ABOUT PERI-IMPLANTITIS
Peri-implantitis is categorized by two stages of implant failure. The first is mucositis, which is the inflammation and ulceration (open sore) of the gums or soft tissues surrounding the dental implant. It is characterized by redness and swelling of the soft tissues around the implant, bleeding when probing, but is not causing any surrounding bone loss. The next, more advanced stage is peri-implantitis which is the progression of this inflammation to bone loss surrounding the implant. With this the surrounding periodontal pocket will be greater than 4mm and there will be bleeding or suppuration (production of pus) noticed by your periodontist when probing your pockets. At this stage, there is no noticeable mobility of the dental implant. If left untreated will lead to implant failure which is characterized by mobility and eventual loss of the implant.
TREATMENT OF PERI-IMPLANTITIS
The goal of treatment in any case of peri-implantitis is to eliminate the infection surrounding the implant. The bacterial plaque surrounding the implant must be eliminated with surgical or non-surgical therapy. LAPIP™ similar to LANAP™ uses non-invasive laser treatment to kill the infection causing bacteria surrounding the implant, while leaving healthy tissue behind. This protocol does not require any cutting, or sewing which means shorter healing time and less pain or discomfort after treatment. By avoiding surgery this means the integrity of the surrounding tissue is maintained which leaves future treatment options open if required. Studies show that 95% of patients treated with LAPIP™ showed regeneration of the surrounding bone and soft tissues leading to reintegration of the failing implant back into the bone.
