LAPIP is an acronym that stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure. It enables our team to remove the harmful bacteria and calculus found deep below the gum line that might be destabilizing a dental implant, and then we can kickstart the healing process by treating the implant post as well as the nearby bone and gums.
LAPIP New York
Adding Years to Your Dental Implants
Why Choose Us?
- LAPIP Performed with the Latest Technology
- Two Dentists Highly Experienced with Dental Implants
- Warm, Caring, & Compassionate Dental Team
An exceptionally unique experience tailored to you.
We’re Insanely Gentle
We do everything we can to make sure your visit is as comfortable as possible.
Insurance Accepted
We direct bill common insurance providers.
Advanced Technology
We invest in the latest and greatest technology for improved comfort and diagnostics.
Availability
Short notice appointments are available.
About LAPIP
Dental implants are extremely resilient, often lasting for 20, 25, and even 30 years and beyond. They are resistant to decay and can stand up to even the highest chewing forces, but there is one thing that can cause them to falter—peri-implantitis. This is an infection similar to gum disease that can develop around the base of an implant, and without treatment, eventually make it unstable. But at Lux Smiles, we can prevent this from happening with LAPIP surgery in New York. It allows us to not only address the problem, but also ensure you have a comfortable experience and fast recovery.
Why Choose Lux Smiles for LAPIP Surgery?
- LAPIP Performed with the Latest Technology
- Two Dentists Highly Experienced with Dental Implants
- Warm, Caring, & Compassionate Dental Team
What is LAPIP Surgery?
LAPIP is an acronym that stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure. It enables our team to remove the harmful bacteria and calculus found deep below the gum line that might be destabilizing a dental implant, and then we can kickstart the healing process by treating the implant post as well as the nearby bone and gums. It saves the implant from failure while also improving the overall health of the mouth.
Book an Appointment
or call (212) 777-7126
Meet Your Team of Dental Experts
Our dentists have 25% more certified education credits than required. We always focus on gentle, compassionate care.
“I received the best treatment at Lux Smiles! I am an anxious dental patient and the entire staff was welcoming, respectful and caring. They weren't dismissive of my concerns, took the time to listen and were very methodical in their assessment. Can't wait to come back!”
Caitlin S.Google Review
After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Leonetti attended the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in New Jersey and went on to complete his General Practice Residency at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine in Manhattan, New York. He joined us at the Tribeca location in 2016 and has expanded with us to the SoHo Dental Group.
Continuing Education
Dr. Leonetti performs various types of general dentistry for patients of all ages including restorative and preventative care, root canal therapy, Invisalign orthodontics, and gum surgery.
In his studies at the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, he focused on cosmetic procedures and implant dentistry. To provide treatment for an underserved population, he traveled to Managua, Nicaragua, in 2017 to provide dental implants to patients who had often lost many teeth due to a lack of proper dental care.
Dr. Leonetti continues to advance his skills every year so he can provide his patients with impeccable care, an activity he is passionate about.
Outside of the Office
When he’s not caring for patients, he enjoys golfing, skiing, and cooking.
Dr. Nicole Khalife comes to us from Long Island, New York. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Villanova University and then obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She gained experience in a variety of dental specialties at the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine in Manhattan, focusing on cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, root canal therapy, and invisible braces.
Outside of the Office
When she is not providing caring dentistry in New York and educating her patients on how to maintain their health, Dr. Khalife enjoys cycling, yoga, cooking, and traveling.
With a decade of experience and counting, Dr. Nicholas Ruhrkraut brings warmth and joy to the dental field that our patients can truly appreciate. Not only does he enjoy the opportunity to connect with others daily while educating them on the importance of their oral health, but he also loves helping people gain confidence through a healthier and more beautiful smile. Keep reading to learn more about his background and education.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Throughout college, Dr. Ruhrkraut had been interested in the field of medicine until he decided to switch gears and focus more on dentistry. This was due to his participation in a mission trip to Honduras in 2011, where he assisted a dentist there and resumed shadowing him back in the United States. After learning much more about the wonderful opportunities that dentistry offered while also helping to improve a patient’s overall quality of life, he set himself to pursue a life as a dentist!
