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
August 4, 2010
New Affordable All-on-4™ Dental Implants
All on 4™ is a relatively new implant option in the United States but has been done for many years with great success in Europe. This technique uses fewer implants that are placed at mechanical inclinations to maximize support. Because fewer implants are used this means lower treatment fees. Because we have a CT Scan in our facility, the deliberate use of angled implant placement allows us to avoid important anatomical areas that previously required bone grafting. Eliminating the need for costly bone grafting saves money as well as months of healing. We could perform the implant placement with sedation and place teeth later the same day if you wish. The All on 4™ option provides a comparable long term outcome to Teeth in An Hour™ by attaching teeth that do not have to be removed. All on 4™ saves time and money and we are excited to make this option available to our patients.
August 1, 2010
If I get a dental implant, will that help restore bone that has been lost? I know that I have to have a bone graft first, but after the implant, does that new bone grow more bone and fill in the area to make it stronger? I am worried about bone loss affecting surrounding teeth in the future.
A dental implant will not create more bone volume (size) but it will make the bone that IS there much stronger and more dense unlike a bridge or a removable partial denture which can actually contribute to more bone loss. In situations where bone grafting is absolutely necessary, keep in mind that all bone grafts and techniques are not the same and they could vary from case to case. Also the health of the teeth ,the gingiva and bone surrounding them that will be next to the dental implants must be evaluated in the early stages of planning the case. The best way to not risk bone loss is to prevent it and plan against it with a comprehensive evaluation including a periodontal examination in addition to the implant consult.




