Difference Between LAPIP & LANAP?
If you're concerned about gum disease impacting your oral health, you might have encountered terms like LANAP and LAPIP. Both are cutting-edge laser-based treatments, but they have some major differences with what conditions they treat.
Below is the difference between LANAP and LAPIP and when each option might be beneficial.
What are LANAP and LAPIP?
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) tackles periodontal disease (gum disease). It aims to reduce gum inflammation and halt pocket depths, while encouraging healthy tissue to reattach to your teeth.
LAPIP (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Protocol) is laser treatment designed specifically for peri-implantitis. This infection targets the gum tissues around dental implants, jeopardizing their stability. LAPIP aims to save failing implants by eradicating bacteria and promoting healing.
Why Choose LANAP or LAPIP?
Your dentist is the best resource for determining if LANAP or LAPIP is right for you. Here's a general overview of when they might be considered:
- LANAP: A potential option if you have moderate to severe gum disease. Symptoms like bleeding gums, a receding gum line, and loose teeth may lead to consideration for the procedure.
- LAPIP: If you have a dental implant showing signs of infection (redness, swelling, bleeding, or feeling loose), LAPIP may be necessary to fight peri-implantitis and save the implant.
The LANAP and LAPIP Procedures
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure)
1. Bacterial Elimination: The LANAP laser uses a specific wavelength to target and destroy harmful bacteria deep within gum pockets. This selective energy avoids harming healthy surrounding tissue.
2. Diseased Tissue Removal: After the laser treatment, your periodontist gently removes diseased gum tissue, creating a clean environment for healing.
3. Root Cleaning: To ensure proper reattachment of healthy tissue, ultrasonic scaling instruments meticulously remove stubborn tartar and calculus buildup from tooth roots.
4. Tissue Compression: Your periodontist will carefully compress the gum tissue against the tooth root, encouraging a proper seal to help prevent reinfection.
5. Blood Clot Stimulation: The laser is used again to promote the formation of a stable blood clot at the base of the treated gum pocket. This helps to boost healing and the natural reattachment of tissue to the tooth.
LAPIP (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Protocol)
1. Implant Site Cleaning: The LAPIP laser's precise beam eliminates bacteria and infected tissue from around the failing implant.
2. Surface Decontamination: Ultrasonic instruments thoroughly clean the surface of the implant itself, removing plaque and other deposits that contribute to inflammation.
3. Bone Modification (if needed): In some cases, your periodontist might use the laser to make very slight modifications to the bone surrounding the implant, improving conditions for tissue regrowth.
4. Growth Factor Stimulation: Depending on your specific situation, your periodontist may apply growth factors, which are proteins designed to boost the body's healing abilities and encourage new bone formation around the implant.
5. Blood Clot Promotion: As with LANAP, the laser plays a role in helping create a stable blood clot in the surgical area, providing a base for new tissue to attach and strengthen the implant.
Contact Us
Gum disease and issues with dental implants shouldn't be ignored. Early intervention is crucial for the best results with LANAP or LAPIP. If you're experiencing gum problems or any changes around your implant, contact us promptly. Our team will determine the cause of your concerns and discuss whether advanced laser therapies might be the solution to restoring your healthy smile.