If you’ve been told you have gum disease, you may already be facing a difficult decision: which treatment is right for you? Two of the most common options periodontists recommend are scaling and root planing (SRP) and LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). Both are proven, effective treatments for periodontal disease, but they differ significantly in approach, recovery, and the types of cases they address best.
At Advanced Periodontics of N.J., our team of board-certified periodontists, including Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto, has helped patients across New Jersey choose between exactly these two options. With training in both traditional and laser-based therapies, we build every treatment plan around the patient’s specific diagnosis, health history, and lifestyle.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is one of the most well-established non-surgical treatments for chronic gum disease. Often called a “deep cleaning,” SRP involves two key steps: scaling removes plaque and tartar buildup from tooth surfaces and below the gumline, while root planing smooths rough areas on the root surfaces to discourage bacteria from reattaching. According to the American Dental Association, scaling and root planing are widely used treatments that help manage and prevent the progression of gum disease.
SRP is typically the first line of defense for patients with mild to moderate periodontitis. It requires no surgery and is performed under local anesthesia, making it a highly accessible option for many patients. Patients curious about what a full course of treatment costs can review our breakdown of periodontal treatment costs and payment options for typical pricing on both approaches.
Who Is a Good Candidate for SRP?
SRP tends to work best for patients in the early stages of periodontal disease. You may be a good candidate if you have moderate pocket depths, respond well to non-surgical approaches, or are seeking a more conservative first treatment before exploring other options.
What Is LANAP?
LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive laser therapy designed to treat moderate to severe periodontitis. Rather than using scalpels or sutures, LANAP uses a specialized Nd:YAG laser to selectively target and remove infected gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. The laser also stimulates the regeneration of bone and connective tissue damaged by gum disease. Our gum disease treatment approach incorporates this technology to deliver precise, effective results with minimal disruption to a patient’s daily routine. A more detailed walkthrough of the procedure is available in our guide to LANAP therapy for gum disease.
LANAP is widely regarded as one of the more patient-friendly options for treating advanced periodontal disease. Most patients experience significantly less discomfort, swelling, and downtime compared to traditional surgery, a distinction we cover in more depth in our post on the difference between traditional gum surgery and LANAP.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LANAP?
LANAP may be the preferred choice when gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage. Candidates often include patients who have:
- Moderate to severe periodontal pockets that have not responded adequately to SRP alone
- Significant bone loss around the teeth
- A preference for minimally invasive treatment with a faster recovery
- Medical conditions that make traditional surgical approaches higher-risk
A thorough evaluation by a periodontist is the only way to confirm which treatment path fits your case.
Scaling and Root Planing vs. LANAP at a Glance
The table below summarizes how the two treatments compare across the factors patients ask about most.
How Do the Two Treatments Compare?
Both SRP and LANAP are proven methods for addressing periodontal disease, but they serve different roles across the treatment spectrum. SRP is typically the starting point, addressing early-stage disease by mechanically removing deposits. LANAP takes a more targeted approach, using laser energy to both eliminate infection and promote tissue regeneration in more advanced cases. Our advanced technology allows us to deliver LANAP with the precision and consistency patients need to achieve lasting results.
Recovery time also differs. SRP patients generally experience mild tenderness for a day or two, while LANAP patients often report minimal discomfort and return to normal activities quickly, even without stitches. Patients specifically curious about the laser recovery timeline can read our full breakdown of laser gum treatment recovery time.
Schedule a Consultation at Advanced Periodontics of N.J.
This post has outlined the key differences between scaling and root planing and LANAP, two of the most effective treatments for gum disease available today. Understanding what each procedure involves, how they compare, and what makes someone a good candidate can help you feel more prepared when speaking with a specialist. The periodontists on our team, Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto, bring exceptional credentials and clinical experience to every patient evaluation, ensuring your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing signs of gum disease or have been referred to a specialist, we encourage you to take the next step. Advanced Periodontics of N.J. serves patients across New Jersey from multiple convenient locations. Contact us today by calling our office or using our contact form to request your consultation and get the specialized periodontal care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaling and Root Planing vs. LANAP
Can scaling and root planing cure gum disease on its own?
For mild to moderate gum disease, SRP combined with consistent home care and regular maintenance visits can effectively manage and often halt disease progression. More advanced cases with deeper pockets and bone loss typically need an additional treatment such as LANAP to achieve full control.
Is LANAP more expensive than scaling and root planing?
LANAP generally costs more per quadrant than scaling and root planing because it requires specialized laser equipment and additional training. Our periodontal treatment costs overview outlines typical price ranges for both procedures so you can plan accordingly.
Will I need SRP before I can have LANAP?
Not always. Some patients move directly to LANAP if their periodontist determines the disease is already moderate to severe. Others start with SRP and are reevaluated afterward to see whether laser therapy is needed for pockets that did not fully respond.
How many LANAP sessions are typically needed?
The number of sessions depends on how many areas of the mouth require treatment. Some patients complete care in a single extended visit, while others are treated in sections over a few appointments so each area can heal before the next is addressed.
Which treatment is better for early-stage gum disease?
Scaling and root planing is typically the first recommendation for early-stage periodontitis because it is non-surgical, effective, and less costly. LANAP tends to be reserved for cases that are more advanced or that have not responded fully to SRP alone.
