Gum disease is one of the most common chronic infections in adults, yet it is also one of the most undertreated. The reason is simple: periodontitis rarely causes significant pain in its early stages, and by the time symptoms become impossible to ignore, meaningful damage to the bone and tissue supporting your teeth has already occurred. For Cranbury, NJ residents looking for a way to address advanced gum disease without the fear and recovery associated with traditional surgery, LANAP laser gum surgery offers a clinically proven, minimally invasive alternative that works with your body’s own healing process.
Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC welcomes patients from Cranbury and the surrounding communities of central New Jersey under the care of Dr. Daniel Reich. Dr. Reich is a board-certified periodontist, Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, and Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Yeshiva University School of Dental Medicine, with over 25 years of focused periodontal experience. Our practice is one of a select few in the region equipped with the PerioLase MVP-7, the FDA-cleared laser technology that powers the LANAP protocol. Cranbury patients seeking a second opinion or a first evaluation are always welcome. To learn more about the full scope of care we provide in your area, visit our Cranbury periodontist page.
LANAP, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is the only laser treatment for gum disease with FDA clearance and peer-reviewed human histological evidence demonstrating true periodontal regeneration. Unlike procedures that simply debride or remove infected tissue, LANAP is designed to stimulate the regrowth of the bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament that gum disease destroys. That distinction matters enormously for patients who want to preserve their natural teeth long-term rather than manage progressive tooth loss.
The LANAP procedure is performed over two appointments, each treating one half of the mouth. During each session, the PerioLase MVP-7 laser fiber, which is thinner than a human hair, is guided gently into the space between the gum and the tooth without any cutting or incisions. The first laser pass targets and eliminates the diseased tissue and pathogenic bacteria lining the periodontal pocket, while leaving healthy tissue completely untouched. The clinician then removes calculus deposits from the root surface through careful debridement. A second laser pass is then applied to create a stable fibrin clot at the base of the pocket, sealing the treated area and signaling the body to begin regenerating lost periodontal structures. Research published through PubMed Central found that patients treated with LANAP demonstrated greater reductions in periodontal pocket depth and a more significant decrease in harmful bacteria than those treated with scaling and root planing alone, supporting the procedure as a safe and effective approach to managing periodontitis.
For many patients, the prospect of traditional osseous surgery is what keeps them from seeking the periodontal care they need. Conventional gum surgery involves cutting back gum tissue, accessing the root surface, and suturing the tissue back into place. The result is often measurable gum recession, post-operative soreness lasting days or weeks, and dietary restrictions during healing. LANAP requires none of that. There is no scalpel, no suturing, no repositioning of gum tissue. The laser selectively removes only what is diseased, which means healthy tissue stays exactly where it belongs. Most patients who undergo LANAP return to normal activities the following day. For older patients or those managing systemic health conditions, the reduced physiological burden of LANAP compared to conventional surgery is a meaningful clinical advantage.
Periodontal disease progresses quietly, and most patients are unaware of how advanced their condition has become until a periodontal evaluation reveals significant pocket depths or bone loss on imaging. There are, however, observable warning signs that should prompt a visit with a periodontist rather than waiting for your next routine dental checkup. These signs include:
If you have noticed any of these changes, scheduling a comprehensive periodontal evaluation with a board-certified periodontist is the appropriate next step. The earlier gum disease is diagnosed and treated, the greater the opportunity to preserve your teeth and the underlying bone that supports them.
Patients traveling from Cranbury to our East Brunswick practice begin with a thorough periodontal evaluation before any treatment is recommended or scheduled. Dr. Reich conducts a full-mouth periodontal probing assessment, reviews digital imaging to evaluate bone levels, and takes a complete medical history to inform treatment planning. This evaluation shapes a personalized recommendation, which may or may not include LANAP depending on the stage and severity of the patient’s condition.
Dr. Reich is known for providing honest, individualized assessments rather than steering patients toward a predetermined course of treatment. Patients who come in having been told by another provider that they need traditional gum surgery are welcome to request a second opinion. In some cases, a less invasive approach is appropriate. In others, LANAP is the right fit. In still others, conventional surgery remains the best option. Cranbury patients can expect a thorough explanation of their findings, what the proposed treatment is intended to accomplish, and what the alternatives look like, before any decision is made.
Because no incisions are made and no sutures are placed during LANAP, recovery is dramatically different from what patients experience after traditional gum surgery. Mild soreness and some sensitivity in treated areas are the most common post-procedure experiences, and both resolve within a few days for most patients. There is no wound site requiring specialized care, no dietary restrictions beyond common sense, and no sutures to have removed at a follow-up visit. Following the procedure, patients are placed on a structured periodontal maintenance schedule, with appointments at regular intervals to monitor healing, measure any changes in pocket depth, and ensure the results of treatment are maintained over time. You can review more about the laser technology we use on our PerioLase MVP-7 page.
