Laser Dental

If you have been told you have gum disease, or you feel anxious about traditional dental procedures involving drills and scalpels, laser dentistry may offer a better path forward. At Perth Prime Dental, we use laser technology for treatments ranging from drill-free fillings to advanced gum therapy using the LANAP protocol — and we have been doing so since 2015.

Why Laser Dentistry?

Traditional dental drills rely on pressure, heat and vibration to prepare teeth for fillings and other procedures. Laser technology replaces much of that with a focused beam of light energy, which means less noise, less discomfort and a gentler experience overall. This makes laser dentistry particularly well suited to patients who feel nervous about visiting the dentist.

With laser treatment at our Perth CBD practice, you can generally expect:

• Greater precision — the laser targets only the affected tissue, leaving healthy structures intact.
• Less discomfort — many patients require little or no anaesthesia for routine laser procedures.
• Reduced bleeding and swelling — the laser seals blood vessels as it works.
• Faster healing — laser bio-stimulation encourages quicker tissue recovery.

What Is LANAP?

LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is an FDA-cleared laser protocol designed specifically to treat moderate to severe periodontal (gum) disease. Rather than cutting the gum with a scalpel and stitching it back — as traditional gum surgery requires — LANAP uses a specialised Nd:YAG laser to selectively remove diseased tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.

The most significant advantage of LANAP over conventional gum surgery is its potential to stimulate your body’s own regenerative response. In suitable cases, LANAP can encourage new bone growth and reattachment of gum tissue to the tooth root — something traditional surgery alone does not reliably achieve.

Who Is LANAP Suitable For?

LANAP may be a good option if you:

• Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis).
• Want to avoid the discomfort and longer recovery of traditional gum surgery.
• Are on blood-thinning medication — LANAP does not require you to stop your medication before treatment.
• Feel anxious about dental procedures — the minimally invasive nature of LANAP is often more comfortable than conventional surgery.
• Have been told you may need teeth extracted due to gum disease and want to explore options to keep them.

Not every case of gum disease is the same, and LANAP is not suitable for every situation. During your consultation, Dr Ali Matin will assess your specific condition, discuss whether LANAP is appropriate for you and explain what results you can realistically expect.

What Happens During LANAP Treatment?

The LANAP protocol follows a specific sequence designed to maximise healing and regeneration:

1. Assessment — your periodontal pockets are measured and your condition is thoroughly evaluated.
2. Laser pass — the Nd:YAG laser fibre (about the width of three human hairs) is placed into the periodontal pocket. It selectively removes bacteria, infected tissue and toxins without affecting healthy gum tissue.
3. Scaling — ultrasonic and hand instruments are used to remove calculus (tartar) from the root surface.
4. Second laser pass — the laser is used again to create a stable blood clot that seals the pocket, forming a barrier against bacteria and providing an environment for tissue and bone regeneration.
5. Bite adjustment — if needed, your bite is adjusted to reduce stress on the treated teeth.

Treatment is typically completed over two visits, with each session taking approximately two hours. One side of the mouth is treated per visit. No scalpel incisions or stitches are required.

What to Expect After Treatment

Most patients experience significantly less discomfort after LANAP compared with traditional gum surgery. Some tenderness is normal for a few days, and you will be given specific dietary and oral hygiene instructions to support healing. Many patients return to their normal routine within a day or two.

An Honest Note About Gum Disease

We believe in being straightforward with our patients: gum disease is a chronic condition. No single treatment — including LANAP — is a permanent cure that eliminates the need for ongoing care. Your genetic predisposition means your gums may always react more strongly to plaque and bacteria than someone else’s.

What LANAP can do is help control and slow the progression of the disease, reduce pocket depths and, in many cases, regenerate bone and attachment that has been lost. But for lasting results, you need to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home and attend regular professional cleans so we can monitor your condition over time.

We share this because we want you to have realistic expectations and achieve the best possible long-term outcome — not because LANAP does not work. When combined with proper ongoing care, it is one of the most effective tools available for managing periodontal disease.

LANAP Cost in Perth CBD

LANAP treatment costs are based on the number of teeth that require treatment. Because the procedure involves specialised laser equipment and disposable fibre tips, it may cost slightly more than traditional gum surgery. However, many patients find the reduced discomfort, faster recovery and regenerative potential well worth the investment.

We offer a free consultation where Dr Matin will assess your situation, explain the treatment plan and provide a clear breakdown of costs. We also have flexible payment options available to make treatment accessible.

WaterLase — Drill-Free Fillings

In addition to LANAP for gum disease, we use WaterLase technology for general dental procedures. WaterLase combines water with laser energy to remove tooth decay without a traditional drill. This means less vibration, less discomfort and often no need for anaesthesia — resulting in smaller, more conservative fillings that preserve more of your healthy tooth structure.

Why Choose Perth Prime Dental for LANAP?

Dr Ali Matin has been providing LANAP laser treatment at Perth Prime Dental since 2015, making him one of the most experienced LANAP practitioners in Perth. With over two decades in general dentistry and dedicated training in laser dentistry, dental implants and bone regeneration, Dr Matin brings a depth of expertise that directly benefits patients with complex periodontal conditions.

Our Perth CBD practice at 1/58 St Georges Terrace is conveniently located for city workers, with early morning, lunchtime and late evening appointments available Monday to Thursday, plus Saturday mornings.

To learn more about whether LANAP is right for you, book a free consultation or call us on (08) 9325 4175.

You can also read our detailed blog post: LANAP — Laser Treatment for Gum Disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LANAP painful?

Most patients report that LANAP is significantly more comfortable than traditional gum surgery. Local anaesthesia is used during the procedure, and post-treatment discomfort is typically mild — many patients manage with over-the-counter pain relief and return to normal activities within a day or two.

How long does LANAP take to heal?

Initial healing is noticeably faster than conventional surgery, with most patients feeling comfortable within a few days. However, the full regenerative process — including potential bone regrowth — develops gradually over several months. We will monitor your progress at follow-up appointments.

Does private health insurance cover LANAP?

Coverage varies between health funds and policies. We recommend contacting your insurer to check your specific level of cover for periodontal laser treatment. Our team can also provide you with the relevant item numbers to help you enquire.

Can LANAP save teeth that have been recommended for extraction?

In some cases, yes. LANAP can help stabilise teeth that have lost bone support due to gum disease. However, it depends on the severity and pattern of bone loss around each tooth. Dr Matin will assess your situation during your consultation and let you know what is achievable.

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