If Your Gum Treatments Haven't Worked… This May Be Why
You've had deep cleanings, scaling, maybe even surgery — and your gums still bleed, your pockets are still deep, and now you're being told you need extractions or implants. There's a reason nothing has worked. Conventional treatments don't reach the bacteria living deep below the gum line, and scalpel surgery removes tissue rather than regenerating it.
The LANAP® Protocol is the only FDA-cleared laser treatment that produces true periodontal regeneration — new bone, new cementum, new ligament — without scalpels or sutures. It's performed at StarBrite Dental in Rockville, MD by a LANAP-certified periodontist working alongside Dr. Maryam Seifi.
Who LANAP Is For
- Pocket depths of 5mm or greater that haven't responded to deep cleanings
- Visible bone loss on dental X-rays
- Gum recession, bleeding, or loose teeth
- Patients told they need osseous (gum-flap) surgery or extractions
- Anyone who wants an alternative to dental implants while teeth can still be saved
Why LANAP Works When Other Treatments Fail
The PerioLase MVP-7 is a free-running pulsed Nd:YAG laser that selectively destroys diseased pocket lining and the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease, while leaving healthy tissue intact. A second laser pass creates a stable fibrin clot that seals the pocket and triggers regeneration of bone and connective tissue. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours.
About the Care Team
Dr. Maryam Seifi is the founder of StarBrite Dental and oversees comprehensive treatment planning. LANAP procedures are performed by a LANAP-certified periodontist trained at the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my gum disease is advanced enough for LANAP?
If you have pocket depths of 5mm or greater, visible bone loss on X-rays, gum recession, or loose teeth — you likely have moderate to advanced periodontitis. During your evaluation, we'll measure every pocket, review your radiographs, and determine the exact stage and grade of your disease. LANAP is specifically designed for cases where conventional cleaning is no longer sufficient.
Is LANAP painful? What's the experience like?
Most patients report significantly less pain than they expected — and dramatically less than traditional surgery. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. The laser itself causes minimal tissue trauma because it targets only diseased cells. Post-procedure discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
What's the recovery time?
Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours. Compare this to traditional osseous surgery, which typically requires 2–4 weeks of restricted activity. You'll eat soft foods for about a week and avoid certain activities, but you can work, drive, and function normally almost immediately.
Is LANAP better than scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)?
They serve different clinical purposes. Scaling and root planing is effective for early-stage disease and pockets under 5mm. For moderate to advanced periodontitis with pockets 5mm+, deep cleaning alone cannot reach the infection. LANAP accesses and treats deep pockets, eliminates bacteria that scaling cannot reach, and stimulates bone regeneration.
Can LANAP really regrow bone?
Yes — and this is backed by peer-reviewed science. A 2019 human histology study confirmed that LANAP produces true periodontal regeneration: new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone. Clinical studies show measurable bone regrowth in 85%+ of treated sites.
How many sessions does LANAP require?
Typically, LANAP is completed in two sessions (one for each side of the mouth), each lasting about 2–3 hours. Some cases can be completed in a single longer session.
What does LANAP cost? Does insurance cover it?
Full-mouth LANAP treatment typically ranges from $4,000–$10,000 depending on severity. Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage.
I've been told I need extractions and implants. Can LANAP still help?
Possibly — and that's exactly why a consultation matters. Many teeth that are deemed 'hopeless' under traditional assessment criteria can be treated with LANAP.
Request a Consultation
Call (301) 770-1070 or request a consultation online. Office: 5936 Hubbard Dr, Rockville, MD 20852.