The Specialty Center for Periodontics Dental Implants

COLLEGEVILLE AND PHILADELPHIA, PA – Bad breath is something none of us want, but all of us get once in a while.

Bad breath can be caused by something as simple as eating garlic, or it can be an  something serious, such as periodontal disease.

“The odor emitted from the mouth of someone with periodontal disease is pretty distinctive and most periodontists know the patient has gum issues even before they conduct the full exam,” said Dr. David DiGiallorenzo, a Collegeville, PA periodontist.

Periodontal disease rates second behind oral dryness in causing bad breath, said DiGiallorenzo, who also is a Montoursville and Collegeville, PA dental implants expert.

Between 85-90 percent of bad breath is caused by anaerobic bacteria that release sulfur compounds, which cause the bad odor, according to information on Carifree.com, a website dedicated to providing treatment solutions to the dental profession.

Because periodontal disease is most common in people age 35 and older, it becomes a bigger issue as we get older, according to http://www.animated-teeth.com/.

Periodontal disease effects the gums and bone that surround the teeth.  The chief symptoms include tender and bleeding gums; missing, loose or shifting teeth; receding gums; and bad breath. As the disease worsens, it can damage the bone and can cause deep spaces to appear between the teeth and gums. These spaces are called pockets, and they are notorious for harboring bacteria, DiGiallorenzo said.

When these pockets get too deep, it is not possible to effectively clean them and that leads to bad breath.

Battling Bad Breath
DiGiallorenzo offers several suggestions to patients who visit his Montoursville, PA periodontics practice with questions about their chronic bad breath issues.

“A periodontal screening is the crucial first step to take to determine the ultimate cause of bad breath,” he said.

If it is a case of gum disease, Digiallorenzo often recommends utilizing LANAP- laser assisted new attachment procedure- a no-cut, no-sew, no-suture method of removing unhealthy bacteria in the pockets and repairing lost gum tissue and bone with the use of a laser light.

It’s also important to repair cavities because they provide a breeding ground for bacteria that lead to bad breath, he said Collegeville, PA periodontist Dr. Digiallorenzo.

Flossing and brushing the teeth and brushing the tongue regularly are imperative, DiGiallorenzo said.  Two to four dental cleanings per year may also be required to ward off continued bacterial buildup.

Using an oral irrigator such as a Waterpik with a bit of hydrogen peroxide in the water also can improve oral hygiene.

Some dietary changes also can improve chronic bad breath issues, he said. Cabbage, Onions, garlic and curry can cause bad breath for up to 24 hours at a time, according to Health 911.

Canned tuna, spicy deli meats and certain cheeses also can cause bad breath. Sugary foods provide food for bacteria to feed off of, and tea and coffee drinks are thought to cause bad breath because of their acidity levels.

Healthy foods that don’t cause bad breath include papaya, pineapple, kiwi and leafy green vegetables.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about bad breath as it related to periodontal disease or you would like to schedule an appointment with one of the  Montoursville and Collegeville, PA periodontists in Dr. David DiGiallorenzo’s office, please call 610-409-6064 in Collegeville; 570-322-4741 in Montoursville; or visit his Web site: https://perioimplants.us/.

About Dr. David Digiallorenzo
Dr. David Digiallorenzo, or “Dr. D,” graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1993 and completed a specialty in periodontics and dental implantology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995.

He is a past associate clinical professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Periodontics. He teaches nationally and internationally and is a regular contributor to dental literature.

Dr. D’s private practice in suburban Philadelphia concentrates on laser, aesthetic and reconstructive periodontics, dental implantology, advanced reconstructive case management and TMJ treatment. It is a unique dental spa with two full-time massage therapists that specialize in reflexology, reiki, massage, aromatherapy and homeopathy and nutrition. This combination creates a relaxed, optimal healing response.

For Gum Disease Awareness Month, our team at the LANAP & Implant Center are here to lend you our support in your commitment to good oral health.

Here are three steps you can take today that will have you on the way to better gum health!

Step 1: Reduce Stress In Your Life!

You may not ever think much about how your daily stress, things that weigh on your heart and mind, can physically manifest themselves and threaten your health.

But the astonishing truth is that chronic stress is responsible for all kinds of systemic health problems!

