Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/04/2014 -- Dental implants are quickly becoming a preferred treatment method for replacing missing teeth. Where previously patients turned to bridges and dentures to solve the problem of tooth loss, dental implants offer an alternative in that they are designed to look, feel and function just like natural teeth. They restore a confident smile and are changing the way people live. However, as the popularity of implants increases, so does an increase in cases of peri-implant bone loss or peri-implantitis.

Similar to periodontitis but affecting the gum tissue surrounding the dental implant, peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection that can cause gum recession, bleeding and bone loss around the implant. This process can sometimes cause loss of the implant itself. While insufficient oral hygiene is often the cause, early diagnosis is important for patients who notice sensitivity, discomfort, bleeding or other gum disease symptoms. Lack of early diagnosis can result in loss of the implant. Left untreated, peri-implantitis, like other chronic infections, can contribute to other serious health problems including heart disease, cancer and stroke.

Dr. Reed Ference of Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants in Albany, NY offers an advanced, nonsurgical laser treatment method called LAPIP®, Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure. Similar to LANAP®, (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), LAPIP® safely and without surgical cutting or stitches destroys the infected tissue surround the implants while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. Dr. Ference states, “With our use of LAPIP®, we target and treat the infection, halt the progression of the disease and in many cases regenerate supporting bone around the implant. The lifespan of the dental implant is extended, and our patients are happy that their initial investment into their smile is not wasted.”

About Dr. Reed Ference
Serving Albany, NY area patients since 1990, Dr. Reed Ference has placed over 4,000 dental implants restoring thousands of beautiful smiles. His practice, Capital Regional Periodontics and Dental Implants, the full scope of periodontal services with expertise ranging from cosmetic periodontal surgery, dental implants, crown lengthening and non-invasive LANAP® and LAPIP® laser treatments.

Reed Ference, DDS, M.Dent. Sc, completed his dental training at the Stonybrook University School of Dental Medicine in 1984 and completed specialty training in periodontics at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, where he was awarded an NIH research-training grant. Following his specialty training, he was appointed Director of Undergraduate Periodontics at NYU College of Dentistry. Dr. Ference welcomes patients experiencing any implant problems or gum disease symptoms to call his office at 518.320.7511 and schedule a complimentary consultation.

Visit his website at http://www.albanyperioandimplants.com/for videos and more information.