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LAPIP™ Treatment in Anaheim, CA
Dental implants showing signs of infection, swelling, or loosening may be an indication of peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease that attacks the foundation of your dental implant. If left untreated, this infection can lead to complete implant failure, requiring immediate intervention to save your smile. While traditional treatments often rely on surgery to access the infected area, the LAPIP™ treatment offers a modern, non-surgical alternative that eliminates the infection without the need for cutting and sutures.
LAPIP™ (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure) is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive laser treatment designed to save failing implants without the need for scalpels or sutures. Studies indicate that 94% of failing implants treated with the LAPIP™ Protocol have reintegrated in the pocket. This
Benefits of LAPIP™ Treatment for Failing Dental Implants
At First Dental Care, Dr. Douglas Kim specializes in LAPIP™, a cutting-edge, minimally invasive solution designed specifically to rescue your failing dental implant. Unlike traditional methods that involve scalpels and sutures, LAPIP™ utilizes a precise laser to clear away infection and stimulate natural bone regrowth without the need for painful cutting or stitches.
How LAPIP™ Compares to Traditional Dental Implant Surgery
Traditional surgery has been the standard approach for the treatment of failing dental implants for decades, but LAPIP™ offers a modern, gentler alternative that many patients and LAPIP™ providers in Anaheim are now turning to. LAPIP™ is a more regenerative approach that focuses on healing rather than just clearing the infection.
What Is Peri-Implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease that attacks the soft tissue and the bone supporting a dental implant. It is caused by a buildup of harmful bacteria (plaque) that settles at the gum line. Because the implant is a man-made post, your body reacts differently to infection there than it does with a natural tooth. If the bacteria aren't cleared away, they begin to eat away at the bone that holds the implant in place.
What to Expect During Your LAPIP™ Treatment
At First Dental Care, we understand that any dental procedure can feel a bit daunting, but LAPIP™ is designed to be a gentle, stress-free experience. Unlike traditional surgery, there is less noise and vibration and no scalpels and stitches. During your LAPIP™ appointment with Dr. Douglas Kim, he begins by getting to know you and your dental history, utilizing advanced X-rays or 3D CBCT scans to get a crystal-clear view of your implant's position and bone health before gently using a small probe to measure any pockets around the implant to create a precise treatment map. Before any work starts, Dr. Kim will carefully administer a local anesthetic to make sure you are completely relaxed and don't feel a thing throughout the entire process. Next, using the PerioLase® MVP-7™, Dr. Kim passes a tiny laser fiber between your gum and the implant to target and vaporize harmful bacteria and diseased tissue while leaving your healthy tissue completely untouched.
To ensure your implant has the best chance to thrive, he then uses specialized ultrasonic scaler tips that vibrate gently to clear away any stubborn debris and buildup, creating a perfectly clean surface for the laser to work its magic. Dr. Kim then uses the laser to lightly modify the bone area, which helps release your body's own stem cells and triggers your natural ability to regrow bone and heal the site. The laser is used one last time to create a "fibrin clot" around the implant, acting as a biological bandage that seals the area perfectly to prevent reinfection and protects the site while it heals from the inside out. To ensure your implant isn't under too much pressure while it heals, Dr. Kim will check and adjust your bite as needed, creating the ideal, stable environment for new bone to form around the implant. Finally, your journey doesn't end when you leave the chair, as Dr. Kim will see you for follow-up visits at First Dental Care to monitor your progress, celebrate your bone regeneration, and ensure your implant is becoming strong and stable once again.
Dr. Douglas Kim, Certified LAPIP™ Provider in Anaheim, CA
Serving patients in Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, and other Orange County communities
As a certified LAPIP™ provider in Anaheim, Dr. Douglas Kim stands among a select group of dental experts certified to perform this advanced laser procedure. He has dedicated himself to a rigorous, year-long clinical training program focused on mastering the LAPIP™ protocol to ensure the highest standard of care for his patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About LAPIP Treatment for Failing Dental Implants