The reason this is important to know is that stress impairs your body’s immune system, which leaves you more vulnerable to bad bacteria that lives in your mouth just waiting to destroy your gum health.

Learning to manage stress is just one of the things you can start doing every single day to protect the health of your smile.

Step 2: Focus On Nutrition!

Gum disease is a bacterial infection, plain and simple.

And you know how your body fights off infection.

That’s right! A strong immune system.

You can protect yourself from gum disease by giving your body the fuel it needs to allow your immune system to do what is what built for.

That means adding more citrus fruits, green vegetables, calcium, and protein into your daily diet. It may also require you to do an inventory of your kitchen pantry and throw out all the chips, cookies, and other highly-processed snacks that put your teeth and gums at risk.

Focus on getting more Vitamins C, B6, and E to boost your immunity!

Step 3: Live Tobacco-Free!

It’s no secret how addictive and destructive cigarettes and other forms of tobacco are and how seductive they are to younger and younger demographics. The sooner you’re ensnared in the nicotine trap, the longer the tobacco industry owns you, your wallet, and your health.

Tobacco users are significantly more at risk for gum disease, among a host of other deadly health conditions, than non-tobacco users.

To your teeth and gums specifically, chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes will slow your saliva production and scrape at your tooth enamel and create microscopic doorways for bacteria to enter.

Taking steps to end your addiction to tobacco is one of the best things you can do, but it’s also one of the most difficult.

That’s why you need to call us today so you can take advantage of our integrated appraoch to dental care. We have a Wellness Center that offers a wide variety of holistic treatments, including strategies for smoking cessation.

You Can Do This!

You may be thinking that these steps are too overwhelming and too challenging to take.

Maybe at first.

But you can set yourself up for success by breaking your goals down into smaller, more manageable changes each and everyday until you feel ready to move on to the next step.

You know that nothing worth having comes easy. That’s true for everything in life.

You often hear about the value of your ‘why.’ Why are you making these changes in your life? That’s usually a great place to start!

Look at the big picture and ask yourself what a healthy, beautiful smile is worth to you.

*Is your effort worth it if it means having better health overall?

*Is it worth the courage you’ll have to pursue your professional and personal goals?

*Is it worth feeling confident and comfortable enough to heal the intimacy in your relationship?

*Is it worth being around longer to enjoy life with your children and grandchildren?

When you’ve identified the reason you’re doing this, it will serve as your daily reminder and motivator to put forth the effort, energy, and dedication it takes to live a healthy, happy life.

We’re Here To Help!

Change is hard. There’s no doubt about it.

But change is made easier when you set small, achievable goals and you have a support system in place.

Dr. DiGiallorenzo and our expert team at the LANAP & Implant Center is that support system.

Restoring your gum health is our speciality, not only in the treatment stage using the latest in periodontal therapy technology, but during the tooth replacement process with our wide-ranging, cutting edge implantology.

We’ve dedicated not only our careers to becoming extensively trained and educated in dentistry innovation, but we all come to the table with a personal devotion to helping people just like you all across the country live healthier, happier lives.

Find out how we can help you through the journey back to better gum health. Call the LANAP & Implant Center today at 610-409-6064 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-322-4741 for our Montoursville location. You can also fill out our convenient online form to set up an appointment.

The last couple of months of the year always inspire a spirit of giving within us. We’re more charitable with our time, energy, and money.

During the season of giving, the tendency to put others before yourself is understandable. But sometimes, it means you have to remind yourself that giving doesn’t have to mean removing yourself from the priority list altogether!

Our team at the LANAP & Implant Center wants you to consider taking time out for yourself this season! The beautiful smile you’ve always wanted can be achieved in our Collegeville and Montoursville locations.

Today, we’re sharing three simple cosmetic solutions for a more attractive, confident smile!

Give Your Smile More Balance With Gum Reshaping

Sometimes patients tell us that the reason they waited so long to seek cosmetic dental treatment is because they simply didn’t know that a solution for their smile flaw even existed. We tend to assume that certain imperfections are just part of the hand we’re dealt.

A gummy smile is one of those issues people mistakenly assume they just have to live with. They have excess gum tissue that steals the show when they smile and makes their teeth appear smaller or shorter than they might actually be.

