dental implants have revolutionized the replacement of missing teeth. If well cared for, they typically function beautifully for years. But when complications arise, the LAPIP Protocol can often save failing implants. Dr. I. Stephen Brown is proud to be the first periodontist in Philadelphia to offer this advanced procedure to his patients.
A small amount of inflammation following dental implant placement is common, but when the tissue around the implant is painful or bleeding this may indicate a more serious problem. If not properly treated, the infection can progress to peri-implantitis, which includes bone loss and eventual failure of the implant. Peri-implant disease can be the result of improper placement or poor maintenance of healthy tissue following the procedure.
Laser Treatment for Failing Implants
Trust Your Oral Health to Top Periodontist,
Dr. Stephen Brown.
Committed to genuine personalized patient care
An Advanced Treatment for Peri-Implantitis
Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure (LAPIP Protocol) was developed by the makers of the very successful LANAP laser treatment for periodontal disease. Similar to its predecessor, LAPIP is a non-invasive treatment for peri-implantitis and is often more effective than alternative treatments.
The standard treatments for peri-implantitis include (1) cutting open the gums and attempting to graft bone and other tissues, or (2) removing and replacing the implant. These are both invasive procedures that do not necessarily address the cause of the bacterial infection surrounding the failing implant. Dr. Brown prefers LAPIP because it targets the bacteria that cause peri-implantitis without disrupting the stability of the implant itself. As a result, the predictability of success with LAPIP is far better than either of the other options.
Benefits of LAPIP
- Relief from painful inflammation
- Reinforces dental implant stability
- Non-invasive; no cutting or suturing
- Better tissue regeneration than alternative treatments
- Longer lasting results
- Shorter recovery time
- Takes only one appointment
The LAPIP Procedure
Dr. Brown will start by evaluating the extent of tissue degradation surrounding your implants by reviewing X-rays of the area. In some cases antibiotic treatment will be enough to deal with the infection. If he determines LAPIP is needed, he’ll use the PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser to target the same bacteria that cause periodontal disease. The soft tissue around the implant will then be allowed to heal and bone tissue will begin to regenerate.
If you have experienced prolonged swelling, bleeding, or pain during chewing in the area of your dental implant, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brown without delay. In his Philadelphia office he can quickly determine if LAPIP Protocol is right for you and save your dental implants. Contact us today!
