LANAP® Laser Treatment for Dental Implants in North Raleigh
Vista Dental Group offers advanced LANAP® protocol laser therapy to diagnose, treat, and protect dental implants threatened by infection and bone loss.
Using the FDA-cleared PerioLase® MVP-7™, our team performs the clinically proven LAPIP™ and BLAST protocols, giving patients in North Raleigh a minimally invasive alternative to traditional implant surgery.
If you’ve been told your implant is failing, or you simply want to protect the investment you’ve already made, we’re here to help. Book an appointment or request a consultation today.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, but they’re not immune to disease.
Implants can accumulate the same harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. When that bacteria builds up around an implant, the surrounding tissue becomes infected, a condition known as peri-implantitis. Left untreated, peri-implantitis gradually destroys the bone around the implant.
Once enough supporting bone is lost, the implant can no longer remain stable and will need to be removed.
Peri-implantitis affects an estimated 1 in 5 implant patients at some point. When caught early (and even in advanced cases), laser therapy can eliminate the infection, stimulate bone regeneration, and rescue the implant without traditional surgery.
See How It Works
This animation walks through how the LANAP® and LAPIP™ protocols use the PerioLase® MVP-7™ to treat gum disease and peri-implantitis without cutting or sutures.
Laser Implant & Gum Treatments
LAPIP™ Protocol (Failing Implants)
The LAPIP™ protocol treats infections around dental implants using the PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental laser to destroy the periodontal pathogens causing the inflammation. Treatment is minimally invasive, with no cutting and no sutures, and it gives hope for implants that might otherwise be considered hopeless.
Our team uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ to selectively target the bacteria driving the infection, leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact. The laser decontaminates the titanium implant surface completely, eliminating 100% of bacteria without altering or damaging the hardware itself.
The LAPIP™ protocol also stimulates your body’s natural healing response, encouraging the regeneration of lost bone structure around the implant and restoring a secure, stable foundation.
If you’ve been told your implant needs to be removed, the LAPIP™ protocol may offer an alternative. We encourage you to request a consultation before making any decisions.
BLAST Protocol (Implant Maintenance)
The BLAST protocol uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ to protect implants proactively, both at the time of placement and during routine maintenance visits.
At placement: Implants can lose surface activity before they’re placed, which can reduce how well they integrate into bone. The BLAST protocol uses the laser to reactivate the titanium surface through a process called photo functionalization, helping bone integrate as closely as possible with the implant from day one. The implant site is also decontaminated before placement, eliminating harmful bacteria that could disrupt the healing process.
During maintenance visits: At each routine follow-up, gentle, low-level laser energy is applied around the implant site to eliminate the microflora and bacteria that cause peri-implantitis. This keeps the gum and bone around your implant clean between appointments and helps protect your investment over the long term.
LANAP® Protocol
The LANAP® protocol uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental laser to regenerate the tissues and bone lost to gum disease. Treatment is minimally invasive, with no cutting and no sutures.
No Cut, No Sew, No Fear®.
The laser removes diseased tissue and the bacteria beneath it while leaving healthy gum tissue completely intact. Patients typically experience less pain, reduced bleeding, and a much faster recovery compared to conventional gum surgery. The process also triggers the regeneration of healthy gum tissue and bone, helping to stabilize loose teeth and restore overall periodontal health.
Cosmetic Laser Depigmentation
Laser gum lightening is a fast and safe cosmetic procedure designed to remove hyper-pigmentation or dark spots from your gums. Our advanced dental laser targets the discoloration without damaging any of the surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment is minimally invasive and requires only local anesthesia, resulting in a beautifully uniform and natural appearance in as little as one visit.
Meet Our Periodontist
Dr. Teebok Choe
Dr. Teebok Choe is a certified LANAP® and LAPIP™ clinician, having completed the intensive training required for certification in both protocols. His focus is laser-assisted periodontal and implant therapy, from treating active peri-implantitis with the LAPIP™ protocol to protecting new implants through BLAST maintenance therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP® for Implants
Is the LANAP® Protocol Used for Dental Implants?
