PerioLase MVP-7: The Laser Behind LANAP and LAPIP

Wavelength and Tissue Interaction

The PerioLase operates at a wavelength of 1,064 nanometers (nm). This is in the near-infrared range of the light spectrum. At this wavelength, the laser energy is strongly absorbed by dark-pigmented tissue, hemoglobin (the protein in blood), and melanin. Diseased gum tissue is typically inflamed, darker in color, and rich in blood supply. Healthy gum tissue is lighter in color and reflects more of the laser energy.

This selective absorption is what gives the PerioLase its ability to discriminate between healthy and diseased tissue. When the laser light enters a periodontal pocket, it passes through healthy tissue with relatively little effect. When it contacts inflamed, pigmented tissue or bacteria, the energy is absorbed and those cells are destroyed. This process is sometimes described as "selective photothermolysis," meaning targeted heat-based tissue removal.

The Nd:YAG designation refers to the laser medium itself: a crystal of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet. This is a well-established laser medium used across medicine, including ophthalmology and dermatology, for decades.

Variable Pulse Technology

The "free-running pulsed" design means the laser fires in very short, rapid bursts rather than a continuous beam. Each pulse lasts only a tiny fraction of a second. This pulsing action allows tissue to cool between bursts, which reduces heat damage to surrounding healthy structures.

The seven variable pulse durations give the clinician precise control. Shorter pulses at lower energy are typically used for the initial pass to remove bacteria and diseased soft tissue lining the periodontal pocket. Longer pulses at different energy settings are used later in the protocol to create a stable blood clot and stimulate the bone surface. This versatility within a single device is one reason the PerioLase is purpose-built for the LANAP and LAPIP protocols rather than adapted from a general laser platform.

Fiber Optic Delivery

The laser energy travels through a thin, flexible fiber optic strand. The tip of this fiber is about the width of three human hairs. This allows the periodontist to insert the fiber directly into the periodontal pocket (the space between the tooth and gum created by disease) without making an incision. The fiber can reach deep pockets that might otherwise require cutting and folding back the gum tissue, as in traditional flap surgery.

LANAP: Treating Gum Disease Around Natural Teeth

LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. This is the primary protocol the PerioLase was designed for. LANAP treats moderate to severe periodontal disease, which involves loss of bone and attachment around natural teeth. ^[1]

During LANAP, the periodontist inserts the laser fiber into the periodontal pocket and uses specific pulse settings to remove bacteria and diseased tissue. The root surface is then cleaned of calculus (hardened plaque, sometimes called tartar) using ultrasonic instruments. A second pass with the laser at different settings creates a stable fibrin blood clot that seals the pocket. This clot acts as a biological bandage, protecting the area and providing a scaffold for tissue regeneration.

The entire protocol is performed without scalpels, without cutting and repositioning the gum tissue, and without sutures. The full mouth can typically be treated in two sessions.

LAPIP: Treating Peri-Implantitis Around Dental Implants

LAPIP stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that causes bone loss around dental implants, similar to how periodontitis affects natural teeth. It is a growing concern as more patients receive implants. ^[1]

The LAPIP protocol follows similar principles to LANAP but is adapted for the unique surface of dental implants. The titanium implant surface is cleaned and decontaminated, and the laser is used to remove diseased tissue and stimulate the surrounding bone. Traditional treatment options for peri-implantitis often involve surgical flap procedures or, in severe cases, implant removal. LAPIP offers a less invasive alternative for many patients.

Supportive Procedures

While LANAP and LAPIP are the primary protocols, the PerioLase can also be used in supportive roles during periodontal treatment. These include soft tissue procedures such as removing inflamed tissue around partially erupted teeth, treating gum infections, and decontaminating surgical sites. However, the device's FDA clearance for regeneration is specific to the LANAP and LAPIP protocols when performed according to the established steps.

