LAPIP
When periodontitis occurs around a dental implant instead of a natural tooth, it is known as peri-implantitis. Just like with periodontal disease, peri-implantitis is often the result of poor dental hygiene habits, and early diagnosis is vital to saving the implant and restoring oral health.
LAPIP stands for laser-assisted peri-implantitis procedure. It is a laser-based approach to helping treat damaged or failing dental implants. LAPIP allows the patient an opportunity to protect the dental implant investment with no scalpel cutting, bone-grafting, or stitches. This means less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, less tissue removed, less downtime, and less recovery time.
USES FOR LAPIP PROTOCOL
The LAPIP protocol allows for:
- Removal of the diseased tissue without damage to healthy tissue
- Elimination of the infection surrounding the implant
- Helping to maintain the height of the gum tissue around the implant
- Minimization of pain and discomfort
- Closure of the periodontal pocket wound, allowing healing to occur
The LAPIP treatment protocol is a no-risk first-line treatment that can preserve other treatment options. The ability to control and treat peri-implantitis will enable you to save and protect your dental implant investment.
LAPIP TREATMENT PROCEDURE
Below are the steps required when undergoing a LAPIP treatment:
- Perio probes will indicate the pocket depth of the periodontal pockets
- A laser will vaporize diseased tissue, bacteria, pathologic proteins, and any potential titanium corrosion contaminants in the soft tissue
- Ultrasonic scaler tips will be used to remove any surface accretions
- The bone will be modified at the time of surgery, if necessary
- A laser will be used to create a stable fibrin blood clot
- Occlusal trauma will be adjusted
- The new attachment will be regenerated
If you suffer from gum disease in Littleton, Colorado and require gum surgery, please make an appointment with Dr. Jenkins at Littleton Implants & Periodontics. LANAP or LAPIP requires further training for Dr. Jenkins but offers the value of better precision and comfort to our patients.