How LAPIP® Can Save Failing Dental Implants

While most dental implant procedures are successful, there are occasions when a dental implant may develop complications. A failing dental implant is usually the result of peri-implantitis, an inflammation of the tissues and bone around the implant. Over time, deterioration of the supporting bone leads to the loosening of the implant. When this happens, the LAPIP protocol is a safe, predictable way to save the implant and restore your dental health. Studies show that up to 95% of failing implants can be restored.

What is the Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure?

LAPIP® stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure, referring to minimally invasive laser surgery to heal and restore implants affected by peri-implantitis. The goal is to eliminate any infection and encourage gum tissue regeneration and bone growth.

At the Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, we use the Periolase dental laser to disinfect the infected pockets around the base of affected dental implants. For most patients, one or two treatments are enough to destroy any bacteria and promote healing.

The LAPIP® Process

Dr. Valiente will examine the failing implant or implants to determine the depth of the infected pockets around the base of the restorations, then use the Periolase to destroy bacteria, diseased tissue, pathologic proteins, and any contaminants in the soft tissues. Periolase uses a specific light frequency to distinguish between diseased and healthy tissue.

An ultrasonic scaler is then used to remove surface deposits. The laser is then used at a setting to form a stable fibrin blood clot containing bone stem cells. This encourages the adhesion of the surrounding gum tissue to the implant to stabilize it and promotes new bone tissue growth. Once the area is healed, the visible portion of the tooth restoration can be reattached.

Advantages of LAPIP® Laser

LAPIP® is an alternative to invasive surgery that encourages the body’s natural healing processes for rapid healing and reattachment of damaged tissue to the implant. Advantages of LAPIP® include:

• No cutting or sewing of tissues is needed.
• Periolase provides highly effective disinfection.
• The specific laser light frequency promotes tissue growth in the gums and bone.
• Recovery time is reduced.
• LAPIP is more successful than traditional surgery.
• Laser treatment is minimally invasive and virtually painless.
• Bone grafts are not needed.
• The treatment is less expensive than having to replace the implant.

Although most dental implant procedures are successful, there are situations when an implant begins to fail due to periodontal disease, aging, injury, smoking, or complications of diabetes. Early intervention through laser-based LAPIP® can save your implant for years of good dental health. If you suspect one or more of your dental implants is failing, contact our office at 813-968-5400 as soon as possible.