But with gum reshaping at the LANAP & Implant Center, you can create visual balance between your teeth and gums. Dr. DiGiallorenzo is a highly-trained and talented dental professional. With cutting edge laser technology, he can gently remove extra tissue to raise your gumline, show more of your teeth, and give you a more balanced, attractive smile!

Repair Damage & Replace Old Dental Work With Crowns

If you have old dental work, like dark metal fillings, that are easy to spot, it can be a cause for embarrassment and unhappiness when you smile. Similarly, you might have a tooth that’s damaged enough to compromise its health, function, and strength.

Dental crowns are a great way to cover, or in some cases replace, a damaged tooth or old filling. That’s because they’re durable, lasting, and natural-looking. Even though dental crowns fall under restorative dentistry, they look so lifelike that they can often result in a cosmetic improvement for your smile. Unless you pointed out your dental crown, it’s unlikely that anyone would be able to tell the difference between it and your natural teeth!

Improve The Landscape Of Your Smile With Tooth Contouring

Over the years, your teeth can succumb to normal wear and tear. Day after day, all day long, your teeth are under constant stress. While they’re made to withstand it, they’re still capable of becoming worn down from all the chewing, tearing, and even grinding and clenching.

The result can be an unsightly smile because of teeth that are slightly misshapen or uneven.

A similar cosmetic issue is with the length of your teeth. You might have some teeth that are just naturally uneven because a few may be longer than others, and they can draw unwanted attention. This can make you feel embarrassed and insecure about showing your teeth when you smile or speak.  

Tooth contouring is a simple, effective solution! Dr. DiGiallorenzo can artfully reshape your teeth so that the landscape of your teeth is even and more aesthetically pleasing in overall appearance.

Call TODAY For A Consultation!

Oftentimes, it’s tempting to put aside our needs and desires out of guilt. You try to convince yourself that making cosmetic improvements to your smile is a selfish pursuit.

Our team at the LANAP & Implant Center wants to encourage you to look at this a bit differently. You spend a lot of time and energy on other people. You put the needs of others ahead of your own. While this is certainly noble, it leaves out an essential truth, which is that you need to feel good about yourself so you can be your best for others.

You’re worthy of a beautiful smile, one that will help you look and feel attractive and confident. Boosting your self-esteem is a great way to give you courage to pursue your goals and dreams to live the life you want.

With cosmetic dental treatment in one of our Collegeville and Montoursville locations, we can help you do that. Find out which of our treatments is your smile solution this season!

Call the LANAP & Implant Center today at 610-409-6064 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-322-4741 for our Montoursville location. You can also fill out our convenient online form to set up an appointment.

Before January gets away from us, our team at the LANAP & Implant Center wants to suggest three New Year’s resolutions you can make today to ensure a healthier mouth, body, and life for years to come!

#1: Resolve To Live Healthier With Nutritional Therapy!

Making the necessary changes to your lifestyle to improve your health can be tremendously difficult. Any expert will tell you one of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to set smaller, reachable goals.

With every accomplishment, you become more and more confident and enthused about your commitment.

For that reason, we’re starting with a change you can make that begins at home. It’s the resolution to eat a healthier diet to ensure stronger teeth and gums.

That means staying hydrated so your teeth are coated in plenty of acid-blocking saliva, so start drinking more water today!

A healthy diet also includes nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables. Crunchy, raw veggies and fresh fruits will encourage saliva production and give you essential vitamins and minerals to strengthen your enamel.

But you don’t have to overhaul your diet without help! We offer nutritional therapy at the LANAP & Implant Center as part of our ongoing commitment to holistic dentistry!

#2: Get Your Gum Health Back!

The leading cause of tooth loss among adults is periodontal disease, which is why your gum health is so incredibly important to us.

If we can catch infection in your mouth early enough, we can reverse the beginning stages of gum disease and keep your healthy smile intact.

Although there’s no cure for advanced periodontal disease, Dr. DiGiallorenzo and our team of specialists can help you get in under control and restore your gum health with our laser technology.

Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, you don’t have to worry about any cutting or stitching! Laser gum therapy also allows for a more comfortable procedure and faster healing.

