Difference Between LAPIP & LANAP
Periodontal disease is not uncommon for patients to experience at some point in their life. The first sign of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which is simply inflammation in the gum tissue. As it progresses, untreated gingivitis can rapidly turn into advanced periodontal disease at which point the effects are more severe than gum inflammation. Symptoms of advanced periodontitis include gum recession, sensitivity, bone loss, and tooth mobility.
Untreated gum disease can be detrimental to your mouth and lead to issues with your overall health. Studies show the correlation between oral health and medical conditions so it is important to see your dentist regularly to keep your mouth healthy and head off any problems that arise. When it is necessary to seek treatment for periodontal disease, there are treatment options available to restore the health of the patient’s mouth including LANAP and LAPIP, which are both laser assisted procedures.
What is the difference between LANAP and LAPIP?
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure and LAPIP stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure and the difference between them is the problems they treat. Both are intended for patients with gum disease but LAPIP is reserved for patients with dental implants.
LANAP is used to treat patients with gum disease who need periodontal maintenance through which the periodontist can eradicate infection to restore the area and promote healing.
LAPIP is used to treat patients who have a failing dental implant due to peri-implantits, which is periodontal disease affecting an implant.
Both treatments rely on powerful, safe lasers to remove debris and affected tissue. The last can differentiate between healthy tissue and disease tissue so it safely removes only diseased bone and gum tissue. Using the dental laser, treatment is minimally invasive and avoids the need for incisions and sutures. Patients have a much easier time healing after treatment than with traditional methods.
Treating periodontal disease is much easier than it was even 10 years ago. It is important to keep in mind that not all periodontists are certified to use the LANAP and LAPIP treatment methods so if that is something that you are interested in, take the time to do a little research and make sure that your preferred provider offers LANAP and LAPIP as treatment options in their office.
If you do not have a periodontist but are experiencing periodontal issues, your dentist will be able to refer you to a provider that they know and trust. Together, they will make sure you have the best treatment possible to keep your mouth and implants healthy and functioning.