Yes and no. The LANAP® protocol was developed to treat gum disease around natural teeth, and it does that exceptionally well. The same PerioLase® MVP-7™ technology is used for implants, but the protocol designed specifically for implants has its own name: the LAPIP™ protocol. When most patients search for “LANAP for implants,” the LAPIP™ protocol is what they’re actually looking for.
What Is the Difference Between the LANAP® and LAPIP™ Protocols?
The core technology is the same. Both use the PerioLase® MVP-7™. The difference is in how each protocol is applied. The LANAP® protocol is calibrated for the tissue and root surface of natural teeth, while the LAPIP™ protocol uses settings and techniques designed specifically for the titanium surface of a dental implant and the unique biology of the tissue surrounding it. Same platform, two distinct applications.
If My Dentist Mentioned “LANAP for My Implant,” Is That the Same as LAPIP™?
Almost certainly, yes. Because the LANAP® protocol is well-known and widely searched, many patients and even some referring doctors use “LANAP” as a general term for laser gum treatment. When the goal is treating an infection or bone loss around a dental implant, the correct clinical protocol is the LAPIP™ protocol. The outcome patients are hoping for (eliminating infection and saving the implant without surgery) is exactly what the LAPIP™ protocol is designed to deliver.
What Is Peri-Implantitis, and How Do I Know if I Have It?
Peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection of the gum and bone tissue surrounding a dental implant. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, bleeding around the implant, a feeling of looseness, pain when chewing, or visible bone loss on an X-ray. In some cases there are no obvious symptoms at all, which is why regular monitoring matters. If you suspect a problem, a consultation is the best first step.
How Does the LAPIP™ Protocol Save a Failing Implant?
The PerioLase® MVP-7™ selectively targets and destroys the bacteria driving the infection, decontaminates the implant surface without scalpel surgery, and stimulates the body to produce growth factors that help regenerate lost bone. Studies show it eliminates 100% of bacteria on titanium implants without altering or damaging the hardware.
Who Is a Candidate for the LAPIP™ Protocol?
The LAPIP™ protocol is appropriate for patients with an implant threatened by peri-implantitis, including those with active infection, measurable bone loss, or an implant that has been identified as failing. A clinical evaluation and X-rays are needed to determine whether the implant can be rescued and whether the LAPIP™ protocol is the right approach for your situation.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
It depends on the severity of the infection and the degree of bone loss present. Some patients achieve stable results after a single LAPIP™ session. Others benefit from ongoing protection through the BLAST maintenance protocol. We’ll give you a clear, honest picture of what to expect during your consultation.
What is the BLAST protocol?
BLAST is a specialized maintenance program that uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ to keep the gum and bone around your implant healthy over time. At routine visits, we decontaminate the tissue around your implant, eliminating harmful bacteria before they can cause infection. It’s a proactive step that helps ensure your implant lasts a lifetime.
Does Laser Implant Therapy Hurt?
Local anesthesia is used so you won’t feel anything during treatment. Afterward, the area may feel mildly tender, and that’s typically manageable with over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen. We also offer multiple sedation options for patients with dental anxiety.
What Happens if Peri-Implantitis Is Left Untreated?
The infection will continue to destroy the bone supporting the implant. Once too much bone is lost, the implant cannot remain stable and will need to be removed. Early intervention dramatically improves the odds of saving the implant, so we encourage patients to reach out at the first sign of concern.
Is the Laser Safe for My Titanium Implant?
Yes. The specific wavelength of the PerioLase® MVP-7™ destroys bacteria and diseased tissue while leaving the titanium implant surface completely intact. Clinical studies confirm it eliminates bacteria without altering or damaging the hardware.
Is Laser Implant Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Periodontal treatments, including laser-assisted procedures, are often partially covered under dental insurance plans with periodontal benefits. Our team is happy to review your coverage and discuss payment options during your consultation.
Have a Question?
Many patients come to us after being told their implant is failing, or that removal is the only option left. Our goal is to give you honest, judgment-free guidance on whether the LAPIP™ protocol is right for your situation and to explore every available option before considering more invasive steps.
Whether you need rescue treatment for a compromised implant or want to stay ahead of problems with proactive maintenance, our North Raleigh team is ready to help. Book an appointment or request a consultation today.