When you take advantage of our wide variety of holistic treatment options in conjunction with our laser therapy, you can optimize your recovery, health, and future strength of your teeth and gums.

#3: Opt For Better Solutions In Teeth Replacement!

Large, empty spaces in your smile poses an obvious cosmetic dilemma. The impact on your psychological and emotional well-being is significant enough considering the insecurity and anxiety you feel when you’re ashamed of your smile.

But it’s the risk missing teeth can pose for your health that makes replacement so critical.

Fortunately, teeth replacement is our specialty at the LANAP & Implant Center!

We offer traditional dental implants so you can restore your strong bite, resume daily oral hygiene practices with ease, and have a healthy mouth to last you a lifetime.

But we don’t stop there.

You can also take advantage of our metal-free implants if you’re interested in a biocompatible alternative. This is just one of the many options that draws people to our PA dental offices from all over the country!

Schedule An Appointment

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, you often find that people are split among two camps: those who believe in the power of a fresh start and those who tend to think resolutions are a waste of time.

Regardless of where you fall, the fact is that dedicating yourself to better oral and overall health is always worthwhile no matter what time of year it is!

But if change is such a good thing, why is it so tough?

It doesn’t have to be when you have a team like ours who is here and excited to help you achieve your goals for better health and a better smile.

At the LANAP & Implant Center, we provide the wide-ranging dental services you need to live the life you want. Whether you’re looking to replace missing teeth so you can eat delicious, healthy foods without fear or discomfort, or you want to overhaul your smile for lasting health and happiness, we’ll do all we can to make it happen for you in 2018.

Take the first step in reaching your smile resolutions! Call 610-409-6064 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-322-4741 for our Montoursville location. You can also fill out our convenient online form to set up an appointment.

Welcome back to the ongoing dental blog of the LANAP and Implant Center! Here in Collegeville and Montoursville, PA, we specialize on reliable, healthy tooth replacement options that will help you feel great about your smile. If you are currently living without teeth or have recently been informed about an impending extraction, we highly recommend considering dental implants as the tooth replacement option for you. It is a very versatile solution and can be used to replace teeth in a variety of situations.

Dental implants are designed to authentically replace your natural teeth. They are prosthetic tooth roots that are surgically inserted into your gums and allowed to heal to your jawbone. We then replace the visible portion of your tooth by loading it with a crown or denture. Our restorations are designed to look and feel natural in your mouth, meaning that you can go about your life feeling good about your smile.

Doesn’t this sound like a great solution? We believe it is! Let’s talk about the 3 main reasons why you should consider dental implants. If you still are not convinced that dental implants are right for you by the end of this blog, please give us a call — we would be happy to talk you through it.

#1: Dental implants will help you eat the foods you love.

If you are living without teeth or with removable dentures that move around on you, you understand how important it is for your replacement teeth to be strong and secure. When you suffer through life with ill-fitting dentures or without teeth altogether, you have to avoid foods that may be difficult to chew — like crunchy fruits and vegetables, juicy steaks, and more. With dental implants, these foods are no longer a problem!

When you choose dental implants, you will be able to eat anything you want again! Did you know that implants replace up to 100 percent of your natural chewing power? No more soft, tasteless food! You will be able to enjoy meals with ease once again.

#2: Dental implants will help you maintain great oral health.

Did you know that dental implants are super easy to clean (just brush and floss like normal) and also help maintain your jaw bone structure? This is not the case with removable dentures. If health is your priority, implants will help your mouth stay clean and healthy.

While most dental implants are made from titanium, we also offer metal-free options here at the LANAP and Implant Center! Because so many people are allergic to the metal, our metal-free options can be used to prevent complications. If you are interested in our holistic metal-free dental implant solutions, please talk to our team. We would be happy to tell you more!

#3: Dental implants will improve your self-confidence.

The simple fact is that dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. This means that you will not ever have to feel self-conscious, embarrassed, or negative about your smile again! You will have beautiful, strong teeth that you can rely on to stay in place and function properly. When you choose dental implants, you are not only investing in the tools that will help you eat — you are also investing in the smile that will help you feel confident and proud about your smile once more! If you are ready to regain what you have lost and feel wonderful about your smile again, it is time to give us a call.

