LANAP® Therapy in Bakersfield, CA

What LANAP® Can Treat

Patients with periodontal pocket depths of 4 mm or greater may be candidates for LANAP® therapy, depending on their overall periodontal condition. Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger use it to treat: 

• Moderate to severe chronic periodontitis
• Deep periodontal pockets with active infection
• Bone loss around natural teeth
• Gum disease in patients who have avoided traditional surgery
• Periodontal disease in patients with certain medical conditions that make conventional surgery higher-risk

Not every case suits LANAP®. Our periodontists evaluate your gum condition before recommending it. They recommend LANAP® only when it genuinely fits your clinical situation.

Benefits of LANAP® Over Traditional Gum Surgery

Here are the noticeable benefits of LANAP® therapy:

No Cutting or Suturing

The LANAP® protocol requires no cutting and no suturing, a “no cut, no sew” approach that significantly reduces fear and post-operative discomfort compared with traditional surgery. 

Faster Recovery

LANAP® offers faster recovery than traditional osseous surgery, with reduced post-operative sensitivity, swelling, and gum recession. Most patients return to normal activity within 24 hours. 

True Regeneration, Not Just Removal

LANAP® human histologic studies demonstrate true regeneration of the attachment apparatus, new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone on previously diseased root surfaces. No biologics, no exogenous growth factors, no bone grafts, no artificial membranes, and no scaffolds are required. 

Targets Disease Precisely

The LANAP® protocol is designed to selectively target diseased pocket epithelium while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The laser allows for a highly targeted approach that differs from conventional surgical techniques.

Saves Natural Teeth

Clinical studies have demonstrated the potential for bone and attachment regeneration following LANAP® treatment in appropriate cases. This regeneration helps patients keep natural teeth that traditional treatment might not be able to save.

How LANAP® Therapy Works

Periodontal disease creates deep pockets between the teeth and gums. Bacteria colonize these pockets. Over time, they destroy the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

LANAP® uses a laser beam to eliminate pathogenic bacteria and diseased periodontal tissue. It sterilizes compromised areas and promotes tissue regeneration without traditional surgery. 

Our periodontists follow the established LANAP® protocol precisely. Here is what each step involves:

Measurement

Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger measure periodontal pocket depths around every tooth. This maps the extent of disease before treatment begins.

First Laser Pass

They insert a thin laser fiber, about the width of three human hairs, into the periodontal pocket. The PerioLase® MVP-7™ targets and removes diseased tissue. It leaves healthy tissue untouched. The laser simultaneously kills bacteria deep within the pocket.

Scaling

Our periodontists use ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to remove calculus deposits from the root surface. This clears the root of the buildup that bacteria cling to.

Second Laser Pass

A second laser pass seals the pocket by forming a stable blood clot at the base of the treated site. This clot protects the area and creates the foundation for new tissue attachment and bone regeneration.

Bite Adjustment

When needed, the bite is adjusted to reduce excessive force on treated teeth, supporting healing and the regenerative process.

Follow-Up

At follow-up visits, they evaluate healing, pocket depth reduction, and signs of periodontal regeneration over time.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery after LANAP® is straightforward. On the first day, you may experience mild discomfort that is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. By the third day, soreness reduces noticeably.

After one week, most patients notice significant improvement with minimal sensitivity. At this stage, gentle brushing resumes following Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger’s specific instructions.

Our periodontists provide detailed aftercare instructions at the end of your treatment appointment. They remain available throughout the recovery period for any questions.

Who Is a Good Candidate for LANAP®?

LANAP® therapy may suit you if you:

• Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontal disease
• Want to avoid traditional gum surgery
• Have previously declined conventional surgery due to fear or recovery concerns
• Have a medical condition, such as diabetes, bleeding disorders, or anticoagulant use, that makes traditional surgery higher-risk
• Want to improve the chances of preserving natural teeth affected by periodontal bone loss
• Have periodontal pockets of 4 mm or deeper

Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger assess every candidate thoroughly. They take digital X-rays, measure pocket depths, and review your full medical and dental history before recommending treatment.

Why Choose Us for LANAP® Laser Treatment in Bakersfield, CA

Successful LANAP® treatment depends on careful case selection, training, and adherence to the established protocol. Our dental professionals specialize in periodontics and dental implants, which means gum disease treatment is not one service among many; it is the focus of everything they do.

Dr. Saifee’s specialty training at Harvard School of Dental Medicine included advanced periodontology alongside a Master of Medical Sciences in oral biology. That scientific foundation shapes how he reads disease progression, selects laser settings, and tracks regeneration at follow-up visits, details that can influence long-term treatment outcomes and tooth stability.

Dr. Sanger brings a different kind of depth: she has treated periodontal disease hands-on since 1990, initially as a general dentist before committing her practice entirely to periodontics. Between them, the clinical experience covering complex cases runs for decades.

During LANAP® treatment, they use the PerioView Dental Endoscope alongside the laser, a fiber-optic camera that shows exactly what sits beneath the gumline in real time. The endoscope provides enhanced visualization beneath the gumline and may help identify areas that are difficult to see with traditional methods alone.

The practice accepts Delta Dental, Cigna, GEHA, and Humana, and the team checks benefits before treatment begins and provides a clear breakdown of costs upfront, as coverage varies for periodontal treatment. For remaining balances, CareCredit® and LendingClub® financing spreads payments over time. Every number is explained before anything is scheduled.