403 West Windsor Road, Champaign, IL 61820.
The Future of Dental Care Is Already Here
Laser dentistry represents one of the most significant advances in modern dental treatment, and at W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC in Champaign, IL, we've invested in the technology and the training to bring it to our patients. Using the PerioLase® MVP-7™, the gold standard in dental laser technology, we offer two specialized laser protocols, LANAP and LAPIP, that treat gum disease and failing dental implants with a level of precision, comfort, and effectiveness that traditional surgery simply cannot match. Less cutting. Less pain. Less downtime. And results that are backed by science.
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What Is Laser Dentistry and How Does It Work?
Laser dentistry uses focused light energy to precisely target and treat specific tissues in the mouth, bacteria, diseased gum tissue, and infected areas around implants, without the need for scalpels, sutures, or the tissue trauma that comes with traditional surgical instruments.
At W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC, we use the PerioLase® MVP-7™, the only dental laser that is both FDA-cleared and peer-reviewed for the treatment of gum disease. Its unique wavelength is specifically engineered to target the pathogens and diseased tissue responsible for periodontal disease and peri-implantitis, while leaving surrounding healthy tissue unharmed.
The result is a treatment experience that is far more comfortable than conventional surgery, with significantly less post-operative pain, faster healing, and in many cases, the ability to stimulate the natural regeneration of bone and tissue that traditional approaches cannot achieve.
Why laser treatment is different:
- No scalpels, no cutting, no sutures in most cases
- Selectively targets diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue
- Minimizes bleeding during and after treatment
- Dramatically reduced post-operative discomfort
- Faster recovery, most patients return to normal activity quickly
- Stimulates natural bone and tissue regeneration
- FDA-cleared and peer-reviewed, clinically proven to work
Our Laser Dentistry Services
We currently offer two specialized laser protocols at W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC, each targeting a specific and serious oral health condition with the precision and effectiveness that only laser technology can provide.
Laser Gum Disease Treatment
LANAP® is an FDA-cleared laser treatment for gum disease that removes bacteria and infected tissue while helping stimulate new bone and tissue attachment, without scalpels or sutures. Using the PerioLase® MVP-7™, LANAP offers less pain, less bleeding, and faster healing compared to traditional gum surgery.
Best for: Patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease at any stage.
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Laser Treatment for Failing Implants
LAPIP® is a minimally invasive laser treatment for peri-implantitis, the infection that causes bone loss around dental implants. Using the PerioLase® MVP-7™, LAPIP removes infection, promotes healing, and helps save failing implants, often in just one visit and without surgery.
Best for: Patients experiencing implant inflammation, bone loss, or implant instability.
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Who Is a Candidate for Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is appropriate for a wide range of patients, and in many cases it is the preferred treatment option over conventional surgery. You may be a candidate for LANAP or LAPIP if you:
- Have been diagnosed with gum disease at any stage, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis
- Have a dental implant showing signs of infection, inflammation, or instability
- Have been told you need traditional gum surgery, but are looking for a less invasive alternative
- Experience dental anxiety and are seeking a more comfortable treatment option
- Have a medical condition, such as diabetes or a blood-clotting concern, that makes traditional surgery higher risk
- Have avoided treating gum disease because of fear of pain or recovery
One of the significant advantages of laser treatment is its suitability for medically compromised patients, including those on blood thinners, who may not be good candidates for conventional surgical approaches.
The best way to find out if laser dentistry is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Martin. He'll assess your oral health thoroughly and give you an honest recommendation based on your specific situation.
Experience the Difference Laser Dentistry Can Make
Whether you're dealing with gum disease, a failing implant, or simply looking for a more comfortable alternative to traditional surgery, laser dentistry at W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC in Champaign, IL, offers a proven, effective path forward. Dr. Martin has the specialized training, the technology, and the experience to deliver results with significantly less discomfort and downtime than you might expect. Call us or request a consultation online today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Dentistry
What conditions can laser dentistry treat?
At W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC, we use laser dentistry to treat two specific conditions: periodontal (gum) disease using the LANAP protocol, and peri-implantitis — infection around dental implants — using the LAPIP protocol. Both conditions involve bacterial infection that destroys the supporting bone and tissue around teeth or implants, and both respond exceptionally well to laser treatment.
Is laser dentistry painful?
Most patients find laser dentistry significantly more comfortable than they expected — both during and after treatment. Because the laser targets only diseased tissue without cutting or suturing the surrounding healthy tissue, there is far less trauma, far less bleeding, and far less post-operative discomfort compared to traditional surgery. Most patients manage any residual soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers and return to normal activity quickly.
How is laser dentistry different from traditional gum surgery?
Traditional gum surgery involves physically cutting the gum tissue, removing diseased areas, and closing the site with sutures. Laser dentistry achieves the same clinical goals — and more — using focused laser energy, with no incisions, no sutures in most cases, less bleeding, less discomfort, and a much faster recovery. LANAP also has the unique ability to stimulate the natural regeneration of bone around the teeth, which traditional surgery cannot reliably achieve.
Is laser dentistry safe?
Yes. The PerioLase® MVP-7™ used in both LANAP and LAPIP is FDA-cleared and has been extensively peer-reviewed. Its wavelength is specifically engineered to target diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy tissue completely unharmed. Laser dentistry is also notably safe for medically compromised patients — including those on blood thinners or with diabetes — who may face higher risks with conventional surgery.
How many laser dentistry appointments will I need?
Most patients complete LANAP or LAPIP treatment in one to two appointments. The full mouth LANAP treatment is typically divided into two sessions of approximately two hours each. LAPIP for a single implant can often be completed in one appointment. Your specific treatment timeline will depend on the severity of your condition and the number of teeth or implants being treated.
How long is recovery after laser dentistry?
Recovery from laser dentistry is significantly shorter and more comfortable than recovery from traditional gum surgery. Most patients return to normal daily activities very quickly — often the following day. Some mild soreness and sensitivity in the treated areas is normal and resolves within a few days. Dr. Martin will provide detailed post-treatment care instructions before you leave the office.
Does insurance cover laser dentistry?
Most dental insurance plans that cover traditional periodontal surgery or implant-related treatment will also cover LANAP and LAPIP, since the clinical indication is the same. Coverage varies by plan, and our team will verify your benefits and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. CareCredit financing is also available.
Why does it matter that Dr. Martin is a certified LANAP clinician?
LANAP and LAPIP are not general laser procedures — they require specialized training and certification to perform correctly. Dr. Martin has completed the rigorous training program required to become a certified LANAP clinician, which means you're receiving this treatment from a provider with verified expertise in the protocol. Not every dental practice in Champaign offers this level of specialized laser care.