Schedule Your Consultation

Are you ready to choose dental implants for your tooth replacement needs? Would you simply like to learn more? Either way, we would be happy to discuss your specific needs and help you determine which of our tooth replacement options are right for you. To schedule a visit to our office, please contact our team directly. Call 610-409-6064 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-322-4741 for our Montoursville location. You can also fill out our convenient online form to set up an appointment. A member of our team would be delighted to help you find a date and time that works well with your personal schedule.

You can eat the foods you love, maintain great oral health, and feel good about your smile with dental implants! You deserve a smile that you can be proud of — we can’t wait to hear from you!

One of our top priorities at the LANAP & Implant Center is providing our patients with homeopathic care. The human body has an amazing ability to heal itself. By taking a homeopathic approach, we’re able to help maximize your body’s healing capability that can ultimately help you achieve your best oral and overall health.

We offer some of the most innovative dental procedures in the country. Thanks to our advanced technology and sedation dentistry options, we’re able to perform these complex procedures easily and without our patients having to experience any pain. When your smile is in need of some kind of restorative procedure, such as with dental implants to replace missing teeth, for example, there are things you can do to help ease recovery and speed the healing process.

If you’re someone who prefers more natural remedies over traditional medicine, then today’s blog is for you. We’re sharing three ways you can help promote your body’s natural healing response, both before and after your next dental procedure.

Protect Your Immune System With The Right Vitamins.

Vitamin D has been gaining some well-deserved positive attention among researchers in recent years. One of the reasons for that is the link seen between lower Vitamin D levels and a higher risk for respiratory infections. Another reason is how Vitamin D has been shown to inhibit growth of cancer cells.

It also helps to regulate your immune system, which is an obvious benefit for someone facing any type of surgery. Going into your surgery with a strong immune system will help protect you from potential illnesses or infections. An added benefit of Vitamin D as it relates to your oral health, in particular, is how it strengthens your bones. Having a strong healthy jawbone, for example, could better your chances for dental implant procedures if you’re seeking tooth replacement options.

To maximize healthy antioxidants in your body, you’ll also want to make sure you get plenty of Vitamin C into your daily diet. Vitamin C is a safe, effective way to protect yourself from immune deficiencies, which may come as no surprise since it’s one of the first lines of defense against the common cold.

Promote Your Gut Health With Probiotics.

We’re learning more and more from researchers about the benefits of a healthy gut and how it encourages our total wellness. Probiotics are basically the good bacteria that live in your gut that help fight off the bad bacteria. When you have enough of the good bacteria in your body, it helps to improve and strengthen immunity, digestion, and absorption.

Although more research is needed, probiotics are being shown to help your body fight off chronic inflammation and infections, and that includes periodontal infection!

Relax With An Epsom Salt Bath.

If you’ve ever wanted to have an excuse to relax, then you’ll love our third recommendation for optimizing healing. Mixing epsom salt into a nice, hot bath can be an excellent way to help you feel calm and relaxed, which will encourage a restful sleep. Adding aromatherapy to this ritual can help even more.

When you’re body is deprived of adequate sleep, you’re going to see it manifested in more ways than just making you feel tired. Lack of sleep increases inflammation and suppresses your immunity. A hot epsom salt bath is just one of the ways you can better manage stress and prepare your body for a relaxed sleep. Talk to someone on our team at the LANAP & Implant Center about more ways you can naturally manage stress, help your body relax, and encourage sleep for optimized natural healing.

If you’re ready for an alternative approach to your total wellness, trust your oral health to our experts at the LANAP & Implant Center today! Call 610-409-6064 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-322-4741 for our Montoursville location. You can also fill out our convenient online form to set up an appointment.

Mornings are bad for you. You wake up with a sore jaw, a headache, and feeling irritable. What’s going on? You’ve been so stressed out lately and this isn’t helping. Could you be suffering from TMJ? Dr. DiGiallorenzo and his associates at LANAP and Dental Implant Center – located in Collegeville, PA and Montoursville, PA – know all about TMJ.

TMJ disorder, often simply referred to as “TMJ,” refers to the joints where your upper and lower jaw come together. This joint is close to your ear, which is why when there are issues and the joint becomes misaligned we often see symptoms like earaches, headaches, jaw soreness, and neck pain.

