At THRIVE Perio and Implants, we are proud to offer a gentle solution for treating failing dental implants. This method is called LAPIP™, which stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure. Peri-implantitis is a disease that can impact anyone who’s had dental implants. When left untreated, it can lead to dental implant failure. LAPIP in Stroudsburg, PA is a technique to improve the gum and bone health around failing dental implants, sparing your tissue. It uses the same minimally invasive laser as LANAP® laser gum surgery, targeting the source of inflammation without removing or damaging healthy tissue.
LAPIP in Stroudsburg, PA is a technique to improve the gum and bone health around failing dental implants, sparing your tissue.
Peri-implantitis is an infectious disease where inflammation takes root in the gums and bone that surround your dental implants. Similar to untreated gum disease, when peri-implantitis progresses, bacteria flourish and infection forms around the dental implant. While the exact incidence of this condition is unknown, studies suggest that it occurs in approximately 5% to 8% of dental implants. In its earliest, most reversible stages (where bacteria only infiltrate the soft tissue), it’s known as peri-implant mucositis. The early symptoms of this disease include swollen gums and tenderness and sensitivity in your mouth.
If you face failing dental implants, you may not know where to turn. It’s important to be treated by a professional who has years of experience with both gum disease and dental implants, and extensive knowledge of the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. At THRIVE, Dr. Nolf has proven expertise in using LAPIP and the PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser to eradicate the diseased tissue around failing implants.
When you face peri-implantitis, it’s important to treat any gum disease first, as any periodontal disease significantly lowers the chance of implants fusing properly with your jawbone. In addition to gum disease, other factors that increase the risk of dental implant failure include:
LAPIP in Stroudsburg, PA represents a gentler alternative to traditional peri-implantitis surgery. It eliminates the need to cut a flap to expose bone damage and infected gum tissue. During the LAPIP procedure, the area is numbed. At THRIVE, you can choose between multiple sedation options if you wish. Dr. Nolf uses a specialized probe to assess the depth of your gum pockets, then he uses the PerioLase MVP-7 laser to vaporize any bacteria, pathologic proteins, diseased tissue and corroded titanium post components in your soft tissue. He uses ultrasonic scaler tips to remove surface growth, and he modifies your bone and bite as needed. The laser forms a stable blood clot which contains stem cells from the bone, creating a secure enclosure to protect the area from infection. This allows your failing dental implant to begin reintegrating with your jawbone.
Approximately 95% of the failing dental implants treated with the LAPIP protocol begin to reintegrate in the pocket and stabilize with bone growth of 3-8 threads. The benefits of LAPIP include reduced pain and discomfort, minimal tissue loss, reduced sensitivity and shorter recovery time.
At THRIVE, Dr. Nolf goes to great lengths to minimize your exposure to bacteria during dental implant surgery. His goal is to provide a successful outcome and a healthy smile that lasts for years to come. Should peri-implantitis occur, LAPIP enhances his ability to stop the progression of bone and tissue loss, allowing you to retain your dental implants more comfortably than with traditional methods.
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