The Specialty Center for Periodontics Dental Implants

Score one for technology once again. Thanks to the advancement of computer-guided dental implant surgery, dental implants are a viable option for a wider range of patients who are missing one or more teeth.

Computer-guided dental implant surgery enables Collegeville dental implants specialists Dr. David DiGiallorenzo and Dr. Henry Hsu to place implants in a more precise and less invasive procedure.

Here’s how it works: a 3D cone-beam scan of the patient’s mouth is used to create virtual surgery, where models of the patient’s mouth and the 3D scans are overlayed to enable the surgeon to “perform” a simulated procedure. This information is used to create a computer-generated surgical guide to assist in the precise placement of the implants.

It is particularly helpful in cases where the margin of error is small, and where a free-handed approach may result in a negative outcome. A guided approach enables the surgeons to know the exact location of vital structures including nerves, tooth roots, bone and sinuses.

Guided implant placement is also helpful in cases where all of the teeth in the dental arch are missing and no other landmarks for orientation are present. A guide in this situation allows the surgeon to understand where the planned restorative position will be.

Sometimes computer-guided surgery is a valuable communication tool between the restorative dentist and the surgeon, due to the importance of the implant placement being restorative driven and biologically compatible. A guide fabricated by the restorative dentist with the planned restoration in mind helps the surgeon determine whether the planned implant position is possible.

When implant placement procedures are precisely guided by a computer, this often results in less pain, swelling, bruising and discomfort following surgery. These procedures also frequently require smaller incisions, which results in a speedier healing process after surgery.

If you’ve previously been told you aren’t a candidate for dental implants, guided surgery may make the procedure possible for you. Please call our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more.

According to research recently released by Griffith University in Australia, women who have migraine headaches had a 14 percent reduction in the severity, as well as the frequency and disability, of symptoms when they ate foods that were rich in folate content. Folate, which is folic acid in its synthetic form, is found naturally in leafy greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli, Asian greens collard greens and turnip greens, as well as legumes, including lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, navy beans, lima beans and black beans.
A migraine is a severe headache that typically starts on one side of the head and can then expand to the rest of the head. Migraine pain is often described as throbbing, pulsing or constrictive pressure and can be made worse by movement, reading, watching television or working in front of a computer screen. Some migraine sufferers also experience an aura—dizziness, ringing in the ears, light sensitivity and other sensory symptoms that precede the excruciating pain of a migraine headache. Migraines affect approximately 10 percent of the population and they are about two to three times more common in women than men.

Migraine Research to the Rescue

During the six-month study, researchers monitored the diets of 147 Australian women with clinically-diagnosed migraine with aura. As participants ate more foods with folate, they exhibited dramatic improvement in their migraine headaches. Diet is only one of the many suspected triggers of migraine headaches. Others include stress, genetics and hormonal fluctuations.

In addition to increasing the amount of folate-rich foods, there are other steps migraine sufferers can take to avoid the onset of a headache.

Doctors and researchers offer the following recommendations:
• Track your migraines in a diary. Record your diet, exercise, sleep and daily stress levels each day to see what might trigger headaches.
• Eat at regular intervals and don’t skip meals.
• Curb the caffeine, but don’t go cold turkey. Suddenly cutting back on caffeine may bring on a migraine. Try tapering off instead.
• Exercise is important to stay healthy, but it can also trigger a headache. Note the time of day that you exercise as well as the intensity of your workout, because they can relate to migraines.
• Establish a regular sleep schedule.
• Manage stress with relaxation, biofeedback, counseling and social interaction with friends.

Helping You Stay Headache-Free

If you have migraines, then we hope the information provided here will help you avoid the next one. Dr. DiGiallorenzo and his staff want to become your partners in your ongoing journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Our Montoursville, PA, and Collegeville, PA, locations proudly serve communities in Sunbury, Pottstown, Lock Haven, Bloomberg, and beyond.

There is still a great deal of speculation regarding the causes of aphthous ulcers (canker sores). It seems that every person who suffers from canker sores has his or her own mix of symptoms, risk factors, and stressors. However, one of the most prevalent causes of canker sores is vitamin B-12 deficiency. B-12 is an essential vitamin necessary for many healthy bodily functions including DNA and red blood cell production. Unlike many nutrients, B-12 is not made by our body. It is absorbed from animal-based foods or from supplements. B-12 is one of our body’s building blocks, so it’s no surprise that medical professionals have studied the healing powers of B-12. One of the most recent studies involved the topical use of B-12 in healing aphthous ulcers, and initial results indicate that B-12 is highly effective in reducing pain and healing time for ulcer sufferers. As a practice dedicated to holistic care including homeopathic care and nutritional therapy, it’s refreshing to see other practitioners embracing natural healing methods.

