LAPIP: The Easy Way to Treat an Implant Infection

Laser technology has made—and continues to make—significant inroads in dental care. It’s become particularly helpful for patients who are suffering from peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease that affects the hard and soft tissues surrounding a dental implant. 

At the offices of Russell D. Hatfield, DDS, MS, Ltd, our highly skilled periodontists successfully perform LAPIP for patients in search of effective peri-implantitis care. LAPIP, which is the acronym for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure, is a technologically advanced laser solution that is proven to be more effective and comfortable than previous types of treatments that are non-laser. 

Before LAPIP was created, the most common treatment for severe implant failure was the manual removal and replacement of the restoration. The replacement of a failed dental implant is complex and entails numerous visits to a periodontist, who must take out the original implant, perform a bone graft and put in a new implant. 

Conversely, LAPIP usually requires just two visits. It uses advanced laser technology to eliminate infection around the implant and encourage the regrowth of soft tissue and bone. 

How it works:

• LAPIP is generally performed under local anesthesia.
• A PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser is used to vaporize bacteria, diseased tissue and other debris inside the periodontal pocket.
• Contaminants are removed from the surface of the implant using an ultrasonic scaler; and, if necessary, bone tissue is gently modified.
• The laser is reapplied to eliminate any remaining debris and encourage a blood clot to form around the implant.

Most notably, LAPIP is a minimally invasive procedure that preserves the surrounding healthy tissues of the gum while restoring the health of the implant—all without using incisions or stitches. The Periolase® MVP-7TM laser provides precise treatment with minimal discomfort or bleeding. Healing and recovery times are much quicker than with conventional surgical approaches.

We at the office of Russell D. Hatfield, DDS, MS, Ltd are dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate periodontal care. For more information on LAPIP and our other dental services, please don’t hesitate to call us today.