The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one out of every two adults in the world has gum disease, which is a deteriorating infection that can compromise both natural and artificial teeth. Fortunately, even in severe cases, there are ways to treat it in hopes of preserving your full and functional smile, like two laser procedures, called LANAP and LAPIP. However, even though the names of these treatments are similar, these state-of-the-art techniques are used in two different types of situations. Read on to learn more about each of the procedures and their benefits.
What is LANAP® Surgery?
The LANAP (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) protocol is an FDA-cleared procedure that helps treat gum disease, offering patients a highly successful and less invasive alternative to traditional gum disease procedures. This specific technique involves using a PerioLase MVP-7 laser that can effortlessly and precisely remove severely infected and deteriorated tissue without affecting the healthy areas of the gums.
The laser is also used to target the source of the infection, often within the pockets of the gums, killing bacteria that cause inflammation and discomfort while decreasing the pocket depth. This can make it much easier for your body to fight off and recover from the infection without needing an invasive procedure that requires a scalpel and sutures.
What is LAPIP® Surgery?
Just like LANAP, the LAPIP (laser-assisted peri-implantitis protocol) procedure uses a safe and precise dental laser to target the source of infection and helps minimize the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria within the mouth. However, LAPIP is designed specifically for patients who are experiencing or at-risk of dental implant failure due to peri-implantitis, an infection that attacks the tissues supporting the dental implant.
While some dentists may recommend simply removing a dental implant, LAPIP offers a more conservative and effective alternative that allows patients to preserve their hard-earned smiles. This technique involves killing infection-causing bacteria surrounding the implants to allow new, healthy gum tissue to reattach and regenerate, allowing the implants to remain firmly in place.
Reclaim Your Smile with Effective & Safe Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease can wreak havoc on any smile. Whether you have all of your natural teeth or several replacement teeth, without healthy supportive hard and soft tissues, you’re likely to face tooth loss that impacts your basic eating and speaking abilities as well as your confidence. LANAP and LAPIP are two highly effective, advanced treatment techniques designed to provide you with less invasive alternatives to traditional procedures, preserving and regenerating your smile’s health.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Coats is a highly passionate dentist who is committed to offering his patients the latest and greatest treatments available to combat chronic dental health concerns like gum disease. With a master’s in Oral Biology, he’s well aware of the impact harmful bacteria can have on the smile. Offering both LANAP and LAPIP, he’s able to provide patients in Longmont and beyond with highly effective and clinically-proven procedures to battle oral infections. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Coats Dental Group’s website or call 303-776-4090.