Redefining Perio Treatment With LANAP® and LAPIP™ Protocols
Michael Colleran, DDS, one of the early general dentists to offer the LANAP® protocol, still actively practices in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Q: How did you first hear about the LANAP protocol?
A: Ten years ago I had already tried “laser perio” treatment with a diode and knew that the results were mixed at best. I started arguing with one of the founders of Millennium, telling him of my experience and that “lasers don’t work on perio.” I wanted to offer my patients a better treatment solution instead of extraction and replacement, and my experience with lasers to that point was not good. There were a lot of sales claims but no real success or science. Over many conversations with the founders and those who purchased and treated with LANAP I knew that LANAP was the real deal. I went to my “boot camp” training soon after. I was impressed with live-patient treatment and seeing the 24 hour post-op results. In the years that followed, I was amazed at the successful results and the ROI we’ve gotten.
Q: Why should a general dentist consider the PerioLase MVP-7 for the LANAP protocol?
A: Many general dentists are unsure about treating periodontal disease beyond perio recall and maintenance. Often, patients we refer to specialists are afraid, don’t make their appointments, or worse, refuse treatment with the periodontist and then never return to our office. By expanding our treatment options, we can help patients who otherwise would not seek treatment. This protocol is not complicated; it is quite simple. If you can do a crown prep, you can do LANAP.
Q: What do your patients think about LANAP and LAPIP™ protocols?
A: They love it. The ability to “save their teeth” or keep an ailing implant and still keep gingival esthetics is important. With today’s information about oral-systemic connections, treating perio has become a total health approach and patients accept it when they realize their overall health is in jeopardy. Our medically compromised patients—diabetics and those on blood-thinning medications can be safely treated without any change in their medications.
Q: Did your staff find it hard to integrate?
A: We really had to educate our hygiene department on what to look for in assessing periodontal diseases and to take care of LANAP patients properly post-op. We documented our cases with radiographs and clinical photos; when they did the first probings they were sold.
Q: What does “No Cut, No Sew, No Fear” really mean?
A: Originally, it was a statement developed to help patients understand how LANAP differed from other periodontitis surgical options. So many patients have a fear of traditional surgery. This uses “light” and no stiches and nothing for pain except minimal OTC NSAIDs. It’s also a great message about the protocol—with the scientific proof, training, and support, doctors shouldn’t fear performing the LANAP protocol. Over 30% of active American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) US members now offer LANAP. It’s a breeze.
Q: So what is the LAPIP protocol?
A: The LAPIP protocol is a slight modification of the proven LANAP protocol to help ailing implants. Saving implants and saving patients money is so huge using LAPIP; they are so grateful that there is a solution for the big investment they made in the implant. Using the same principles and laser wavelength, we see bone regeneration around compromised implants without having to cut open the gum line. With LAPIP, minimal treatment yields maximal results.
Q: What advice would you give to your fellow clinicians about the LANAP protocol?
A: It works. The training and clinical guarantee mean you can do it. The patients treated during training get the same results of doctors that have been doing it for many years. It makes the practice money and benefits your patients. It’s a win, win, win.
Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc.
10945 South St, Suite 306-A
Cerritos, CA 90703
888-597-5262
lanap.com
