FDA-cleared laser gum disease treatment by board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn -- no scalpel, no sutures, faster recovery
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared laser protocol that treats moderate to severe periodontal disease without cutting the gums or placing sutures. Unlike traditional gum surgery, which involves reflecting gum tissue with a scalpel and trimming diseased tissue, LANAP uses the PerioLase MVP-7 laser to selectively target and vaporize bacteria and diseased epithelial tissue while leaving healthy gum tissue intact.
What makes LANAP uniquely significant is its ability to stimulate true periodontal regeneration. It is the only laser gum treatment backed by human histological evidence showing the formation of new bone, new cementum, and a new periodontal ligament around previously compromised teeth. This means LANAP does not just arrest disease progression -- it can reverse the damage that periodontal disease has caused.
The PerioLase MVP-7 operates at a specific wavelength (1064nm Nd:YAG) that is selectively absorbed by the hemoglobin in diseased tissue and bacterial pathogens. Healthy tissue, which has a different composition, is not targeted. This selectivity is what allows LANAP to achieve thorough debridement without the collateral tissue damage inherent in scalpel-based surgery. The result is less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, and dramatically faster recovery for patients.
Many Irvine patients who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease are presented with traditional osseous surgery as their primary option. Understanding how LANAP compares can help you make an informed decision. For a detailed comparison, read our guide: LANAP vs. Traditional Gum Surgery.
LANAP is appropriate for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease, typically characterized by periodontal pocket depths of 4mm or greater with bone loss visible on dental X-rays or CBCT imaging. You may be a good candidate for LANAP if you:
A comprehensive periodontal evaluation with Dr. Ahn, including digital periodontal charting and CBCT 3D imaging, will determine whether LANAP is the right treatment for your specific condition. Not every case is suitable for LANAP, and Dr. Ahn will provide an honest assessment of all your options.
Full-mouth LANAP treatment at The Loft Dental Studio typically costs between $4,000 and $8,000, depending on the severity of the disease and the number of areas requiring treatment. Localized treatment targeting a specific quadrant or section of the mouth will be less.
Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of LANAP treatment under their periodontal surgery benefits. Coverage varies by plan, and our administrative team will verify your specific benefits before treatment begins so you understand your out-of-pocket costs upfront. For patients who need to manage costs over time, we offer financing options that can break the investment into manageable monthly payments.
When evaluating the cost of LANAP, consider the alternative costs: untreated periodontal disease leads to tooth loss, and replacing teeth with dental implants costs $3,000 to $5,500 per tooth. LANAP can save teeth that would otherwise need extraction, making it a sound long-term investment in your oral health.
Schedule a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Ahn. Our Costa Mesa office is just 15 minutes from Irvine.
Call (714) 549-7030Not all dentists or even all periodontists are trained and certified to perform LANAP. The procedure requires specialized training on the PerioLase MVP-7 laser system and a deep understanding of periodontal biology to achieve optimal outcomes. Dr. Chanook David Ahn brings several qualifications that make him an exceptional choice for LANAP treatment.
Board-Certified Periodontist: Dr. Ahn holds board certification from the American Board of Periodontology, demonstrating mastery of periodontal medicine, surgical technique, and implantology. This certification requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations beyond what is needed for a periodontal license.
Yale Residency Training: Dr. Ahn completed his periodontal residency at Yale University, where he trained in evidence-based approaches to regenerative periodontal therapy. This academic foundation means he approaches LANAP cases with both clinical precision and scientific rigor.
Advanced Diagnostics: Every LANAP case begins with CBCT 3D imaging and comprehensive digital periodontal charting, providing a complete three-dimensional view of bone loss and disease severity. This allows Dr. Ahn to plan treatment precisely and track measurable outcomes.
5.0 Stars, 120+ Reviews: The Loft Dental Studio's 5.0-star Google rating reflects consistent, high-quality outcomes across all patients, including those treated with LANAP.
The Loft Dental Studio is located at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, in the South Coast Metro area near John Wayne Airport and South Coast Plaza. Free parking is available in the Airway Business Center complex. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
From most Irvine neighborhoods, the drive takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Take the 405 Freeway north and exit at Fairview Road or Bristol Street, then head toward Airway Ave. From UC Irvine, take Jamboree Road to Bristol Street (about 12 minutes). From the Irvine Spectrum, take the 405 North to Fairview Road (about 15 minutes).
Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of LANAP treatment under their periodontal surgery benefits. Coverage varies by plan, and some plans may classify LANAP under a different benefit category. Our administrative team verifies your specific benefits before treatment begins so you understand your out-of-pocket costs upfront. We also offer financing options to help manage the investment.
Full-mouth LANAP treatment is typically completed in two sessions, each lasting about 2 to 3 hours. The two sessions are usually scheduled one to two weeks apart, with each session treating one side of the mouth. Some patients with localized gum disease may require only a single session. Dr. Ahn will outline the exact treatment timeline during your consultation.
LANAP is significantly less painful than traditional gum surgery. Local anesthesia is used during the procedure, so patients feel no pain during treatment. After the procedure, most patients report only mild soreness that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. There is minimal swelling and bleeding compared to scalpel-based surgery. Most patients return to normal activities the next day.
Most patients require two LANAP sessions to treat the full mouth, with each session addressing one side (left and right). Sessions are typically scheduled one to two weeks apart. Patients with localized gum disease affecting only a few teeth may need just one session. After treatment, periodic maintenance visits are recommended to monitor healing and maintain gum health long-term.