If you have been told you need treatment for gum disease, the names can be confusing. Is a deep cleaning enough? Is LANAP a different kind of cleaning? And how do you know which treatment fits your mouth?
a dental deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a nonsurgical treatment that removes buildup from tooth surfaces below the gumline. LANAP® is a specific laser-assisted surgical protocol for periodontitis. They are not interchangeable, and the right recommendation begins with a periodontal examination. [1][2][3][4]
What is a deep cleaning for gum disease?
Scaling and root planing treats the tooth and root surfaces where plaque and hardened tartar collect. Unlike a routine preventive cleaning, it reaches into periodontal pockets below the gumline. Local anesthetic may be used, and treatment can take more than one visit. [2]
A follow-up visit is important. Your dental team needs to check how the gums respond and whether deeper pockets remain. Some patients do well with nonsurgical treatment and ongoing maintenance; others need additional care. [2][3]
What is LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is a defined protocol using the PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser, rather than a general name for every dental laser treatment. The procedure includes laser treatment within periodontal pockets and removal of tartar from the root surfaces. It also involves steps to support healing and manage the bite when needed. [4]
Because LANAP includes cleaning the roots, the comparison is not simply “laser versus cleaning.” A useful question is why a surgical protocol is being recommended for your particular disease, teeth, and bone support.
How are LANAP and deep cleaning different?
- Treatment type: scaling and root planing is nonsurgical. LANAP is a laser-assisted surgical protocol. [1][2][3][4]
- Treatment steps: a deep cleaning focuses on removing deposits from tooth and root surfaces. LANAP combines root-surface cleaning with a specific sequence of laser treatment and other steps. [2][4]
- Recovery: both can involve soreness and temporary changes to home care. LANAP has specific healing instructions, including diet and cleaning restrictions for treated areas. Follow the instructions from the clinician treating you. [2][4]
- Long-term care: neither ends the need to monitor gum health. Ongoing professional maintenance and appropriate home care are part of managing periodontitis. [1][3]
How does a dentist decide which treatment you need?
The examination may include measuring the spaces between your teeth and gums, checking inflammation and bleeding, reviewing your medical history, and taking X-rays to evaluate supporting bone. Smoking, diabetes, medications, and previous treatment can help inform the discussion. [1]
Gingivitis and periodontitis also need to be distinguished. Gingivitis affects the gums and can often be reversed with appropriate care. Periodontitis involves damage to the tissues and bone supporting teeth and requires continuing management. Bleeding alone cannot tell you which treatment you need. [1][5]
Ask your dentist to show you the findings behind the recommendation. A pocket measurement or an advertisement by itself is not a complete treatment plan.
Do you always need a deep cleaning before LANAP?
There is no single sequence for every patient. Nonsurgical therapy may be appropriate, and surgery may be considered when it cannot achieve adequate periodontal health. [3] Ask whether the recommendation is to start with scaling and root planing and reassess, or to consider a surgical approach now, and why.
If you have already had a deep cleaning, bring the treatment date and any available gum measurements or X-rays to your consultation. Those records can make a second-opinion conversation more useful.
Is LANAP better than a deep cleaning?
“Better” depends on the clinical problem and the evidence for the specific treatment. The American Academy of Periodontology notes that studies of laser periodontal treatment have found results similar to certain nonsurgical approaches, including scaling and root planing alone. That broad statement does not compare every laser or protocol in every situation. [3]
A reasonable consultation should cover expected benefits, limitations, risks, alternatives, and how success will be measured. Be cautious about promises that any treatment is painless, cures gum disease permanently, or guarantees that every tooth can be saved.
What should you expect afterward?
After scaling and root planing, gums can feel tender and teeth may be sensitive. Your dental team should explain what to expect and when to return for reassessment. [2]
After LANAP, you will receive instructions for food choices, cleaning treated areas, and follow-up visits. Do not substitute a general internet timetable for those instructions. Tell the treating office about worsening symptoms or anything outside the recovery guidance you received. [4]
Longer term, professional maintenance remains important even if bleeding improves. At home, brushing, cleaning between teeth, and avoiding tobacco support gum health, with any postoperative restrictions followed first. [1][5]
Questions to bring to your periodontal consultation
- What is my diagnosis, and can you show me the gum measurements and bone changes?
- Why do you recommend this treatment rather than the alternatives?
- Which teeth have a good outlook, and which are less predictable?
- What should I expect during recovery, and whom should I call with concerns?
- When will you reassess my gums, and what would make you recommend additional treatment?
- What is included in the written estimate, including follow-up and periodontal maintenance?
Can you choose treatment based on cost alone?
Ask for a written, individualized estimate before deciding. Make sure you understand which teeth or areas are being treated, what the fee includes, and whether later visits are separate. If you have dental benefits, verify coverage and your expected share with the practice and your plan. A general price online cannot establish your diagnosis or treatment needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP and Deep Cleaning
Is LANAP the same as a deep cleaning?
No. Scaling and root planing is nonsurgical treatment that cleans tooth and root surfaces below the gumline. LANAP is a specific laser-assisted surgical protocol that includes root-surface cleaning and additional treatment steps.
Do bleeding gums mean I need LANAP?
No. Bleeding can have several causes. A periodontal examination, and X-rays when appropriate, are needed to evaluate the gums and supporting bone before a treatment recommendation is made.
Will I still need maintenance after treatment?
Yes. Periodontitis requires ongoing monitoring and professional maintenance. Follow the home-care and follow-up instructions from your treating clinician, including any temporary restrictions after treatment.
How can I compare treatment costs?
Ask for a written estimate that explains which teeth or areas are being treated, what is included, and whether follow-up or maintenance visits have separate fees. If you have dental benefits, confirm coverage and your expected share with the practice and your plan.
This article provides general education and does not replace a dental examination, diagnosis, or individualized treatment advice. The manufacturer's source below describes the LANAP protocol; it is not independent evidence of superiority.
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Gum Disease
- American Dental Association: Scaling and Root Planing
- American Academy of Periodontology: Non-Surgical Treatments
- Millennium Dental Technologies: LANAP Treatment (manufacturer information)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Periodontal (Gum) Disease
