insurance billing and claims submission on your behalf so you can focus entirely on your treatment and recovery.
For patients whose insurance does not fully cover the cost of LANAP or who do not have dental insurance, we offer flexible financing options to ensure that advanced periodontal care remains accessible. Payment plans allow you to spread the cost of treatment over manageable monthly installments. Ask our team about available financing during your Anaheim consultation.
Choosing the right periodontist for your LANAP treatment is one of the most important decisions you will make for your oral health. The success of any laser procedure depends heavily on the skill, training, and clinical judgment of the operator. Dr. Chanook David Ahn brings a combination of credentials, experience, and technological investment that is exceptionally rare in the field of periodontics.
Board-Certified Periodontist. Dr. Ahn is board-certified by the American Board of Periodontology, a distinction held by a small percentage of practicing periodontists. Board certification requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations that test comprehensive knowledge of periodontal diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical technique, and long-term patient management.
Yale-Trained. Dr. Ahn completed his advanced periodontal training at Yale University, one of the most respected institutions in the world. This Ivy League education provided the foundation for his evidence-based approach to patient care, ensuring that every treatment recommendation is grounded in the highest quality scientific research.
PerioLase Certified. Dr. Ahn has completed comprehensive training and certification in the LANAP protocol through the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, the organization that developed the PerioLase MVP-7 and the LANAP technique. This certification requires extensive didactic and hands-on clinical training specific to the LANAP procedure.
Advanced Imaging Technology. The Loft Dental Studio utilizes cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, which provides three-dimensional views of your teeth, bone, and surrounding anatomy. This technology allows Dr. Ahn to assess the extent of bone loss with precision that two-dimensional X-rays cannot match, leading to more accurate diagnosis and more predictable treatment outcomes.
5,000+ Dental Implants Placed. While LANAP is focused on saving teeth, Dr. Ahn's extensive implant experience gives him a comprehensive understanding of bone biology, tissue healing, and long-term oral rehabilitation. This breadth of expertise informs his approach to periodontal regeneration and ensures he can provide the full spectrum of care if additional treatment becomes necessary.
5.0 Stars from 159 Reviews. The Loft Dental Studio maintains a perfect 5.0-star rating across 159 patient reviews. This consistent record of patient satisfaction reflects the quality of clinical care, the comfort of the patient experience, and the dedication of the entire team to delivering outstanding outcomes for every patient.
Take the first step toward healthier gums and a stronger foundation for your teeth. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahn at our Anaheim satellite office or Costa Mesa flagship location.
Anaheim Office: 1007 W La Palma Ave Suite 5, Anaheim CA 92801 — (714) 776-7132
Costa Mesa Office: 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103, Costa Mesa CA 92626 — (714) 549-7030
Book Your ConsultationThe Anaheim satellite office at 1007 W La Palma Ave Suite 5, Anaheim CA 92801 offers LANAP consultations, periodontal evaluations, and follow-up care with Dr. Ahn. The actual LANAP laser procedure is performed at our Costa Mesa flagship location at 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103, where the PerioLase MVP-7 laser and full surgical suite are housed. This arrangement ensures every patient receives treatment in the most advanced clinical setting available while maintaining the convenience of local consultations.
The Costa Mesa flagship office is approximately 20 minutes from central Anaheim by car. The most direct route takes the 5 Freeway south, though patients from North Anaheim or Fullerton may prefer the 91 Freeway west to the 55 Freeway south. Our front desk team provides detailed directions and parking instructions when you schedule your procedure. Many Anaheim patients complete their consultation and follow-up visits at the Anaheim office, traveling to Costa Mesa only for the LANAP procedure itself.
LANAP treatment near Anaheim typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 depending on the severity of gum disease, the number of quadrants treated, and whether supplemental procedures are needed. The Loft Dental Studio accepts most PPO insurance plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, UHC, and BCBS. Periodontal surgery benefits from your insurance typically apply to LANAP at rates comparable to traditional surgery. Flexible financing options are also available to help make treatment affordable.
For the majority of patients with moderate to severe periodontitis, LANAP offers meaningful advantages over traditional osseous surgery. There is no cutting with a scalpel and no sutures are required. Recovery time is dramatically shorter, with most patients returning to work and normal activities the very next day. LANAP causes significantly less gum recession and tooth sensitivity than traditional surgery. Most importantly, LANAP is the only laser periodontal protocol with published peer-reviewed human histological evidence demonstrating true regeneration of new bone, new cementum, and new periodontal ligament. Traditional surgery removes or reshapes bone but does not regenerate it.
Yes. LANAP is backed by peer-reviewed human histological studies published in the International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry confirming true regeneration of the periodontal attachment apparatus. This includes new cementum on previously diseased root surfaces, new functionally oriented periodontal ligament fibers, and new alveolar bone. No other laser-based periodontal protocol has achieved this level of scientific evidence. Clinical results vary by patient, and the full extent of bone regeneration typically develops over a period of 6 to 12 months following treatment, which Dr. Ahn monitors through periodic clinical evaluations and imaging.
Recovery after LANAP is significantly faster and more comfortable than traditional gum surgery. Most patients return to work and normal daily activities the day after treatment. Mild soreness and sensitivity are common for the first few days and are typically managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. A soft food diet is recommended for approximately two weeks while the initial healing takes place. The deeper regenerative process, including bone regrowth, continues over 6 to 12 months with periodic monitoring visits that can be scheduled at either our Anaheim or Costa Mesa office.
LANAP is one component of the comprehensive periodontal care available at The Loft Dental Studio. Explore these related services to learn more about how Dr. Ahn can help restore and maintain your oral health.