Let’s discuss 3 hidden causes that could be triggering your TMJ or amplifying your symptoms. If you’re in need of TMJ relief, you can call us today to setup a consultation. We treat TMJ differently than most dentists because we take a holistic approach. Reach our Collegeville office at 610-228-4366 or schedule your appointment with Montoursville at 570-505-6908.

1. Stress

More than half of all patients coping with TMJ reported that stress had been a major issue in their life in the past six months. Some major causes of stress can be:

• Relationship issues
• Moving to a new city
• Beginning a new job or losing a job
• Other health issues or dealing with the health of a loved one
• Grief
• Depression and anxiety
• Debt

Sometimes talking over your problems with a trusted friend can be enough to help alleviate some of the stress you’re under. You can also seek out professional guidance. Our wellness center offers several services that are deeply relaxing like massage, acupressure, and crainal-sacral therapy. Adding a relaxing treatment to your routine might be just what you need to help you better manage your stress.

TMJ and teeth grinding don’t always occur at the same time, but stress is a known factor for both. If you find yourself grinding your teeth at while you sleep or even during the day, we can fit you with an orthotic appliance. This appliance will protect your teeth from damage that can occur from the additional pressure grinding places on them and will give your jaw a chance to relax at night.

1. Posture

Alignment is extremely important to your well-being and we realize this more and more as we get older and deal with back, neck, and knee issues. Alignment issues can also trigger your TMJ. Bad posture from sitting all-day at work or leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to pushing your jaw out of place.

To fix your posture, become mindful of how you sit and stand. You should also break up your work day with bursts of physical activity. Core exercises that target your abs and the muscles in your back will also go a long way toward improving your posture. Better posture will also help with back pain, make breathing easier, and make you appear more confident.

1. Gout

People who aren’t too familiar with gout simply think of it as what happens if you’ve been eating too much meat, but gout is a type of arthritis. If you have arthritis in your hands, knees, or feet that same arthritis could be causing your TMJ too. You jaw joint is just as susceptible to arthritis as any other joint in your body. You can try eating soft foods, self-massage, or a warm compress to try to alleviate your symptoms.

For gout specific treatment your doctor might recommend:

• corticosteroids shots
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Change in diet
• Sobriety
• Increase water consumption

Diagnosing Your TMJ

TMJ can be a difficult and frustrating disorder to diagnose because the symptoms can be so varied or seem unrelated. If you suspect you have TMJ, you should make an appointment with us to have it properly diagnosed. We conduct a comprehensive exam to diagnose your TMJ using:

• A bite evaluation
• A neuromuscular evaluation
• A vapor coolant diagnosis
• Thermography

Collecting as much information as possible allows us to create a treatment plan that is unique to you and your symptoms. Our wellness center team members are highly trained in their field and they’re also extremely understanding of all you’ve been going through. They are dedicated to helping you find relief from TMJ.

Don’t let daily, chronic pain make you miserable. You don’t have to suffer. Call us today to schedule your appointment and begin your journey toward relief. To visit us in Collegeville call us at 610-409-6064 or schedule your appointment with our Montoursville office by calling 570-322-4741 .

As if missing teeth weren’t hard enough to deal, with the impact it can have on your emotional and physical well-being, some people feel even more disadvantaged when considering traditional titanium dental implants.

At the LANAP & Implant Center, we completely understand some of the drawbacks of traditional dental implants. We’re one of the few practices in the country who offer a holistic approach to dental care, so we know that not all patients are comfortable with the idea of metal implants as their tooth replacement option.

Sometimes it’s simply a matter of personal preference, other times it’s a matter of what’s best for that patient’s particular situation and health condition. Either way, our team of specialists helps patients from all over the spectrum of needs every single day. We not only house the latest in dental technology, but we have the combined experience, knowledge, and expertise to provide you with a tooth replacement option that’s best for you and one that optimizes a successful outcome.

One of the things that sets us apart in the practice of implantology is our metal-free option for those seeking dental implants for a full-functioning, beautifully restored smile. Today, we’re sharing just three of the many benefits of our metal-free zirconium dental implants.

To find out if metal-free implants are right for you, give us a call today to set up an appointment. Dr. Digiallorenzo and our skilled team is proud of what we’re able to do for patients just like you who want to live their best life and enjoy all that it has to offer.