Types & Causes of Canker Sores

Canker sores are small usually white or yellow-colored sores surrounded by inflamed red soft tissue in the mouth. There are simple and complex canker sores. Simple canker sores are prevalent in patients aged 10 to 20. Young people need much more B-12 than adults, and thus, experience deficiency and its associated symptoms, including canker sores, more frequently. It is more difficult to pin-point the cause of complex canker sores, but they are related to any combination of symptoms including B-12 deficiency, other nutritional deficiency, immune deficiency, stress, injury, acidic foods, allergies, and hormonal fluctuation among others.

B-12 Deficiency

Patients with B-12 deficiency are at the greatest risk for canker sores as a deficiency in B-12 is the most common symptom between both simple and complex canker sore patients. B-12 deficiency is typically caused by a lack of animal-based products in the diet but can also be caused by:

• Gastritis
• Anemia
• Surgical removal of parts of stomach and/or small intestine
• Diseases that affect the stomach and/or small intestine
• Heavy drinking
• Immune deficiency
• Overuse of acid reducing medications
• Aging
• Vegans and babies of vegan mothers

The causes of B-12 deficiency are almost as varied as the symptoms, but apthous ulcers are one of the earliest warning signs and common symptoms associated with the nutritional concern. Other symptoms include weakness, exhaustion, palpitations, inability to catch breath, paleness, digestive issues, and mental health concerns. The good news is that B-12 deficiency is easily treated with supplements or increased animal-product consumption.

Pain Management Nursing Report

A recent study published in the journal Pain Management Nursing revealed that reducing pain and healing time for patients with painful canker sores may be as simple as applying a topical B-12 ointment. The study used two groups of patients with canker sores. 22 were provided B-12 ointment to apply to their sores, and 20 were given a placebo. At the end of the study, the patients with B-12 reported a statistically significant reduction in pain and healing time. The results of this study suggest that B-12 may be an effective, natural pain reliever for patients with canker sores, and encourages future research in this area.

Find Out more

If you’re interested in learning more about vitamin B-12, canker sore treatments, or need treatment for other gum and soft tissue health concerns, call Dr. David Digiallorenzo, and that the friendly team at LANAP & Implant Center of Pennsylvania today.

If you’re experiencing skin dryness and cracking at the corners of your mouth, it might be easy to chalk it up to chilly, windy weather this time of year. But for those who experience these unsightly, uncomfortable conditions year-round, angular cheilitis could be the culprit.

Angular cheilitis is a condition that causes swollen, red patches to form at the corners of the mouth that can bleed, itch and become painful.

Common causes include:

1. Nutritional deficiencies
2. Fungal infections
3. Dryness
4. Lip folding
5. Salivation
6. Poor hygiene
7. Age
8. Ill-fitting dentures
9. Smoking
10. Malocclusion (bad bite)

We are strong believers in the benefits of holistic care and natural, home-based remedies to treat angular cheilitis. If you suffer occasionally from this condition, you might consider these remedies:

1. Aloe vera gel- alleviates pain when rubbed on the irritated corners of the mouth. Apply and leave it on for at least 15 minutes before gently wiping it off.
2. Honey- fights micro-organisms that cause infection. Apply for 15 minutes before removal.
3. Water- keep yourself properly hydrated to help prevent dryness and chapped lips
4. Iron and B complex vitamins- it is believed that 25 percent of those who have angular cheilitis are deficient in these vitamins.
5. Lemongrass oil vapor- mix a few drops in a cup of water, heat on the stove in a pot and keep below boiling point, and lean over it for a few minutes to bring the vapor in contact with your lips. This kills off the yeast infection that causes angular cheilitis.
6. Virgin coconut oil- in addition to its ability to moisten and soothe, it is an antidote to some candida strains that cause angular cheilitis.
7. Baking soda- its antibacterial properties relieve symptoms.
8. Lip balms and moisturizers- opt for unscented, unflavored versions such as petroleum jelly or virgin coconut oil to heal the infection.
9. Cucumber- apply a slice to the affected area and rub delicately to alleviate soreness.
10. Cocoa butter- apply to the affected area two to three times per day.

For those who battle this problem routinely, we recommend scheduling an appointment to be evaluated to determine whether you would benefit from dental remedies. We can help address ill-fitting dentures, poor oral hygiene, and we even can assist you in quitting smoking. Our Wellness Center offers smoking cessation options including acupuncture and reflexology.

Call today to schedule an appointment.

Does your uneasiness at the dentist office make it difficult or impossible to keep your routine appointments?

Is fear or anxiety at the core of your oral health problems?

Then dental sedation may be the perfect gift to give yourself this holiday season.

Take our quiz to see if it might be right for you, and let us prove to you that dental appointments can actually be peaceful, comfortable, and relaxing!

We’re happy to help you overcome dental anxiety so you can get back to better oral health for life!

Call the LANAP & Implant Center at 610-850-9206 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-244-3257 for our Montoursville location, or feel free to fill out our convenient online form to request a consultation.

