Minimally invasive laser treatment for advanced gum disease and implant preservation.
Schedule TodayExperience Pain-Free Periodontal Care With LANAP & LAPIP in St. Petersburg
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is an FDA-cleared laser protocol specifically designed to treat periodontal disease around natural teeth. Using the PerioLase MVP-7 laser, Dr. Bruce Crawford targets and removes diseased gum tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets without the need for scalpels, incisions, or sutures.
The LANAP protocol is the only scientifically proven laser treatment that achieves True Regeneration of the structures that support your teeth, including new bone, new cementum (the layer covering the tooth root), and a new periodontal ligament. This regenerative capability sets LANAP apart from other gum disease treatments and offers patients a path to genuine healing rather than simply managing the disease.
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How LANAP Works
The LANAP protocol follows a precise, step-by-step process designed to maximize effectiveness and minimize discomfort:
- Laser Pocket Therapy: The PerioLase MVP-7 laser fiber is gently placed into the periodontal pocket. The laser selectively removes diseased tissue and eliminates bacteria while leaving healthy tissue completely intact.
- Calculus Removal: Ultrasonic instruments are used to carefully remove tartar and calculus deposits from the root surfaces of the teeth.
- Clot Formation: The laser is used a second time at a different setting to create a stable fibrin blood clot that seals the pocket. This clot serves as a natural bandage and provides a scaffold for tissue regeneration.
- Bite Adjustment: The bite is carefully evaluated and adjusted to distribute chewing forces evenly, reducing stress on the treated teeth and supporting optimal healing.
What Is LAPIP?
LAPIP stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure. It is a specialized adaptation of the LANAP protocol designed specifically to treat peri-implantitis, a condition in which the gum tissue and bone surrounding a dental implant become infected and inflamed. Peri-implantitis can lead to bone loss around the implant and, if left untreated, eventual implant failure.
The LAPIP procedure uses the same PerioLase MVP-7 laser and follows a similar protocol to LANAP, but it is adapted to address the unique challenges of treating infection around implant surfaces. The laser effectively removes bacteria and diseased tissue from around the implant while stimulating the surrounding bone to regenerate and reattach to the implant surface.
Benefits of LANAP & LAPIP
Both the LANAP and LAPIP protocols offer significant advantages over traditional surgical approaches:
- Minimally Invasive: No scalpels, no incisions, and no sutures. The laser fiber is approximately the width of three human hairs, allowing precise treatment with minimal trauma to surrounding tissue.
- Reduced Discomfort: Most patients report significantly less pain during and after treatment compared to traditional surgery. Many patients require only over-the-counter pain relievers during recovery.
- Faster Recovery: Patients can typically return to normal activities within 24 hours. There are no dietary restrictions beyond avoiding hard or crunchy foods for the first few days.
- Tissue Preservation: The laser selectively targets diseased tissue, preserving as much healthy gum tissue as possible. This means less gum recession and a more natural-looking result.
- Bone Regeneration: Both protocols stimulate the body's natural healing processes, promoting the growth of new bone around teeth or implants.
- Safe for All Patients: LANAP and LAPIP are safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, blood-thinning medications, and hemophilia.
Who Is a Candidate?
LANAP is recommended for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease who want an effective alternative to traditional gum surgery. LAPIP is specifically designed for patients who have developed peri-implantitis around one or more dental implants. During your consultation, Dr. Crawford will perform a thorough evaluation to determine which protocol is best suited to your specific condition.
Protect your natural teeth and dental implants with advanced laser treatment. Schedule your consultation or call (727) 220-2265.
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Protect Your Smile With Laser Dentistry
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and protecting it requires the best available care. The LANAP and LAPIP laser protocols represent the gold standard in minimally invasive periodontal treatment, offering proven results backed by scientific research. Whether you are fighting gum disease around your natural teeth or dealing with infection around dental implants, Dr. Crawford uses these advanced laser procedures to eliminate disease, promote regeneration, and give you the best possible chance at keeping your teeth and implants for a lifetime. Do not let periodontal disease compromise your smile when effective, comfortable treatment is available.
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Why Choose LANAP & LAPIP
Proven Regeneration
The only laser protocol scientifically proven to regenerate new bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament.
Save Failing Implants
LAPIP can treat peri-implantitis and stabilize implants at risk of failure by regenerating bone around the implant.
Minimal Downtime
No scalpels, no sutures, and most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is designed to treat periodontal disease around natural teeth, while LAPIP (Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure) is specifically adapted to treat peri-implantitis, which is infection and inflammation around dental implants. Both procedures use the same PerioLase MVP-7 laser and follow similar protocols, but LAPIP addresses the unique challenges of treating disease around implant surfaces rather than natural tooth roots.
LANAP has a strong track record of success supported by peer-reviewed scientific studies. Research has demonstrated that LANAP achieves significant reductions in periodontal pocket depths, improvements in clinical attachment levels, and true regeneration of bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament. The procedure has a high patient satisfaction rate, with most patients experiencing improved gum health and tooth stability following treatment.
LAPIP can be highly effective in treating peri-implantitis and preserving dental implants that are at risk of failure due to infection and bone loss. By removing bacteria and diseased tissue while stimulating bone regeneration around the implant, LAPIP can help stabilize the implant and restore a healthy foundation. However, the success of the treatment depends on the extent of bone loss and the overall health of the patient. Dr. Crawford will evaluate your situation and discuss the likelihood of success during your consultation.
Dr. Bruce Crawford, DMD
With over 35 years of combined experience, Drs. Bruce and Garrett Crawford specialize in LANAP and LAPIP laser protocols for treating gum disease and peri-implantitis. Call us to learn how we can help.
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