Metal-Free Dental Implants Are A Natural-Looking Option

Because they’re made of titanium, traditional dental implants are gray. In most cases, this doesn’t have any sort of drawback, aesthetically speaking. But it can in some instances. When a patient has suffered gum recession due to periodontal disease or if a patient’s gums are thinner than most, traditional implants could look dark under the gums.

Zirconium dental implants are white, so they more closely resemble your natural teeth. So if you happen to be someone who has the issues related to gums that we just mentioned, metal-free implants could be the perfect solution.  

Metal-Free Dental Implants Offer Lower Risk Of Infection

A titanium dental implant is really two pieces that are fastened with a screw, and then it’s placed in your jawbone as a prosthetic tooth root. While it’s certainly rare, if the two metal pieces happened to shift after implantation, it could create the perfect spot for bacteria to grow.

Zirconium implants have a simpler design. It’s an implant that comes in one piece. That greatly reduces the chance for plaque and tartar buildup, thus lowering your overall risk for periodontal disease down the road.

Metal-Free Dental Implants Are Biocompatible

What about those who simply prefer a more holistic option? What about those who are allergic to the materials in titanium dental implants? Sometimes, a person might not even know if they’re allergic to something until it’s too late. You might be sensitive to gluten, for example, and struggle with years of health problems until you find out that gluten in your diet was responsible all along. The same is true in dentistry.

Patients who have allergies or sensitivities to metal might not realize it until a long time after their implantation procedure. But now you have a more natural option for tooth replacement!

Zirconium dental implants are biocompatible. When you have an option that is hypoallergenic, you better your chances for shorter recovery time and successful, faster healing. This is also made possible thanks to our cutting-edge technology and coating the implants with natural technology.

Find Out If Metal-Free Implants Are Best For You!

Metal-free implants aren’t right for everyone, so it’s important to set up an appointment with one of our highly-trained specialists to know for sure if these natural alternatives are the best choice for you! Call the LANAP & Implant Center today at  610-409-6064 for our Collegeville, PA office or  570-322-4741 for our Montoursville location. You can also fill out our convenient online form to request an appointment.

It’s important to be well-informed in the fight against gum disease.

That’s why today’s blog from your friends at the LANAP & Implant Center should help set the record straight about gum disease and our Collegeville and Montoursville, PA team has what it takes to help you bounce back once you’ve been held in its grip!

If Caught Early Enough, Gum Disease Is Reversible

In its earliest stage, gum disease is called gingivitis.

At this point, yes, there is harmful bacteria in your mouth that’s beginning to damage your delicate gum tissue. But the good news is that your gums haven’t yet been infected by that bacteria.

If caught early enough, gum disease is reversible. That’s why it’s so important to make healthy choices in regards to your lifestyle, nutrition, and oral care habits, as well as visit us regularly to stay on track.

Your Bad Breath Might Be Telling You Something

Bad breath when you wake up in the morning or after a meal laced with onions and garlic?

Perfectly normal.

Bad breath persists despite brushing, flossing, and breath fresheners?

Not normal!

It could be your body’s way of telling you that gum disease is developing and that you should seek the help of a trained professional from our team.

Your Gums Aren’t Supposed To Bleed

If you notice blood during your brushing and flossing routine, don’t do yourself the disservice of ignoring it or trying to convince yourself that it’s not a big deal.

Your gums aren’t supposed to bleed, period. You should give us a call and schedule an appointment for an exam with one of our specialists who will check you for gum disease before it gets worse.

2 Ways To Bounce Back From Gum Disease

Our speciality at the LANAP & Implant Center is restoring gum health after periodontal disease and replacing any teeth that have been lost as a result.

Most dentist offices are only able to offer standard scaling and root planing to treat diseased gums.

While this is certainly beneficial, it’s not all that helpful to patients who’ve suffered more advanced gum disease and the consequential tooth loss, especially if it’s gone untreated for a long time.

Your tooth replacement options are limited in a dental practice that doesn’t house the advanced technology, state-of-the-art strategies, and extensively-trained professionals you need to fully bounce back.

That’s why you should trust Dr. DiGiallorenzo and our team in Collegeville and Montoursville, PA!

