LASER-assisted periodontal regeneration: “rays of hope in darkness”

Purpose: The purpose of the is to provide an update on our existing considerate of LANAP and LAPIP (LASER-assisted new attachment procedure and LASER-assisted peri-implantitis procedure). Methods: The search for bio-medical literature on LANAP and LAPIP was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar scientific databases. Results: This review underlines that LANAP can improve clinical periodontal parameters (like probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels). Certain classic histologic studies have indicated the formation of new cementum, periodontal ligament (PDL), and alveolar bone with LANAP. Conclusion: Supported by several clinical and histologic investigations, LANAP was found to accelerate the re-establishment of damaged and diseased periodontium by the formation of new cementum, PDL, and alveolar bone, thus getting some fragrance of the “true periodontal regeneration”. More long-term randomized controlled clinical trials with higher sample sizes are required to reach at some conclusion concerning true periodontal regeneration with LANAP. Regarding LAPIP, its research is still in its infancy. Clinical significance: In recent decades, LASER has come up as an auxiliary to a number of dental therapeutic modalities. The reason behind is a plethora of benefits that LASER offers for both the clinician and the patient. Blade-less, blood-less, and suture-less nature of LASER treatment is its major lead. LANAP has shown some data positive for true periodontal regeneration. Hence, it can be a valuable and excellent tool in periodontal armamentarium of general dental practitioners and periodontists that can avoid traumatic regenerative periodontal surgeries. LAPIP can be used for saving ailing and failing dental implants as shown by certain case series and reports.