Millions of people worldwide are affected by periodontal disease, and many actively seek effective treatments to restore their oral health. LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is one of the most promising treatments for gum disease. However, Is Lanap covered by insurance concerns many patients regarding this innovative treatment.
Is LANAP covered by insurance?
LANAP, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a way to treat gum disease. Whether dental insurance covers it or not depends on a few things. The cost of LANAP varies based on how serious the gum disease is, the dentist’s charges, and where the dental office is located. Figuring out if your dental insurance covers LANAP can be a bit complicated.
Many dental insurance plans do help pay for LANAP, but this can change from one policy to another. Insurance companies are not required to cover LANAP. How much they help pay depends on the details of your specific dental insurance plan. Generally, LANAP surgery costs about the same as traditional gum surgery, and many dental insurance companies usually help pay for it. But, it’s very important to check with your own insurance to make sure LANAP is included.
If you’re thinking about getting LANAP, the best thing to do is talk to your insurance company. Some dental insurance policies do cover LANAP, but you need to double-check with your insurance. They can also tell you if they have a list of dentists in your area who are approved to do LANAP.
What is LANAP?
LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a minimally invasive gum disease treatment using lasers to remove infected tissue and encourage gum tissue regeneration. It’s an FDA-approved gum disease therapy.
How does LANAP work?
A dental professional will use a laser to remove the infected gum tissue and bacteria from the gum pockets around your teeth during a LANAP procedure. The laser targets only the infected tissue, leaving the healthy tissue untouched. Traditional gum surgery is less invasive than this procedure.
The dentist removes the infected tissue and uses the laser to stimulate the growth of healthy gum tissue. Improving the attachment between your gums and teeth helps reduce the depth of the gum pockets and prevent further infection.
Benefits of LANAP
LANAP offers one of the biggest benefits as it is a minimally invasive procedure. This means that the procedure causes less pain and discomfort during and after and shortens the recovery time compared to traditional gum surgery.
LANAP is highly effective in treating gum disease, providing another benefit. Studies have shown that reducing the depth of gum pockets and improving the attachment between the gums and teeth can improve oral health.
Is LANAP right for you?
LANAP may be a good option if you have been dealing with gum disease. Research has shown that this minimally invasive procedure effectively treats gum disease and improves oral health.
However, it’s important to note that LANAP is unsuitable for everyone. Your dental professional will evaluate your oral health and determine if LANAP is the right treatment.
Does dental insurance cover LANAP?
The LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) treatment for gum disease utilizes laser technology to eliminate bacteria and diseased tissue from the gums in a minimally invasive manner. Patients and dentists are increasingly favouring it as a modern alternative to traditional gum surgery.
Many dental insurance plans cover LANAP, although it is a relatively new procedure. However, note that your specific plan and provider can vary widely in coverage.
Before you undergo any dental procedure, check with your dental insurance provider to determine what your plan covers. Contact your insurance company directly or speak with your dentist’s office to see if they can assist you in verifying coverage.
If your insurance plan does not cover the full cost of the LANAP procedure, you have other options available to help make it more affordable. Dental offices offer financing plans or payment options to help patients manage the cost of their treatment.
Are there any alternative treatments to LANAP that are covered by insurance?
While LANAP is a highly effective treatment for gum disease, you can consider other options.
Scaling and Root Planing
Dentists perform scaling and root planing, a non-surgical treatment for gum disease, which involves deep cleaning of the teeth and gums. Your dentist or periodontist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and smooth out any rough spots on the roots of your teeth during the procedure. This process helps remove bacteria and reduces inflammation in the gums. Insurance often covers scaling and root planing, especially if they consider it medically necessary.
Antibiotics
Doctors can use antibiotics to treat gum disease in conjunction with other treatments. Doctors can prescribe them as pills, gels, or mouthwashes. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause gum disease. Insurance may not cover antibiotics alone but may cover them if a larger treatment plan includes a prescription.
Flap Surgery
Surgeons perform flap surgery to treat gum disease by lifting the gums, cleaning the roots of the teeth, and repairing any damage. During the procedure, the dentist or periodontist will make small incisions in your gums to lift them away from the teeth. They can clean the roots of the teeth and repair any damage. Insurance often covers flap surgery if they consider it a medically necessary procedure.
Bone Grafts
Surgeons perform bone grafts as a surgical treatment for gum disease, adding bone to the jaw to support the teeth. During the procedure, the dentist or periodontist will build up the jawbone by taking bone from another part of your body or using synthetic bone. It supports the teeth and prevents further damage. Insurance may cover bone grafts if they consider them a medically necessary procedure.