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Ruhrkraut attended The Ohio State University for his bachelor’s degree before studying at their College of Dentistry to earn his dental doctorate. Throughout his years as a general dentist, he’s enjoyed the flexibility it’s given him to provide a holistic plan and various treatments to his patients. He’s worked in multiple offices in New York City and Los Angeles, and he’s gained extensive knowledge and skills in multiple types of services, including root canals, crowns and bridges, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign. He also regularly seeks continuing education to remain on top of the latest advancements in dentistry, and he’s also an active member of the American Dental Association and New York Dental Association.
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
Aside from treating pearly whites, Dr. Ruhrkraut loves to return to his hometown of Cleveland, OH to visit his parents and loved ones several times a year whenever he gets the chance. Away from the office, he enjoys cooking, reading, watching movies, playing volleyball, and traveling. One fun fact about him: he’s an Eagle Scout and received the Triple Crown Award after canoeing, hiking, camping, and sailing in three national high adventure programs.
Dr. Jessica Li is a Board-Certified Periodontist specializing in innovative surgical techniques and advanced periodontal therapies. Dr. Li received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from New York University and completed her specialty training at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Her clinical skills extend to a wide range of periodontal procedures, including laser treatments, ridge augmentation, osseous surgery, and implant therapy.
Dr. Li is recognized for her expertise in minimally invasive techniques, offering patients pain-free treatments with cutting-edge technologies such as LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) and the Pinhole® Surgical Technique for gum recession.
She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology and the Academy of Osseointegration. She regularly attends industry meetings and continuing education programs to stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in periodontics. Outside of her practice, Dr. Li enjoys tennis, surfing, and running.
PRICING & INSURANCE AT LUX SMILES
Flexible payment options that will make you smile.
Transparent Pricing
We always focus on clearly communicating the cost of treatments and your co-pay amounts when using insurance.
Direct Insurance Billing
We are in-network with most insurance providers and we offer direct insurance billing.
No Insurance, No Problem
Many of our patients pay out of pocket with cash, credit card, debit etc. We also offer third party financing and have an in-house membership plan.
Book an Appointment
or call (212) 777-7126
We Pinky Promise
Our mission is to deliver exceptional, comprehensive dental care with a highly experienced team using the latest technology.
35
+
Years serving NYC
200
+
5 Star Reviews
Advanced technology in a modern office to ensure comfortable care and better diagnostics....
- iTero Digital Impressions (No Goopy Impressions!)
- Soft Tissue Laser
- Digital X-Rays
- Digital Charting
- Online Patient Portal
Book an Appointment
or call (212) 777-7126
What to Expect During Treatment
The LAPIP process consists of four basic steps:
- First, our team will conduct an exam to identify what is causing issues for your dental implant. If you’re dealing with peri-implantitis, this is how we’ll confirm.
- On the day of your treatment, we’ll numb the area of your mouth we’ll be working on.
- We’ll then use a laser to vaporize the bacteria and buildup around the root of the implant that are the source of the infection.
- After the area has been cleaned up, a laser will then help create a blood clot, reducing the risk of reinfection while also giving the implant and surrounding tissue the best environment to bond and become strong again.
The Benefits of LAPIP Surgery
Compared to traditional gum disease surgery, which involves the dentist physically cleaning deep below the gum line with hand tools, LAPIP offers several advantages from both a comfort and clinical standpoint:
- Proven to be 95% successful in studies looking at peri-implantitis
- Much shorter recovery time compared to regular gum disease surgery
- Patient basically feels nothing in the chair
- Laser only targets affected tissue, meaning faster recovery time
- Minimal post-treatment bleeding and soreness
- Drastically increases the lifespan of a dental implant
The Benefits of LAPIP Surgery
Compared to traditional gum disease surgery, which involves the dentist physically cleaning deep below the gum line with hand tools, LAPIP offers several advantages from both a comfort and clinical standpoint:
- Proven to be 95% successful in studies looking at peri-implantitis
- Much shorter recovery time compared to regular gum disease surgery
- Patient basically feels nothing in the chair
- Laser only targets affected tissue, meaning faster recovery time
- Minimal post-treatment bleeding and soreness
- Drastically increases the lifespan of a dental implant
