People all over the world suffer from oral diseases affecting the teeth and gums. Research shows that in both the United States and United Kingdom approximately 90 percent of people will be affected by gum disease at some point in their lives. Symptoms may vary from bad breath, metallic taste, inflammation or swelling of the gum tissue to bleeding, teeth decay, loose teeth, tooth loss and damage to the jaw bone.

Many of us may not understand the intricacies of developing or treating an oral disease, such as periodontitis and gingivitis. Visiting our dentist for regular check-ups is how we learn to understand our own dental health condition, whether or not we have a gum disease that needs treating and how best to look after our teeth and gums.

Dental scientists are involved in researching treatment options for oral conditions and diseases, to improve on earlier treatment procedures, to educate the general public, and for best patient care. Two pioneers in dentistry, Dr. Robert H. Gregg II and Dr. Delwin McCarthy, have evaluated surgical options for gum disease and have harnessed the use of advanced laser technology called the PerioLase MVP-7 or for short “YAG laser” to explore treatments for periodontitis and gingivitis.

Through their research, Drs Gregg II and McCarthy have found a procedure that produces highly effective results for treating oral diseases like periodontitis, and they have patented this procedure as Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) to be approved for international use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved LANAP for treating gum diseases in 2004, followed by Canada in 2008, and Europe and UK in 2010.

This guide will help you to understand LANAP in terms of how the procedure was developed and its use for the treatment of oral diseases.