Independent Provider for
LANAP Laser Periodontal Treatment

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WELCOME TO DR. Tracey R. Hughes, DDS

Serving Central Iowa & Des Moines

Dr. Tracey R. Hughes, DDS is one of a select few LANAP-certified clinicians in Iowa. As an independent provider, she delivers advanced laser gum disease treatment within general dentistry offices throughout the Des Moines area so patients get the specialized care they need without leaving their dental home.

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Regenerative Laser Gum Treatment
for Periodontal Disease

LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive laser protocol clinically proven to regenerate the structures lost to periodontal disease, including new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone. Available to patients across Central Iowa and the Greater Des Moines area.

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Dr. Tracey R. Hughes, DDS is one of a select number of LANAP-certified clinicians in Iowa. As an independent LANAP provider, Dr. Hughes provides this advanced laser therapy directly within general dentistry practices throughout the region, so patients receive expert periodontal care without ever leaving their dental home.

What is LANAP?

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, affects approximately 47% of adults over 30 in the United States and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Left untreated, it progresses silently, destroying the bone and connective tissue that anchor teeth in place.

The LANAP protocol uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™, a specific free-running pulsed Nd:YAG laser, to selectively remove diseased tissue and pathological bacteria without cutting or suturing the gums. Unlike traditional scalpel surgery, LANAP stimulates the body’s own healing response, producing true regeneration of the attachment apparatus on previously diseased root surfaces.

FDA clearance 510(k) 151763ve grants LANAP an outcome claim of True Periodontal Regeneration, a distinction no conventional surgical approach can make.

  • I have had good experiences with dentists overall, but nothing like Dr. Hughes and her team. The patient experience is exceptional, and the quality of work is world-class. If there were a 6+ star rating, I would confidently rate at that level.
    John .S
  • I was nervous at first and thought there was no hope of saving my teeth. I became so relaxed during the procedure that I fell asleep briefly. LANAP has helped my breath, and eventually, my gums are saved! If you want to save your teeth, it is a good investment!
    Judy U.
  • I had not been to the dentist in about a decade, and I feared the lecture dentists give you when you do stupid things like that. Well, Tracey did not give me that lecture. I think it’s because she is more of a doctor than a dentist.
    Eric D.
  • Dr. Tracey Hughes performed a LANAP laser treatment on my gums in June. The results have been superior for me. Her thorough and state-of-the-art techniques have been amazing. I highly recommend Dr. Hughes to anyone needing gum treatment or dental work.
    Bruce V.
  • I feel this is state-of-the-art periodontal care. The laser is amazing & keeps bacteria & progression of periodontal disease in check, is far less invasive & less traumatic for the whole body.
    Dana S.
  • Dr. Hughes was awesome! LANAP 100% saved my teeth. There was no pain, but most importantly, it fixed my problem. I would definitely recommend.
    Joel B.
  • I found Dr. Hughes and her team to be extremely professional and friendly. Dr. Hughes has taken a personal interest in my case. I did not know about periodontal disease. I did not have any other symptoms other than bleeding gums, and I did not know it was a disease. After hearing about LANAP, it was the only procedure I considered.
    Jeff P.
  • I have had bad experiences with dentists in my childhood and young adulthood, but I found Dr. Hughes and her team easy, painless, and first-rate. I went back to work right away, and my periodontal health is much better.
    James E.
  • LANAP is the way to go. Dr. Hughes and her team were very good, helping me save my teeth.
    Ben T.

Real Patient Results

The radiographic images demonstrate the regenerative potential of the LANAP protocol. This case shows a patient with Class III furcation involvement and significant mobility, with pre-operative probing depths of 10, 13, and 15mm. Six years following LANAP treatment, probing depths measured 4, 3, and 6mm, with radiographic evidence of bone regeneration and restored periodontal attachment.

Pre-Op: 10, 13, 15mm probing depths with Class III furcation and mobility. 6 Years Post-LANAP: 4, 3, 6mm.

Results vary by individual. Radiographic bone regeneration is not guaranteed for all patients.

Who Is a Candidate for LANAP?

LANAP is indicated for patients with moderate-to-severe periodontal disease (AAP Case Type II, III, and IV). Primary candidate indicators include:

  • Periodontal pocket depths of 5mm or greater 
  • Radiographic evidence of alveolar bone loss 
  • Bleeding on probing and/or suppuration 
  • Tooth mobility 
  • A history of periodontal treatment with disease recurrence 
  • Peri-implantitis or failing dental implants (LAPIP™ protocol) 
  • Patients who have declined or are not suitable candidates for conventional scalpel surgery 
  • Patients on anticoagulant therapy (no removal from blood thinners required)

Clinical Benefits of Lanap

  • True periodontal regeneration
  • No scalpels, no sutures
  • Minimally invasive with less recession
  • Patients remain on blood thinners
  • Less post-operative discomfort
  • Back to normal activity the next day
  • 87% of cases require no retreatment at 5+ years
  • Conservative treatment of failing implants
  • Preservation of natural tooth structure
  • Reduced infection risk vs. open flap surgery

LANAP vs. Traditional
Periodontal Surgery

LANAP® Laser Protocol

Traditional Surgery

Tissue approach

Laser selectively removes diseased tissue only

Scalpel cuts and removes gum tissue

Regeneration

True bone and attachment regeneration

Resective; tissue and bone removed

Sutures

None required

Required

Blood thinners

No removal necessary

Often must be discontinued

Post-op discomfort

Minimal; OTC pain relief typically sufficient

Moderate to significant

Return to activity

Next day for most patients

Several days to one week

Recession risk

Minimal

Common side effect

Retreatment rate

87% no retreatment at 5+ years

Varies; repeat procedures common

LANAP

  • Tissue approach: Laser selectively removes diseased tissue only
  • Regeneration: True bone and attachment regeneration
  • Sutures: None required
  • Blood thinners: No removal necessary
  • Post-op discomfort: Minimal; OTC pain relief typically sufficient
  • Return to activity: Next day for most patients
  • Recession risk: Minimal
  • Retreatment rate: 87% no retreatment at 5+ years

Traditional Surgery

  • Tissue approach: Scalpel cuts and removes gum tissue
  • Regeneration: Resective; tissue and bone removed
  • Sutures: Required
  • Blood thinners: Often must be discontinued
  • Post-op discomfort: Moderate to significant
  • Return to activity: Common and often permanent
  • Recession risk: Common side effect
  • Retreatment rate: Varies; repeat procedures common

About Dr. Tracey R. Hughes, DDS

Dr. Tracey R. Hughes is an independent LANAP provider serving patients across Central Iowa and the Greater Des Moines area. Having completed intensive training and certification in the LANAP and LAPIP protocols through the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD), Dr. Hughes brings advanced laser periodontal therapy directly to patients by providing treatment within established general dentistry practices, so patients maintain continuity of care with their existing dental team.

Referring dentists retain their patients. Patients receive specialized laser periodontal treatment without the need for an out-of-network specialist referral.

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Take the Next Step

Whether you are a patient who has been diagnosed with periodontal disease, or a dental professional interested in offering LANAP to your hygiene population, we invite you to learn more. 

For patients:
Visit our For Patients page to learn more about LANAP as an alternative to gum surgery, or contact us directly to schedule a consultation. 

For referring doctors:
Visit our Referring Doctors page to learn about our partnership model, review clinical outcomes, and download a referral slip. 

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