Save Failing Dental Implants with LAPIP
Dental implant procedures enjoy a high success rate, but there are still occasions when a dental implant might develop complications. A failing dental implant is most often the result of peri-implantitis, which is an inflammation of the tissues and bone around the implant. In time, the deterioration of the supporting bone will lead to the loosening of the implant. If and when this happens, the LAPIP protocol is a very safe and predictable way to save the implant and to restore your dental health. Studies have shown that up to 95% of failing implants can be restored.
What Are the Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis is quite often very subtle and difficult to detect. It is less common than periodontitis, or advanced stage gum disease. It is important for you if you have dental implants to practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular check-ups. Most of the time your dentist can detect peri-implantitis with x-rays taken during your regular dentist appointments.
Here are other signs of peri-implantitis:
- Bleeding gums.
- Bone loss around the implant.
- Implant moves and is less stable.
- Pain around implant.
- Pus leaking around the implant.
- Redness and swelling of the gums.
What is the Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure?
LAPIP® stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure (not to be confused with LANAP), which is a minimally invasive laser surgery to heal and restore implants affected by peri-implantitis. The objective is to eliminate any infection and encourage gum tissue regeneration and bone growth.
Your dentist will use the dental laser to disinfect the infected pockets around the affected dental implants. One or two treatments will be enough to destroy any bacteria and promote healing.
The LAPIP® Process
Your dentist will examine and confirm the implant is failing to determine the depth of the infected pockets around the base of the restoration, then use the dental laser to destroy the bacteria, diseased tissue, pathologic proteins, and any contaminants in the soft gum tissues. The dental laser uses a specific light frequency to distinguish between the diseased and healthy tissue.
An ultrasonic scaler is usually then used to remove any surface deposits. The laser is next used at a different setting to form a stable fibrin blood clot containing bone stem cells. This encourages the bonding and adhesion of the surrounding gum tissue to the implant to secure and stabilize it and promote new bone tissue growth. Once the area is healed, the visible crown of the tooth restoration can be reattached.
What are the Benefits of LAPIP for Peri-Implantitis?
LAPIP is a much less invasive alternative to oral surgery that does not require surgical incisions or longer recovery times. Some of the benefits of LAPIP include:
- Less bleeding.
- Less risk of infection following treatment.
- Minimally invasive.
- No surgical incisions.
- Shorter recovery time.
- Less pain.
- No need to remove the implant for treatment.
- No bone grafting needed.
- A high success rate for retaining implants.
- Usually completed in one office visit.
If you have pain, inflammation, or a loose dental implant, your dentist can relieve your pain, eliminate any infection, and preserve the integrity of your dental implant with LAPIP implant treatment.