2020 SW 27th Avenue
Yes we do consultations for LANAP on a daily basis. Since we have a multidisciplinary approach to treating periodontal disease it is important to know about contributing factors to your tissue breakdown such as genetics, medical history,smoking, grinding teeth during sleep. etc. We would begin with a dental history discussion with either myself or Dr Lamas. This allows us to understand more about what has led up to your decision to consider LANAP. Many patients are fearful of gum surgery so we compare and contrast traditional periodontal surgery with LANAP during the treatment conference appointment. You would then be escorted to the examination room where we will take your medical history, your blood pressure and perform a comprehensive periodontal exam including intra-oral photos, bacterial testing and necessary films. At that point we would know whether LANAP is a realistic consideration for you. After careful study of your case, a detailed appointment plan would then be formulated and presented at a subsequent treatment conference visit. Despite our many years of experience, we find it very valuable for our patients to understand existing conditions, risks of delaying or not having treatment and have us explain treatment alternatives as well as answer any questions from you, loved ones or even your current dentist.
November 21, 2011
November 19, 2011
Is it true that I can really come in and have new teeth all in one day with the all-on-4 implants? How is this done?
The all-on-4 implant treatment is a consideration for patients who have dentures or who think they will need dentures. An example would be a patient who has been told they have to lose all of their teeth due to periodontal disease, non-restorable caries or failing bridges and crowns. . Some patients stay away from dentists all together. I’ve heard stories of people whose dentures fell out at restaurants either during a romantic dinner with a significant other or during an important sales meeting. They basically couldn’t eat or smile.
Other patients who have sought out dental advise have been told that the only way to have fixed or attached teeth eventually would be to undergo multiple surgeries and over the course of many months to over a year all while wearing removable dentures over painful incisions and extensive grafting for jawbone reconstruction.
Weeks or months of healing and pain with more conventional and more expensive treatment does not have to be the only option. Some of these “worst nightmare” situations can be taken care of in just one appointment with relaxing conscious sedation techniques. We do this by identifying the areas where the jawbone is still strong using a CBCT (scan) and strategically placing as little as four dental implants with little to no grafting in predetermined positions and deliberate mechanical inclinations. The specific angles in which the implants are placed make the connection points to the “same day replacement teeth” spread out enough to adequately handle chewing forces and create an esthetically pleasing smile. We encourage patient input in the planning stages of treatment as most patients usually prefer a more natural yet better version of what they used to have before the problems began.
Although this treatment modality is not for everyone, those patients that are phobic about dentists and dentures definitely deserve a chance at learning about what I call one of the “miracles” of dentistry….All-on-4. Get rid of pain, denture glues and get ready to smile and laugh. Personal and career changing transformations can realistically be one surgical appointment away.
August 17, 2011
1. How common is periodontal disease? How many people get LANAP treatment as opposed to surgery?
At least 60% of all adult tooth extractions in our practice are due to periodontal diseases and many more people have the disease and don’t even know it.
As far as how many people get LANAP as opposed to traditional surgery and deep cleanings?
Our experience has been that once a patient has had the opportunity to become well informed on the differences between LANAP and traditional surgery, LANAP is the much preferred treatment option.
Some differences:
LANAP
•98% of laser treated patients remain stable after 5 years
•Less time in the dental chair (one to two laser visits)
•Less risk of infection, less sensitivity, less bleeding
•Gum recession much less of a problem than scalpel surgery
•Less invasive
•One day recovery time with minimal discomfort
Alternatives
•Scaling and root planning (“deep cleaning”) can be used to maintain pocket depth but have very little to no effect on making the pocket smaller or regenerating bone loss
•Tooth extraction and Dental implants
•Flap surgery with or without bone grafting can have a 2 to 4 week recovery with considerable pain and swelling\
•With all alternatives, increased bleeding, swelling and discomfort
•Removable Dentures
December 11, 2010
How common is dental phobia?
How common? Extremely common! You are not alone. Millions of Americans are afraid of dental work. You can be either “mildly afraid”, “petrified”- or simply don’t have enough time on your busy schedule. Your last dental visit may have been 5, 12 or maybe even 20 years ago. That’s not important right now. What is important is that you can forget about any negative experience you’ve ever had. We use IV conscious sedation dentistry that basically relieves you from your anxieties in a proven and safe way. You’ll be surprised at the amount of work that can be done in one or two appointments regardless of “how long it’s been”. This can mean treating gum disease to avoid future tooth loss or even replacing removable dentures with permanent, natural feeling implant teeth.
September 17, 2010
Dr. Gallardo, I live in Cayman and have been told by a few people I know that you’ve treated them. They are very pleased with the expirience at your office as well as the reults. Do I need a special referral or letter from my dentist to have you evaluate for gum disease and possible dental implants?
Let me be the first to welcome you! I have been successfully seeing Cayman patients for specialty dental care for many years now and have met and become friendly with some of your dentists on the Island. Although you don’t need a referral from your dentist to see me, I would like to make sure that we keep them involved in your case as more complex dental problems usually require a team approach. Because we have a CT scan in the office and routinely complete even the more complex treatments in as little as one day with Intravenous Conscious Sedation, we make traveling to Miami a very efficient trip. We are located within 15 minutes from Miami International Airport. Many patients take advantage of the shopping while here or make time for a consult on their way to or from Europe. Please call usto discuss specific scheduling arrangements we have for out of town guests. Look forward to meeting you.
