LAPIP Laser Dental Implant (Peri-Implantitis) Treatment

Dental Implants are overwhelmingly successful when placed and restored by experienced dentists and the periodontists. When well-cared for, dental implants typically function well for years. However, complications with implants can arise for a variety of reasons.

How can I tell if my implant has problems?

• Swelling or bleeding in the area of your dental implant.
• An implant that feels loose
• Soreness or pain while chewing
• Gum recession around your implant
• Your dental hygienist will probably check your implants when you go for cleanings, and can help identify problems early.

If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect that something is wrong with your dental implants, you should see your dentist or a qualified periodontist right away.

If allowed to progress without treatment, you may develop a condition called peri-implantitis, which is an inflammation under the gum line affecting the bone and soft tissues that are in contact with the implant and may lead to failure of the implant. The longer a problem persists without treatment, the less likely it is that it will be possible to salvage the implant.

What causes ailing or failed implants (peri-implantitis)?

Multiple factors can contribute to failed implants:

• Poor maintenance around dental implants.
• Placement of implants that puts stress on the bone.
• Use of old-style materials in implant placement that have since been replaced with more modern materials less likely to cause inflammation.
• Medications or a medical condition that affects the patient's ability to heal after surgery.
• Insufficient bone to support the implant over time.
• An infection caused bone loss around your implant and is compromising its base of support
• Aging

How are failing implants, or peri-implantitis, treated?

Traditional treatment for peri-implantitis generally involves removing the implant, grafting bone, grafting gum tissue, then replacing the implant and restoring the tooth. While these can be successful, they are more invasive than LAPIP, take longer and result in more discomfort.

LAPIP has proven success in saving implants

Fortunately, LAPIP treatment of failing dental implants is available in Dr. Sorrentino's office. It is the only patient-friendly, predictable solution for ailing implants. Studies indicate 95% of the failing implants treated with the LAPIP protocol have reintegrated in the pocket and stabilized with bone growth of 3-8 threads.

LAPIP Benefits

• Relief from painful inflammation
• Increases dental implant stability
• Non-invasive; no cutting or suturing
• Better tissue regeneration than alternative treatments
• Longer-lasting results
• Shorter recovery time
• Integrity of structural tissues is retained so all other future treatment options remain.
• Takes only one appointment – no need for multiple visits
• NO Graft material Needed
• NO removal of implant
• NO Need to stop or alter any medication
• Less expensive than removing the implant, adding a bone graft, installing a new implant & abutment and adding a new crown.

What is LAPIP treatment for dental implants?

• Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure (LAPIP Protocol) was developed by the makers of the very successful LANAP laser treatment for periodontal disease. LAPIP is a non-invasive treatment for peri-implantitis and can be more effective than alternative treatments.
• LAPIP because it targets the bacteria that cause peri-implantitis without disrupting the stability of the implant itself. As a result, the predictability of success with LAPIP is far better than more traditional procedures.
• In fact, studies indicate 95% of the failing implants treated with the LAPIP protocol have reintegrated and stabilized, with bone growth up to 3-8 threads.

LAPIP Laser Dental Implant Treatment Process

Image Credit: Millennium

1. Numb the area of the implant.
2. Measure the extent of the problem.
3. Laser light vaporizes bacteria, diseased tissue, pathologic proteins, and titanium corrosion contaminants in soft tissue.
4. Ultrasonic scaler tips are used to clean the implant.
5. Bone is modified to promote healing.
6. Laser light is used to form a stable fibrin blood clot containing stem cells from bone.
7. Close the area against the clean surface of the implant, with a stable fibrin clot at the top of the gum.
8. Adjust the bite so the implant does not receive any pressure to allow the bone to heal properly.
9. Over time, new attachment of bone to implant is regenerated.

LAPIP Laser Dental Implant Treatment Details

The PerioLase MVP-7™ laser is used to target the same bacteria that cause periodontal disease. The soft tissue around the implant will then be allowed to heal and bone tissue will begin to regenerate.

LAPIP treatment deep-cleans inflamed areas around implants caused by peri-implantitis. Tooth surfaces, gums and implants are cleaned and sanitized by the laser light, and soft and hard tissues may be reshaped or reconstructed to heal in a more healthy arrangement.

Disinfecting the implant and surrounding area and creating a healing clot around the implant causes your body to produce bone around and stabilize the implant.

LAPIP treatment is efficient, effective and comfortable. No cutting or stitches, so there is no need to stop or alter your medications.

After treatment, you may have medications and specific cleaning instructions to continue treating your peri-implantitis at home and to ensure a good outcome.

Curious about the science behind LAPIP? Read Salvaging Implants With an Nd:YAG Laser: A Novel Approach to a Growing Problem at https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/cced/2015/12/salvaging-implants-with-an-nd-yag-laser-a-novel-approach-to-a-growing-problem

Ready to find out more about how LAPIP can help you save your implants and increase your health overall? Call our office at (718) 494-7400 to schedule an appointment today!