February 25, 2012
November 21, 2011
I’m interested in the LANAP procedure and was wondering if you do consultations so that I can learn more about how it works and whether or not it’s right for me.
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.
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.






