Dental implants are one of the most successful solutions for replacing missing teeth, but sometimes complications such as peri-implantitis—an infection & inflammation that can cause bone loss around a dental implant—can occur. Without treatment, peri-implantitis can cause an implant to become unstable or fail altogether.
LAPIP® (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implant Procedure) is a treatment option designed to address the infection while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
For the right patient, LAPIP may provide an opportunity to treat the infection & help save an implant that might otherwise need to be removed.
What Is LAPIP?
LAPIP is a specialized laser treatment designed to address infection & inflammation around dental implants.
Using a specialized dental laser, we can target diseased tissue & bacteria around the implant & thoroughly clean the affected area. The treatment is designed to eliminate infection, stabilize the implant & create an environment where healthy bone & tissue can heal & be preserved.
Benefits of LAPIP compared to traditional surgery include the procedure being minimally invasive with no scalpels or sutures, reduced discomfort & recovery time, & effective treatment of peri-implantitis without the need to replace the implant.
How LAPIP Works
LAPIP is performed as a minimally invasive, in-office procedure.
First, we examine the implant, surrounding tissue, bone levels & implant stability to determine whether LAPIP is appropriate.
If LAPIP is deemed appropriate, we use the dental laser to target bacteria & diseased tissue around the implant. The implant surface & surrounding area are also carefully cleaned to remove contaminants. The laser is then used to help form a stable fibrin blood clot containing cells from the patient’s own tissues to help seal the treated area & provides an environment for healing & regeneration.
After the procedure, we schedule follow-up visits to allow us to monitor healing & the health of your implant.
You may experience some tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity following treatment, but because LAPIP is minimally invasive, recovery is typically more comfortable than traditional surgery. Many patients are able to return to normal activities relatively quickly.
LAPIP Candidates
LAPIP may be considered if you have an implant affected by peri-implantitis or another inflammatory condition around the implant. Typical signs of implant infection are bleeding, swelling, drainage, bad breath, gum recession, or movement around the implant.
However, it is noteworthy that LAPIP isn’t right for every failing implant. Your treatment options depend on the amount of bone loss, implant stability, severity of infection & overall oral health.
If the implant cannot be predictably saved, we can discuss other treatment options with you.
Schedule a consultation to see if LAPIP is right for you.