Here are two, more advanced ways we can help you get back on track after gum disease:

#1 – Gum Grafting

Once bacterial infection takes hold in your mouth, it will summon your body’s defenses to attack the diseased bone and tissues. That’s why your gums start to recede from your teeth as a result.

This poses an obvious cosmetic problem because of the way it impacts your smile. But it also exposes the roots of your teeth, leading to sensitivity and exposure to bacterial infection on a deeper level.

To protect your oral health, Dr. DiGiallorenzo may perform what’s called gum grafting, or soft tissue grafting.

By taking healthy gum tissue from one part of your mouth and placing it over recessed spots, we can:

*Keep your healthy gums and teeth intact

*Prevent more gum recession, bone resorption, and tooth loss

*Make your smile look healthier and more attractive by evening your gumline

*Protect your tooth roots from hot and cold sensitivity, damage, and infection

#2 – The LANAP Method

LANAP stands for laser-assisted new attachment procedure. With this cutting-edge method, Dr. DiGiallorenzo will carefully and painlessly remove bacterial infection without any cutting or stitching at all.

The LANAP method isn’t just effective and more comfortable than gum treatment has ever been before. It’s a strategy that reverses your body’s natural tendency to attack your infected jawbone and gums and, instead, encourage the body’s capacity for tissue regeneration.

Schedule An Appointment

Your journey back from gum disease is best guided by experienced, highly-skilled professionals like you’ll find at the LANAP & Implant Center. We offer an integrated approach to dental care that allows you to come back from the devastating effects of this insidious infection using a variety of medical and homeopathic interventions.

With Dr. DiGiallorenzo and our trained team, you have the best integration of skills, materials, and modern technology available to you so that once your gums are restored, you can stay on the right track for the rest of your life.

Find out how we can help restore your hope and your oral health after gum disease.

Call the LANAP & Implant Center today at  610-409-6064 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-322-4741 for our Montoursville location. You can also fill out our convenient online form to request an appointment.

A couple of weeks ago, a study published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry gave us some interesting news about dental health.

It takes a closer look at a delicious connection between a certain beverage and its impact on your body’s ability to prevent gum disease.

Since our team at the LANAP & Implant Center always want to stay on top of the latest research about periodontal health, we had to take a moment and check it out!

Study or no study, we’re always here to help you keep your smile healthy. That means being able to provide wide-ranging services that all serve to optimize your oral and overall health.

Dr. DiGiallorenzo and our team can confront your dental problems head on with our holistic, integrated care so your body and your mouth are safe from threats like tooth decay and gum disease.

2 Surprising Ways To Fight Gum Disease

Back to the study we mentioned, here are the two standout, and surprising, allies to your teeth and gums!

*Red Wine*

No, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard that red wine is good for you. It’s pretty widely-known that in moderation, red wine has certain benefits to your heart health.

It’s even been shown to help improve your cholesterol, boost your immunity, and preserve cognitive function.

But this particular study found more. They discovered polyphenols, compounds found in red wine, actually have the power to fight off bad bacteria in your mouth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup!

Compared to grape seed and red wine extracts, the polyphenols in red wine (the same, in fact, that are also found in cranberry juice and coffee) did more to fend off harmful bacteria and made it harder for the bacteria to stick to your healthy gum tissue.

*Oral Probiotics*

The findings don’t stop there!

Researchers went a step further and combined red wine polyphenols and oral probiotics, and the results were even more impressive.

It turned out that by joining these two forces, the bacteria-fighting ability was only strengthened.

What does all this mean?

It means that even though it’s rather premature to give red wine and probiotics too much credit,  the winning combination against tooth decay and gum disease it proved to be in this study begs further exploration.

And… it means that maybe you can let go of some of the guilt when you pour yourself a glass of red wine tonight at dinner!

Schedule An Appointment

We’re always excited to share the latest information about how to keep your mouth healthy. You should have all the tools available to you so you can make the best decisions for your well being.

Today’s blog is just another way we’re offering our support. And there’s so much more where that came from!

Take advantage of our diverse dental services and expert care!

Call the LANAP & Implant Center today at 610-409-6064 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-322-4741 for our Montoursville location. You can also fill out our convenient online form to request an appointment.