What does LAPIP Stand For?
When the soft tissue around a dental implant becomes swollen and inflamed, the post can loosen, threatening the stability and security of your restoration. The LAPIP™ protocol uses advanced laser technology to eliminate infection around the implant and then encourage regrowth of soft tissue and bone.
LAPIP stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure (not to be confused with LANAP), referring to minimally invasive laser treatment to heal and restore implants affected by peri-implantitis. The goal is to remove and eliminate any infection and encourage gum tissue regeneration and bone growth.
How Does LAPIP Work?
The LAPIP procedure is a treatment performed in the dental office that specifically targets diseased gum tissue to eliminate infection and encourage cell growth and healing. This creates ideal conditions for the regeneration of gums, bones, and ligaments which support the dental implant.
A dental laser will destroy the bacteria, diseased tissue, and any titanium corrosion around a failing implant. An ultrasonic scaler next removes any surface residue to provide a better surface for adhesion to the implant. The laser is also used to create a blood clot which includes stem cells to encourage rapid healing and attachment of surrounding tissue and bone to the implant. Your bite might be adjusted to minimize pressure on the implant during recovery.
Laser therapy for peri-implantitis is a fabulous solution. Your dentist can remove diseased tissue, encourage healing, and preserve implants with no pain, less bleeding, and quicker recovery times.
LAPIP is usually performed under local anesthesia and requires only one to two appointments of around two hours each. During a LAPIP session, your dentist will:
- Use the dental laser to vaporize bacteria, diseased tissue, and other debris inside the periodontal pocket.
- Remove damaging contaminants from the surface of the implant using an ultrasonic scaler.
- Gently modify bone tissue, if necessary.
- Finish with the laser to eliminate any remaining debris and encourage a blood clot to form around the implant.
During healing, the stem cells from your bone naturally promote tissue regeneration. This encourages your tissue to reattach to the implant post and form a more secure and stable connection.
The Benefits of LAPIP for Peri-Implantitis
LAPIP is a less invasive alternative to any oral surgery that does not require any 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.
- Most often completed in one office visit.
The LAPIP Protocol Is Highly Effective and Minimally Invasive
- Improved Implant Health- Infection around a dental implant will cause tissue loss and endanger the stability of your implant-supported restoration. Treatment with LAPIP will regenerate lost tissue for a more secure foundation and a healthier, natural smile.
- Greater Comfort- Compared to the traditional method of treating peri-implantitis with a scalpel, LAPIP involves much less discomfort, both during the procedure and afterwards. The advanced laser can restore implant health without incisions.
- Quick, Effective Treatment- LAPIP usually requires one two-hour visit and recovery within 24 hours. Traditional treatment for peri-implantitis includes removing diseased tissue over four hour-long sessions and several follow-up visits. In some cases, bone grafting is also necessary.