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It’s devastating for anyone who’s lost teeth because of poor dental and periodontal health to get through the holidays without feeling the weight of insecurity, embarrassment, or the inability to eat all the delicious foods everyone else gets to enjoy.

That’s why we hope to inspire you to demand something better for yourself by visiting us for lasting, stable solutions.

Here’s a look at the kinds of transformations that happen for our patients every single day with groundbreaking dental implant options.

In our expert hands, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself during the holidays for the rest of your life!

Call the LANAP & Implant Center at 610-850-9206 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-244-3257 for our Montoursville location, or feel free to fill out our convenient online form to request a consultation.

This season, our expert dentist, Dr. DiGiallorenzo, has a special message for patients who feel they’ve run out of options to ever get their oral health and function back.

In today’s video, Dr. D walks you through some of our most innovative reconstructive solutions for tooth loss patients. You’ll hear about a variety of revolutionary dental implant options and how we can help you regain a healthy, fully-functional mouth and a gorgeous, natural-looking smile.

Our gift to you is personalized, expert care that will help you live the happy, fulfilling life you deserve!

Let us replace your missing teeth in the best way possible. Call the LANAP & Implant Center at 610-850-9206 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-244-3257 for our Montoursville location, or feel free to fill out our convenient online form to request a consultation.

Do you hate the thought of another holiday season spent worrying about the way you look or what you aren’t allowed to eat simply because of your missing teeth or loose dentures?

Then visit our experts at The LANAP & Implant Center for a consultation to discuss our groundbreaking dental implant solutions!

While you have several solutions for replacing missing teeth available to you, only one of them functions nearly the same way as natural teeth.

Dental implants are superior because they replace your missing root before they’re attached to a replacement tooth. This gives your jawbone something to latch onto so it can stay engaged and strong.

Over time, dental implants give you a better long-term outcome in terms of your oral and overall health because they stop the degenerative process that tooth loss starts in your jawbone and other structures in your mouth. Implants encourage healthy new bone growth, which is why you’re able to eat anything you want without fear that your teeth are going to move around or fall out like conventional dentures often do.

And during the holiday season, that bite strength is invaluable! You can enjoy all your favorite foods, mingle with friends and family without worrying about your teeth, and just have a great time taking in the full spectrum of experiences we all love this time of year.

You Get Your Life Back With Dental Implants!

There are obvious consequences to tooth loss, to your oral and overall health, as well as your appearance and self-esteem.

The enormity of the impact can reveal itself in bits and pieces, but one way or another, you’ll eventually notice that your life is suddenly different. It may start with slow changes, passing on a social function here and there, chewing on one side of your mouth, or avoiding cameras because you hate having your picture taken.

But over time, you force yourself to settle for a new, less healthy and less enjoyable normal… no real socializing at all, eating only soft, bland foods your slippery dentures can handle, and you won’t remember the last time you actually laughed or smiled without making sure to cover your mouth.

That’s why we always talk about how life-changing it can be to choose dental implants. None of those things you used to worry and stress about dictate your life anymore when your teeth are strong and locked firmly in place. You not only look better and more youthful, but being able to eat a wide range of delicious, healthy foods you love improves your overall nutrition, wellness, and your quality of life. And you deserve to get that back!

Call Now For A Consultation!

To get the most out of the holidays, and every day, for that matter, you need replacement teeth that will work for you… teeth that don’t just complete your smile, but ones that help you live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

That’s the blessing of dental implants! When you know your smile looks great and your new teeth aren’t going anywhere, you can experience the holidays the way you used to, laughing and enjoying time with family and friends, eating anything you want, and not having a care in the world about your dental problems.

Call the LANAP & Implant Center at 610-228-4366 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-300-7133 for our Montoursville location, or feel free to fill out our convenient online form to request a consultation.

Ken’s poor gum health brought him to the point where he was facing the very real possibility of losing his teeth.

That’s when his primary dentist referred him to renowned dental expert, Dr. DiGiallorenzo, for specialized treatment.

Hear Ken’s story about how our LANAP therapy saved his teeth and restored his oral health and function!

Let us do the same for you!

Call the LANAP & Implant Center at 610-228-4366 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-300-7133 for our Montoursville location, or feel free to fill out our convenient online form to request a consultation.

Have you been experiencing frequent headaches or migraines or soreness in your jaw?

We can help!

As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, we want you to be able to enjoy it free of dental problems and painful symptoms of TMJ disorder and teeth grinding.

That’s why we invite you to take our quiz to find out if you’re showing any signs of jaw misalignment. We can provide effective solutions so you can find relief and healing this season!

Call the LANAP & Implant Center at 610-422-3468 for our Collegeville, PA office or 570-433-8019 for our Montoursville location, or feel free to fill out our convenient online form to request a consultation.