The relationship between periodontal disease and whole-body health has become one of the most studied topics in dental medicine. Chronic periodontitis is an ongoing bacterial infection, and the inflammatory response it produces does not stay confined to the mouth. It has been associated in clinical literature with elevated cardiovascular risk, impaired blood sugar regulation in patients with diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. For Cranbury patients who are already navigating a chronic health condition, successfully treating active gum disease may have benefits that extend well beyond their oral health. LANAP’s ability to dramatically reduce the pathogenic bacterial burden in periodontal pockets while minimizing surgical stress makes it a particularly appropriate option for medically complex patients. Our practice also provides information on the relationship between periodontal disease and heart disease and between periodontal disease and diabetes for patients who want to understand the full picture.
The Cranbury area sits at the intersection of Middlesex and Mercer counties, and residents seeking specialized periodontal care have options throughout the region. What distinguishes Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC is not just the technology we use, but the depth of clinical experience and intellectual rigor Dr. Reich brings to each case. His status as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology reflects demonstrated competence at the highest level of the specialty. His ongoing role as Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Yeshiva University School of Dental Medicine means he remains actively engaged in the academic and clinical evolution of periodontics as a field. Patients who choose Dr. Reich are not receiving care from a practitioner who performs the occasional periodontal procedure. They are being treated by someone whose entire professional life has been devoted to this discipline for over 25 years. Learn more about his background and approach on his biography page.
Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC is located in East Brunswick, NJ, which is accessible from Cranbury via Route 130 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Most Cranbury patients find the drive straightforward, and the level of specialized care available at our practice makes the trip worthwhile.
LANAP is a recognized periodontal surgical procedure and may be covered in part by dental insurance plans that include surgical periodontal benefits. Our practice participates with Delta Dental Premier and Cigna PPO and works with many other PPO plans to help Cranbury patients make the most of their benefits. Cherry Financing is available for qualifying patients who need additional support with treatment costs.
The complete LANAP protocol consists of two appointments, each lasting approximately one and a half to two hours, with each visit treating one half of the mouth. The two appointments are typically spaced within a couple of weeks of each other.
Moderate to advanced periodontitis is precisely where LANAP is designed to be most effective. Patients with significant pocket depths and bone loss are often the strongest candidates for the procedure. Dr. Reich will evaluate your specific clinical presentation and give you a straightforward answer about whether LANAP is appropriate for your case.
The fibrin clot formed during the second laser pass at the base of each treated pocket creates a biological seal that keeps bacteria out and keeps the body’s healing signals in. This environment is what allows new bone, new cementum, and new periodontal ligament fibers to form. It is the mechanism that distinguishes LANAP from procedures that simply remove diseased tissue without promoting true structural regrowth.
Periodontal maintenance visits are more focused than standard dental cleanings. They involve periodontal probing, targeted cleaning below the gumline, and monitoring for any early signs of disease recurrence. Following LANAP, these visits are essential for preserving the results of treatment and catching any changes before they can progress. Skipping maintenance visits is the most common reason patients experience recurrence after successful periodontal therapy.
At Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC, Cranbury patients receive the same individualized attention and honest clinical guidance that Dr. Reich has provided to central New Jersey families for over 25 years. Whether you are coming in for a first evaluation, seeking a second opinion on a recommended course of treatment, or ready to move forward with LANAP, our team is prepared to help you understand your options and make a decision that serves your long-term oral health. We participate with Delta Dental Premier and Cigna PPO, work with many other PPO plans, and offer Cherry Financing for patients who qualify.
To schedule your consultation, call our office at 732-257-7300 or contact us through our website. We look forward to helping Cranbury patients take the next step toward healthier gums and a stronger smile.
Dr. Daniel Reich is a board-certified periodontist with over 30 years of specialized experience in periodontal care and dental implantology. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, he brings advanced expertise to every procedure at Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants. Dr. Reich earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed his Specialty Certificate in Periodontics at SUNY Stony Brook. He currently serves as Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Yeshiva University College of Dental Medicine, where he trains future dental specialists while staying at the forefront of the latest periodontal techniques and technology.
We make quality periodontal care affordable with flexible payment options.
We participate with Delta Dental Premier and Cigna PPO and work with many dental PPO plans. We files claims on your behalf and provides benefit estimates before treatment.
We offer financing through Cherry Financing and other trusted partners, allowing you to break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments that fit your budget.
Questions? Call us at 732-257-7300 to discuss your insurance coverage and financing options.
Looking for an experienced periodontist in East Brunswick, NJ? Dr. Daniel Reich and our team at Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants provide expert periodontal care and dental implant services to patients throughout Middlesex County, including Monroe Township, Old Bridge, Sayreville, and surrounding communities.
We serve patients from East Brunswick, Monroe Township, Old Bridge, Sayreville, South River, Spotswood, and throughout Central New Jersey. Our office schedules most appointments within 10 days, and we offer same-day emergency appointments when available. No referral needed—you can schedule directly with our board-certified periodontist.
We’re dedicated to providing expert periodontal care and dental implant services in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Our advanced technology, experienced team, and patient-centered approach make achieving optimal oral health easier than ever. From gum disease treatment to dental implants, we’re here to help you achieve your healthiest smile.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Daniel Reich for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs. Contact our East Brunswick office for personalized care or dental emergencies.
