Dental implants are a reliable way to restore full strength to your bite, permanently. When an implant starts to bleed, hurt, or feel loose, it can be frustrating, confusing, and discouraging. These feelings are normal, and our team at Fort Washington Dental Associates is here to help with gentle, effective treatments for dental implant problems with LAPIP in Washington Heights.
The good news is that modern technology can treat failing dental implants without surgery.
What Is LAPIP?
LAPIP stands for Laser-Assisted Peri-Implant Procedure. It is a specialized protocol that uses advanced laser technology to treat a condition called peri-implantitis, which is a type of gum disease that specifically affects dental implants.
Natural teeth have fibers that lock the gum tissue to the tooth root. This creates a strong buffer between bacteria in the mouth and the underlying bone. Dental implants don’t have these structures, but the gum tissue can form a tight, cuff-like seal to protect the bone from bacteria.
Good oral hygiene habits can usually keep this seal intact, but the attachment is less secure than with a natural tooth. This means the gums can become inflamed and progress to bone loss around the implant post without prompt peri-implantitis treatment.
What Can LAPIP Do for Failing Dental Implants?
LAPIP focuses on the main causes of peri-implantitis that can lead to implant failure. It is designed to protect the implant post and restore the health of the surrounding tissues. It does this in a few ways.
1. Eliminates Bacteria and Inflammation
Peri-implantitis develops when harmful bacteria build up around the implant. These bacteria cause redness, swelling, bleeding, and tenderness in the gums.
LAPIP uses a specialized laser energy that vaporizes bacteria and diseased tissue without harming healthy cells. This creates a clean environment and removes the root cause of inflammation, allowing the gums to return to a healthy state.
2. Removes Titanium Corrosion Contaminants
Most dental implants are made from biocompatible, medical-grade titanium that’s corrosion-resistant and designed to last. However, there are a few factors that can cause titanium to corrode, such as:
- High acidity from bacteria or food
- Corrosive substances from bacteria and the immune system, such as hydrogen peroxide
- Bite problems that cause tiny movements that can scratch the implant
When titanium corrodes, it can release contaminants that are generally harmless for your body, but can irritate the gum tissue, leading to more inflammation.
LAPIP safely eliminates these contaminants from the tissue around a dental implant, removing another source of inflammation and allowing your gums to heal.
3. Restores Healthy Support
One of the most important advantages of laser gum disease treatment vs. traditional surgery for dental implant problems is its ability to encourage tissue regeneration. Where traditional surgery damages healthy cells, LAPIP stimulates healthy cells to regrow without unnecessary damage.
After removing bacteria and contaminants and flushing the area clean with ultrasonic scalers to completely remove any debris, we apply the laser a second time. This second pass of the laser uses a less intense setting, which gently stimulates healthy gum and bone cells.
This helps to restore a healthy gum tissue seal and can even regenerate lost bone volume to restore stability to your implant without the need for a bone graft.
LAPIP vs. Surgery for Dental Implant Problems
LAPIP is an excellent, non-surgical way to save failing dental implants. However, traditional surgery is sometimes the best option. Here’s how the two approaches compare.
| Feature | LAPIP | Traditional Surgery |
| Approach | Minimally invasive; no damage to healthy tissue; not effective for all causes of implant failure | Involves cutting through healthy gums to access; may involve replacing implant completely |
| Instruments | PerioLase® MPV-7™ laser | Scalpel, curettes, bone grafts, sutures |
| Pain/Discomfort | Minimal | Moderate to high |
| Recovery Time | Fast initial recovery, with bone regeneration continuing for many months | Long initial recovery phase (often two to four weeks) |
| Best For | Mild to moderate bone loss caused by peri-implantitis | Severe complications, advanced bone loss, or problems other than peri-implantitis |
| Success Rate | Very high; up to 95% success | Variable; often less predictable |
| Cost | Less expensive than removing and replacing failing dental implants | Frequently more expensive due to complexity |
Both approaches have their best use. A consultation for failing dental implant treatment in Washington Heights is the best way to know for sure which option is right for your specific needs.
Can LAPIP Treat Every Type of Dental Implant Problem?
No, LAPIP does not solve every type of problem with dental implants. It works best for early to moderate peri-implantitis. Other than peri-implantitis, dental implant problems can also stem from:
- Improper placement
- A post that is not the right size for the supporting bone tissue
- Fractures or physical damage to the implant post
- Bite disharmony that puts strain on the implant
LAPIP may also not be the best approach for very advanced peri-implantitis with significant bone loss. This is why regular checkups matter. These visits give our team a chance to detect inflammation when it first appears so that we can provide early care for the best possible outcomes.
We Can Help Your Dental Implants Last with LAPIP in Washington Heights!
If you are dealing with dental implant problems in Washington Heights, you do not have to face them alone. Our team includes a skilled periodontist who provides LAPIP as a gentle option for treating peri-implantitis and protecting implants.
If you’re experiencing bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or other issues with your dental implant, we’ll take time to evaluate your case, explain your options, and create a plan that fits your needs. Get in touch to schedule your consultation for LAPIP in Washington Heights and find out if we can save your dental implants!
