Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is a gentle, minimally invasive treatment designed to help your gums heal and regenerate. While recovery is typically easier than traditional gum surgery, how you care for your mouth in the days and weeks following treatment plays a big role in your comfort and long-term success.
Please read the following instructions carefully and keep them handy during your recovery.
What to Expect After LANAP
It’s normal to experience:
- Mild to moderate soreness or tenderness
- Slight bleeding or oozing for the first 24-48 hours
- Swelling or a feeling of tightness in the gums
- Temporary tooth sensitivity or a “loose” feeling
- Changes to your sense of taste after using prescription mouth rinse
These symptoms usually improve gradually over the first 1–2 weeks as healing begins.
White material may appear around the gums in the treated area. This is completely normal and should not be removed. This material is the fibrin clot, which is a critical part of your body’s natural healing response.
You may also notice the gums in the treated area change color or look “stringy.” This is a normal tissue reaction and nothing to worry about.
If anything feels severe, worsening, or unusual, please call our office right away.
Managing Discomfort and Swelling
- Take prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed.
- Avoid aspirin unless approved by your dentist, as it can increase bleeding.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) during the first 24 hours if needed.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24–48 hours.
Oral Hygiene After LANAP
First 1-2 Weeks
- Do not brush or floss the treated areas unless specifically instructed.
- You may gently brush other areas using a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in a cup of water) 2–3 times per day.
- Use any prescribed mouth rinse exactly as directed.
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide.
Weeks 3-4
- Use an ultra-soft toothbrush to gently brush the treated area.
- Use a “roll” technique:
- Place the toothbrush near the gumline and gently roll the bristles away from the gums, toward the chewing surface of the tooth.
- Do not scrub the area and use very gentle pressure.
- You may be able to start flossing the treated area, but stay above the gums.
Weeks 4-6
- Unless otherwise recommended by Dr. Saltzburg, you may be able to start using an electric toothbrush again.
- Continue gentle care in the treated area and avoid aggressive scrubbing.
- Do not use an oral irrigator (WaterPik) in the area until otherwise instructed.
Long-Term Care
- Excellent daily oral hygiene is essential to protect your results.
- Keep all periodontal maintenance appointments so we can monitor healing and regeneration.
What to Eat After LANAP Treatment
First Three Days
- Only eat a liquid-like diet.
- This may include smoothies (NO berries that have seeds, which can get stuck in the gums), nutritional drinks, broth or creamed soup that has been allowed to cool, and anything that has been put through a blender.
- Do not drink through a straw!
- This creates suction, which can disturb the healing gum attachment.
- Drink plenty of water.
Days 4-8
- Progress to a “mushy” diet.
- Oatmeal
- Mashed avocado, potatoes, steamed vegetables
- Cottage cheese, soft cheese
- Eggs, omelets with soft ingredients like cheese and avocado
- Yogurt, pudding, Jell-O
- Mashed or blended fruit (NO berries with seeds!)
- Creamy peanut butter (not chunky)
- Nutritional drinks
- Avoid:
- Crunchy, hard, or chewy foods
- Spicy or acidic foods
- Extremely hot or cold food
- Meat that shreds and can get stuck under the gums
- Fruit such as berries with small seeds that can get under the gums
Days 8-10
If the white material that appeared around your treated teeth has healed and disappeared, you may be able to progress to a soft diet.
- A soft diet includes:
- Well-cooked pasta
- Fish
- Chicken
- Steamed vegetables
The Rest of the First Month
After reintroducing soft foods (once initial healing has been achieved), you can gradually return to a normal diet. However, it’s important to remember that your healing process will continue far beyond the first two weeks, so chew cautiously and stick to softer foods whenever possible.
Beverages and Hydration
- Staying hydrated supports healing, so drink plenty of water!
- Avoid straws until otherwise instructed, usually the first week or two.
- Avoid hot beverages for the first few days.
- Do not drink alcohol for two weeks after treatment.
- Limit sugary drinks and try to avoid carbonation for at least the first two days, preferably the first two weeks.
General Tips
- Eat slowly and take small bites.
- Avoid chewing directly on treated areas at first.
- Choose foods that are soft, cool, or room temperature.
- Be sure to get plenty of protein.
- You may want to take a multivitamin during this time.
Activity and Lifestyle Considerations
- Avoid heavy exercise for 24-48 hours.
- Do not smoke or vape. This significantly slows healing and increases the risk of complications.
- Get plenty of rest and manage stress during recovery.
- Avoid putting excess pressure on the treated area with your tongue or cheeks.
- Do not sleep on your side for the first week or two to avoid putting pressure on the site.
- Sleep with your head elevated for the first several nights.
- Do not pull your lips or cheeks away from your teeth to check the site.
- Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.
- If you struggle with bruxism, talk to our team before your procedure so that we can create a plan to address this issue throughout your recovery.
Follow-Up Care and Long-Term Health After LANAP in Washington Heights
Your follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing and long-term success. At these appointments, we’ll monitor tissue regeneration and guide you through each phase of recovery. Since you won’t be able to brush your teeth in the area, and may develop stains from prescription mouthwash, we may recommend a brief appointment about a month after your treatment to clean your teeth and remove stains.
Call us if you experience:
- Excessive or prolonged bleeding
- Increasing pain after several days
- Swelling that worsens instead of improving
- Fever or signs of infection
Healing after LANAP is a partnership. By following these instructions closely and keeping in touch with our team, you’re giving your gums the best chance to heal comfortably and successfully.
If you ever have questions or concerns about your LANAP treatment in Washington Heights, don’t hesitate to call. We’re always happy to help you feel confident and supported throughout your recovery.