FDA 510(k) Clearance vs. FDA Approval

It is important to distinguish between FDA clearance and FDA approval. These are two different regulatory pathways. FDA approval (typically through a Premarket Approval or PMA process) involves large-scale clinical trials and is reserved for higher-risk devices. FDA 510(k) clearance means a device has been demonstrated to be substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device and is safe and effective for its intended use.

The PerioLase MVP-7 received FDA 510(k) clearance for "true regeneration," defined as the formation of new cementum (the hard tissue covering the tooth root), new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone. This clearance is based on histological evidence (microscopic tissue analysis) submitted to the FDA. No other dental laser currently holds this specific clearance for periodontal regeneration.

Published Research

The LANAP protocol has been studied in peer-reviewed research spanning nearly two decades. A key study that supported the FDA clearance involved human histological samples showing new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new bone formation after LANAP treatment. This type of histological evidence is considered a strong indicator of true regeneration versus simple tissue repair.

Additional published studies have reported reductions in probing depths (the measurement of the space between the gum and tooth, which increases with gum disease) and improvements in clinical attachment levels following LANAP. Some studies have also reported favorable outcomes in terms of tooth retention over multi-year follow-up periods. However, the body of evidence from large-scale, multi-center randomized controlled trials comparing LANAP directly to traditional surgery remains limited. More research comparing long-term outcomes across larger patient populations would strengthen the evidence base.

Clinicians and researchers broadly agree that the existing evidence supports the PerioLase and LANAP as a viable treatment option for periodontal disease. The American Academy of Periodontology acknowledges that laser therapy is an active area of research in periodontal treatment. ^[1]

Professional Society Positions

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has stated that lasers show promise in periodontal therapy and that further well-designed studies are needed to establish definitive clinical guidelines. ^[1] The AAP does not endorse specific branded devices but recognizes laser-assisted periodontal therapy as part of the evolving treatment landscape. The American Dental Association similarly encourages patients to discuss all available treatment options with their dental provider. ^[2]

It is worth noting that the LANAP protocol is specifically tied to the PerioLase MVP-7. A periodontist cannot perform "LANAP" with a different laser device. The protocol and device are inseparable, and the training certification is specific to this equipment.

Advantages Over Traditional Periodontal Surgery

The most frequently cited benefit of LANAP with the PerioLase is that it is minimally invasive. Traditional periodontal flap surgery involves cutting the gum tissue, folding it back to access the tooth root and bone, cleaning the area, and then suturing the tissue back in place. LANAP avoids the scalpel and sutures entirely.

Patients typically report less postoperative pain and swelling compared to traditional surgery. Recovery time is generally shorter, with many patients returning to normal activities within 24 hours. Because the gum tissue is not cut and repositioned, there is typically less gum recession (shrinkage of the gum line) after healing. This can be a meaningful benefit for patients concerned about tooth sensitivity or cosmetic changes after treatment.

The laser's ability to selectively target bacteria and diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue is another significant advantage. The formation of a stable fibrin clot at the end of the procedure helps protect the surgical site and supports the body's natural healing process. The FDA clearance for true regeneration (new bone, cementum, and ligament) represents a potential outcome that is difficult to achieve with many traditional approaches.

Limitations and Considerations

The PerioLase MVP-7 is not a solution for every case of periodontal disease. Very advanced cases with severe bone loss may still require traditional surgical intervention, bone grafting, or a combination of approaches. Your periodontist will assess your specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

The requirement for specialized training means fewer providers offer LANAP compared to traditional periodontal surgery. Not every periodontist has invested in the PerioLase system and the IALD certification. This can limit access in some geographic areas.

While the existing research is promising, some clinicians note that the evidence base would benefit from additional large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials directly comparing LANAP outcomes to traditional surgery outcomes. Results vary from patient to patient depending on disease severity, overall health, smoking status, and adherence to post-treatment maintenance care.

The technology also does not replace the need for ongoing periodontal maintenance. Patients who undergo LANAP still need regular follow-up cleanings and monitoring, just as they would after traditional surgery. Gum disease is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. ^[1]