• LANAP is a laser-based periodontal therapy designed to reduce periodontal pocketing and promote reattachment of tissues. Healing is biologically different from conventional surgery and requires precise adherence to instructions.
• Avoid disturbing treated gums. Do not brush the treated areas for 7 to 10 days. Do not floss the treated areas for 6 months unless otherwise directed. The laser creates a stable fibrin clot that must remain intact. Disrupting it can impair healing and cause bleeding.
• Follow the prescribed antimicrobial rinse as instructed. Swish gently. Do not use alcohol-containing mouthwash. Continue routine home care for untreated areas of the mouth.
• Expect mild swelling, light bleeding, and tooth tenderness for several days. Take anti-inflammatory medication as recommended unless medically contraindicated. If antibiotics are prescribed, follow the full course of treatment.
• Maintain a soft diet for 48 to 72 hours. Avoid crunchy, seedy, or hard foods that can disturb healing sites. Chew away from the treated areas. Progress diet slowly as comfort allows.
• No smoking or vaping during healing. Both significantly impair tissue response and increase the risk of failure.
• Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours. Increased blood flow can disrupt the early stability of a clot.
• Teeth may feel slightly loose during early healing because inflamed fibers detach and new attachment is forming. This is expected. As inflammation decreases, stability improves.
• Sensitivity to cold may increase during the healing process. Use fluoridated toothpaste or desensitizing products as recommended by your dentist.
• Return for all scheduled follow-up visits. LANAP treatment follows a structured sequence; each visit allows your dentist to evaluate tissue response, remove debris where appropriate, and adjust bite forces as needed. Missed follow-ups compromise results.
• Long-term success requires strict home care after the protected-healing phase and regular periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months. LANAP treats infections, but periodontal disease remains a chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring.
• Call immediately if swelling becomes severe, bleeding is continuous, fever develops, or tissue appears to open or drain unexpectedly.