By Dr. Tamara Rojas, DMD  ·  Board-Certified Periodontist  ·  Updated June 2026

For decades, the standard treatment for advanced gum disease meant cutting away infected tissue with a scalpel — a procedure that was effective but painful, slow to heal, and often resulted in gum recession. LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) changed that. At Tooth Fairy Workshop in Hollywood, FL, Dr. Tamara Rojas offers FDA-cleared LANAP laser therapy — the only scientifically proven method to achieve true periodontal regeneration without a scalpel or sutures.

What Is LANAP Laser Gum Surgery?

LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It uses the PerioLase MVP-7 — a free-running, variable-pulsed Nd:YAG laser — to selectively destroy bacteria and diseased gum tissue without touching or cutting the healthy surrounding tissue.

The laser wavelength is specifically calibrated to target the dark pigment found in diseased tissue and the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Healthy pink gum tissue simply reflects the laser, leaving it unharmed. This selectivity is what makes LANAP fundamentally different from any other laser or surgical approach.

LANAP vs. Traditional Gum Surgery

Traditional osseous surgery (flap surgery) has been the standard of care since the 1970s. LANAP represents a paradigm shift. Here’s how they compare across the metrics patients care about most:

Who Is a Good Candidate for LANAP?

LANAP is appropriate for most patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease — particularly those who:

• Have been diagnosed with Stage III or Stage IV periodontitis (bone loss present on X-rays)
• Have previously undergone traditional scaling and root planing without achieving stable pocket depths
• Were recommended for traditional surgery but want a less invasive option
• Have existing dental implants at risk from surrounding periodontal disease
• Take blood thinners or medications that increase bleeding risk (LANAP causes minimal bleeding)
• Have dental anxiety or low pain tolerance

The LANAP Procedure at Tooth Fairy Workshop

Most patients complete LANAP treatment in two appointments, each treating one half of the mouth. Here’s what the procedure looks like from start to finish:

• 1
  Periodontal Charting & Imaging

  Dr. Rojas maps every pocket depth, evaluates bone levels via digital X-rays, and documents baseline measurements. You’ll receive a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate before anything begins.

• 2
  Local Anesthesia

  The treatment area is fully numbed. Oral or IV sedation is available for patients who want additional comfort. Most patients report that LANAP is significantly more comfortable than they expected.

• 3
  Laser Pass 1 — Diseased Tissue Removal

  The PerioLase fiber (thinner than a human hair) is inserted into each periodontal pocket. The laser targets and removes diseased tissue and bacteria with extraordinary precision, leaving healthy tissue untouched.

• 4
  Ultrasonic Scaling

  Calculus deposits are removed from the root surface using ultrasonic instruments. This is the same step performed during deep cleaning, but the laser has already eliminated the infection that made it uncomfortable.

• 5
  Laser Pass 2 — Blood Clot Formation

  A second laser pass at a different setting stimulates the formation of a stable blood clot in the pocket. This clot acts as a biologic seal — the environment needed for bone and tissue regeneration to begin.

• 6
  Bite Adjustment & Occlusal Equilibration

  Bite forces are equalized to reduce stress on healing periodontal tissues. This step is unique to the LANAP protocol and contributes significantly to long-term success.

Recovery & Long-Term Results

What to Expect After LANAP

Recovery from LANAP is dramatically faster than traditional surgery. Most patients experience:

Published Results

Clinical studies support what Dr. Rojas observes in her Hollywood practice. Research published in peer-reviewed journals shows that LANAP patients achieve:

• Average pocket depth reduction of 2+ millimeters (comparable to traditional surgery)
• Measurable bone fill in areas of previous bone loss — a result not achieved by traditional surgery alone
• Reduced bacterial counts sustained for months post-treatment
• High patient satisfaction scores, particularly regarding comfort and recovery

Learn more about the full LANAP protocol on our LANAP service page, including our before-and-after X-ray cases.

Why Choose Tooth Fairy Workshop for LANAP in Hollywood, FL?

LANAP is not a procedure that every dentist or periodontist offers. Becoming a certified LANAP provider requires completion of the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD) training program — a rigorous curriculum that ensures practitioners understand the science, the equipment, and the protocol in full.

• Certified LANAP Provider: Dr. Rojas completed the full IALD training program and has performed hundreds of LANAP cases in Hollywood, FL.
• Periodontal Specialist: LANAP is performed by a board-certified periodontist — the specialist most qualified to manage advanced gum disease, interpret bone levels, and plan long-term maintenance.
• Comprehensive Care: Gum disease treatment, dental implants, and bone grafting all available at one Hollywood address. No referrals for follow-up implant work.
• Digital X-Ray & CBCT Imaging: Precise baseline and follow-up imaging to document your regeneration progress over time.
• Convenient for Broward County: Located on Pembroke Road in Hollywood — easily accessible from Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and Davie.

Dr. Tamara Rojas, DMD

Dr. Tamara Rojas is a board-certified periodontist and certified LANAP provider at Tooth Fairy Workshop in Hollywood, FL. She completed the IALD full training curriculum and has extensive experience treating advanced periodontal disease using the PerioLase MVP-7 protocol. Dr. Rojas holds memberships with the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association. Her practice serves Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and Davie, FL.