LAPIP Washington DC & Alexandria VA

LAPIP (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure) is a minimally invasive laser treatment for peri-implantitis, the infection and bone loss around dental implants. It uses the same PerioLase MVP-7 laser as LANAP, adapted to the anatomy around implants. LAPIP is typically successful at halting bone loss, decontaminating the implant surface, and allowing bone regeneration, without the scalpel-and-suture surgery traditional treatment requires.

Why Peri-Implantitis Needs Prompt Treatment

Peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection around a dental implant that causes bone loss, similar to how periodontitis attacks natural teeth. Untreated, it leads to implant loosening and eventual implant loss. Because bacterial colonies form biofilms on the implant surface that are extremely hard to remove, mechanical cleaning alone often fails. See our detailed peri-implantitis overview page for the full picture.

How LAPIP Works

The procedure is done in a single visit under local anesthesia. It involves:

1. A specialized laser fiber is passed into the peri-implant pocket
2. The laser selectively kills bacteria and removes diseased tissue while sparing healthy tissue
3. Calculus is removed from the implant surface
4. A second laser pass creates a stable blood clot that seals the pocket and lets bone regenerate

Total treatment time is typically 1 to 2 hours depending on how many implants are affected.

Advantages Over Traditional Surgery

• No scalpel incisions, no sutures
• Minimal post-op pain (most patients take only OTC pain relievers)
• Faster recovery (same-day return to work for most patients)
• No gum recession as a side effect (unlike open-flap surgery)
• Documented bone regeneration in successful cases

What to Expect Afterward

Most patients experience mild soreness for 1 to 2 days, well managed with OTC pain relievers. Soft foods for 5 to 7 days, then normal diet. Follow-up at 6 weeks confirms early healing; a 6 to 12 month follow-up with x-rays assesses bone response. Long-term maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months protect the result.

Success Rates

Published studies show LAPIP successfully stops bone loss and allows some regeneration in approximately 80 to 90% of cases when caught before advanced bone loss. Best results are in early-to-moderate peri-implantitis. Advanced cases with more than 50% bone loss around the implant may still require implant removal despite treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is LAPIP different from LANAP?

LANAP treats natural teeth with periodontitis. LAPIP treats dental implants with peri-implantitis. Same laser, adapted protocol.

Does LAPIP save every failing implant?

No treatment saves every case. LAPIP has excellent success rates in early-to-moderate disease. Advanced cases with severe bone loss may still need implant removal, but LAPIP is worth trying first in most cases before extracting.

Is LAPIP covered by insurance?

Coverage varies. We submit under periodontal codes with pre-authorization when possible, but many plans still consider LAPIP experimental despite over a decade of clinical evidence.

Consult in DC, Alexandria, or Reston

If you have swelling, bleeding, or pain around an implant, request a same-week consult at our Washington DC, Alexandria, or Reston office. Early treatment is dramatically more effective than late intervention.