If you need treatment for gum disease, there is an alternative to cutting away diseased tissue and using stitches to reshape your gums. Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) is a safe, gentle method for treating gum disease. At MK Periodontics and Implants in Tacoma, Dr. Karbakhsch uses LANAP for easier, faster, comfortable treatment and recovery.

What Is LANAP Laser Treatment?

LANAP is a minimally invasive laser treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. Dr. Karbakhsch uses a thin laser fiber—about the size of three human hairs—to target and remove diseased tissue comfortably. The procedure is much less invasive than traditional gum surgery and has faster recovery times.

What To Expect With LANAP Laser Treatment

When you get LANAP laser treatment, Dr. Karbakhsch will complete these steps:

  • Gently probe your gums to determine the extent of the disease
  • Numb your gums to maximize your comfort
  • Gently place the tiny LANAP laser fiber between your gums and teeth
  • Target and remove diseased tissue without harming healthy tissue
  • Use an ultrasonic device to clean tooth roots and remove calculus deposits
  • Use the LANAP laser again at the bottom of each tooth pocket to remove debris
  • Sterilize tooth pockets, soft tissue, root, and bone

What Are the Advantages of Laser Gum Treatment?

The advantages of laser gum treatment result in comfortable gum disease removal and a better outcome.

You will benefit from:

  • Less invasive treatment – You will receive gum disease therapy without a scalpel or sutures and with minimal bleeding.
  • Minimal discomfort – Laser treatment gently removes gum disease. And we ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
  • Comfortable recovery – Any pain, swelling, or sensitivity you experience after treatment will be minimal.
  • Faster recovery – You will experience minimal downtime so that you can return to your routine faster. Recovery time is about 24 hours for most patients.
  • Lower risk of infection – Laser heat makes the blood sticky and creates a seal around your teeth for progressive healing and reduced risk of infection.
  • Gum tissue regeneration – LANAP laser treatment promotes the growth of new and healthy gum tissue.

What Is LAPIP Laser Treatment?

LAPIP® (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure) is a solution for treating infection around a dental implant. Instead of removing the implant or placing bone graft material around it, LAPIP allows a dental implant to stay in place while eliminating bacteria, infection, and diseased tissue around it.

During treatment, Dr. Karbakhsch will complete these steps:

  • Numb the area around your implant
  • Use a periodontal probe to determine the pocket depth
  • Expose the implant screw
  • Clean the dental implant screw with ultrasonic scaler tips
  • Use the laser to remove bacteria, diseased tissue, pathologic proteins, and soft-tissue contaminants caused by titanium corrosion
  • Modify gum and bone tissue around the implant
  • Use the laser to form a stable fibrin blood clot containing bone stem cells
  • Adjust your bite to prevent pressure on the implant and promote healing

This gentle technique works with minimal discomfort and recovery time. Laser treatment stimulates gum, ligament, and bone regeneration and helps the tissue reattach to your implant. Dr. Karbakhsch will give you oral hygiene instructions and may prescribe medication to support healing at home and achieve an optimal outcome. Studies show that LAPIP has helped 95 percent of failing implants reintegrate with the bone.

What is the Difference Between LAPIP® and LANAP®?

LAPIP uses the same laser technology as LANAP, but LAPIP treats peri-implantitis around a dental implant, while LANAP treats gum disease around a natural tooth. Also, the LAPIP protocol uses a specific wavelength of the PerioLase MVP-7 laser and gives special consideration to treating disease around an implant.

LAPIP treatment benefits:

  • Relieves discomfort and inflammation
  • Increases dental implant stability
  • Minimizes discomfort
  • Shortens recovery time compared with more invasive procedures
  • Prevents cutting or suturing
  • Regenerates tissue and bone
  • Retains integrity of structural tissues
  • Treats disease without implant removal or a bone graft
  • Costs less and is less time-consuming than implant removal, bone grafting, and replacing the implant

What Is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a disease that causes gum tissue and bone inflammation around a dental implant. Symptoms vary in type and severity, but you may experience red, swollen, or bleeding gums. The gum tissue around the implant may recede, and pockets may deepen, exposing the implant threads. Peri-implantitis destroys gum and bone tissue and can cause implants to loosen or fall out. Tartar buildup is the most common cause of peri-implantitis because it releases toxins that irritate and inflame gum tissue. Early LAPIP treatment can halt the progression and restore dental implant health.

You’re in Good Hands with MK Periodontics and Implants

At MK Periodontics and Implants, our board-certified periodontists have a high level of experience treating gum disease. Using the LANAP and LAPIP protocols, Dr. Karbakhsch can make gum disease and peri-implantitis treatment a gentle, comfortable experience for you. We want to help restore your oral health and improve your whole-body wellness. Request a consultation in our Tacoma office today to get started.