Laser periodontal therapy: the PerioLase® MPV-7.
Dr. Engen is one of only three dentists in Spokane offering LANAP, the first and only laser protocol FDA-cleared to regenerate new periodontal attachment and bone.
A fiber the width of three human hairs.
The PerioLase MPV-7 is a free-running pulsed Nd:YAG laser developed specifically for periodontal treatment. Its wavelength is selectively absorbed by diseased, pigmented tissue and bacteria in the periodontal pocket, largely passing through healthy, non-pigmented tissue without harming it.
That selectivity is what makes it fundamentally different from a scalpel: it can eliminate the infected lining of a periodontal pocket while leaving healthy connective tissue undisturbed, and then stimulate a stable blood clot that allows the body to regenerate new bone and periodontal ligament (new attachment).
Dr. Engen is one of only three dentists in all of Spokane who has the training and the PerioLase equipment to offer LANAP. Getting this treatment in the Inland Northwest means coming here.
Key differences
- Selectivity: laser targets infected tissue; scalpel does not discriminate.
- Sutures: LANAP rarely requires sutures; traditional surgery almost always does.
- Regeneration: LANAP is FDA-cleared to regenerate bone and new attachment; resective surgery is not.
- Recovery: Most LANAP patients return to routine activities quickly; traditional surgery requires more recovery time.
"The PerioLase fiber is about the width of three human hairs, a precision you cannot replicate with a scalpel."
Seven precise steps, FDA-cleared as a complete system.
Pocket measurement
Periodontal probing establishes baseline pocket depths before treatment begins.
First laser pass
The PerioLase fiber removes infected tissue and kills bacteria in the pocket, sparing healthy tissue.
Ultrasonic cleaning
Ultrasonic instruments remove calculus from the root surface, smoothing it so healthy tissue can reattach.
Second laser pass
A second pass sterilizes the pocket and stimulates a stable blood clot at the base.
Clot formation
The laser-assisted clot creates a biologic seal, protecting the regenerating site from reinfection.
Bite adjustment
Occlusion is adjusted to reduce trauma to the healing site during the recovery period.
Healing & re-evaluation
Follow-up visits confirm pocket-depth reduction and new bone formation as the tissue regenerates.
Most adults with moderate to advanced periodontitis are candidates.
LANAP is indicated for patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease, particularly those with deeper pockets (5 mm or more), bone loss on X-ray, or who have not responded fully to scaling and root planing alone.
It is also well-suited for patients who are medically compromised (on anticoagulants, immunosuppressed, or with healing concerns), because the laser seals as it works, reducing bleeding and promoting biologic closure without the trauma of conventional surgical incisions.
Not every patient with gum disease needs LANAP. Early-stage disease is often managed with scaling and root planing and an improved home-care regimen. Dr. Engen and Dr. Pizzini will recommend LANAP only when it is clinically appropriate for your specific case.
Good candidates
- Moderate to advanced periodontitis
- Pockets of 5 mm or deeper
- Patients on blood thinners or with healing concerns
- Those who want to avoid traditional surgery if possible
- Patients with bone loss shown on X-ray
What patients ask about LANAP.
LANAP is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation is available. During the procedure, patients typically feel vibration and pressure but not sharp pain. Post-procedure discomfort is generally mild and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Full-mouth LANAP is typically completed in two appointments (upper and lower arches), often scheduled a week apart. Follow-up visits at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months assess healing and pocket-depth reduction.
Coverage varies by plan. LANAP is billed under standard periodontal procedure codes. Our team will verify your benefits and provide a pre-treatment estimate before you commit to any care. We work with most major dental insurance carriers.
Most LANAP patients return to desk work the following day. A soft diet is recommended for the first few days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3 to 5 days to allow the clot to stabilize. Specific post-operative instructions are provided after each treatment visit.
LANAP is a one-time active treatment for the areas treated. However, periodontal disease is a chronic condition; ongoing maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months are essential to sustain the results and prevent recurrence in areas not previously treated.
Find out if the PerioLase laser is right for your case.
Dr. Engen will review your X-rays and periodontal charting and give you a clear recommendation based on your specific diagnosis. If LANAP is appropriate, we will explain the protocol, the timeline, and what to expect in plain language.