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Is Laser Periodontal Treatment Effective? The Facts You Need to Know

Posted April 1, 2025 in Periodontal Disease

close up of a female in a dental office

4 Min Read:

Laser periodontal therapy, also known as Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), is sometimes promoted as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum disease treatments. However, despite its appeal, there is no strong scientific evidence proving that laser treatment is more effective than conventional periodontal therapies.

At Dr. Afshin Salamati’s periodontal practice in Los Angeles, CA, we believe in providing only evidence-based treatments that prioritize long-term gum health. In this article, we’ll explore the limitations of laser periodontal therapy, why it is not a proven solution for gum disease, and the best alternative treatments for maintaining healthy gums.

What Is Laser Periodontal Treatment?

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a bacterial infection that damages the gums and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause tooth loss, chronic inflammation, and even systemic health issues.

Laser periodontal therapy uses a laser to target infected gum tissue. Some claim that it is an alternative to traditional treatments like scaling and root planing (SRP) or periodontal surgery, but scientific research does not support this claim.

The Truth About Laser Therapy for Gum Disease

While lasers have valuable applications in dentistry, their effectiveness in treating moderate to severe periodontitis is limited. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) does not recognize laser therapy as a superior treatment for gum disease.

Let’s break down why.

4 Reasons Why Laser Periodontal Treatment Is Not the Best Option

1. No Proven Long-Term Benefits

Multiple studies have compared laser treatment to traditional scaling and root planing, and the results are clear:

  • No significant difference in gum attachment
  • No clear advantage in preventing bone loss
  • No proven long-term success over conventional treatments

While lasers can kill bacteria, they do not address the root cause of gum disease as effectively as mechanical debridement (scaling and root planing).

2. Cannot Replace Scaling & Root Planing (SRP)

One of the most critical steps in treating periodontitis is physically removing plaque and tartar from teeth and below the gumline. Lasers cannot effectively remove hardened tartar (calculus), which is a primary cause of gum disease. Instead, scaling and root planing (SRP) remains the gold standard for cleaning deep gum pockets and stopping disease progression.

3. Laser Treatment Is Not Suitable for Severe Cases

Patients with severe bone loss, deep periodontal pockets, or significant gum recession require more advanced therapies, such as:

  • Periodontal Surgery: to remove plaque, calculus (tartar), infected tissue and promote gum reattachment
  • Bone Grafting: to restore lost bone structure
  • Gum Grafting: for severe gum recession

Laser therapy does not offer a predictable or effective solution for these cases.

4. Higher Cost Without Clear Benefits

Laser periodontal treatment often costs more than traditional therapy, yet it does not provide better results. Many patients are led to believe that a high-tech laser means better care. However, laser therapy is an unnecessary expense with no additional benefits.

4 Alternatives to Laser Periodontal Treatment

At Dr. Salamati’s Los Angeles periodontal office, we focus on proven, science-backed treatments to manage gum disease effectively.

1. Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)

  • The most effective deep-cleaning procedure for removing bacteria and preventing disease progression
  • Helps gum reattachment and reduces pocket depth

2. Pocket Reduction Surgery (Osseous Surgery)

  • Essential for advanced cases with severe bone loss or deep infection pockets
  • Removes plaque, calculus (tartar),  infected tissue, reshapes the bone & gums, and promotes healing

3. Bone Grafting & Regeneration

  • Restores lost bone structure, helping to stabilize teeth
  • Improves long-term oral health and reduces the risk of tooth loss

4. Personalized Periodontal Maintenance

  • Ongoing cleanings and check-ups to keep gum disease from returning
  • Customized oral care plans are tailored to each patient’s needs

The Bottom Line: Stick with Evidence-Based Periodontal Care

While laser periodontal treatment is marketed as a modern alternative, the scientific evidence does not support it as a better option for treating gum disease. Traditional, well-researched therapies like scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and bone grafting remain the most effective, predictable, and reliable solutions for gum health.

If you want to protect your gums, save your teeth, and prevent further complications, trust a board-certified periodontist with a track record of success.

Why Choose Dr. Afshin Salamati for Periodontal Care in Los Angeles?

Dr. Afshin Salamati believes in science-based, patient-centered care. Dr. Salamati has years of experience in periodontal disease treatment and offers only the most effective, research-backed therapies.

  •  No gimmicks—only proven treatments that work
  •  Personalized care tailored to your specific needs
  •  A commitment to long-term gum health and tooth preservation

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, or signs of gum disease, don’t waste time on unproven treatments. Instead, choose a trusted expert who delivers real results. Call (310) 275-1090 today or book your appointment online to take the first step toward healthier gums.