The Specialty Center for Periodontics Dental Implants

If you get nervous or feel uneasy before dental appointments, you’re not alone. Perhaps you are scared the visit may hurt or you are worried about what the dentist may find. Dental anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects 40 million Americans every year. Though it is normal to feel some degree of unease with dentists, dental anxiety is used to describe intense feelings of fear, stress, or unease while thinking about the dentist or while being in a dental setting.

For some, dental anxiety can result in avoiding or delaying treatment. If severe enough, dental anxiety can progress into dental phobia leading to the complete avoidance of dentists and their practice.

We understand and acknowledge your concerns and anxiety. We will work with you to ease your fears so that you can feel comfortable during your next appointment.

Symptoms

Though many patients may experience some degree of stress during a dental procedure, patients with dental anxiety can experience feelings of unease at just the thought of a dental appointment. Here are some common symptoms of dental anxiety:

• Difficulty sitting still
• Intense unease during examinations or cleanings
• Low blood pressure
• Racing heartbeat
• Strong gag reflex
• Sweating
• Visible distress such as crying and signs of panic

These feelings can escalate the night before an appointment or while waiting in the office. Dental anxiety can lead patients to delay dental appointments even if they are in pain or need treatment.

Dental Anxiety and Your Oral Health

It may seem reasonable to skip dental appointments if you are not experiencing any pain when you have dental anxiety. However, avoiding the dentist can lead to the build-up of plaque and untreated dental conditions worsening, requiring more complex treatments later on or the need for emergency dental care.

Postponing dental care and visits can also lead to more intensive dental work, feeding the patient’s dental anxiety and unease. Routine dental examinations and cleanings help to prevent dental disease and detect problems early on before they progress. This allows for simpler, less invasive, and often more cost-effective treatment options as many dental conditions are preventable.

Causes

For many, the anxiety may stem from fear of pain throughout procedures or the fear of injections. Others may also feel uncomfortable about the physical closeness during appointments or the tools used during procedures and routine examinations. While the cause of dental anxiety can vary, our approach does not. We acknowledge your anxiety and will work with you so that your mental, emotional, and oral health are taken care of.

How We Can Help

One of the most important things you can do to overcome dental anxiety is to open a dialogue between you and your dentist about your feelings. By letting your dental office, dental hygienist, and dentist know about your anxiety, steps can be taken to reduce your anxiety and unease throughout your dental experiences.

We will adjust how we approach your oral health to better suit your needs and concerns so your experience in our office can be stress-free. We can establish a signal, such as a raised hand, that will let us know non-verbally during your appointment that you may need to take a break or that you feel uncomfortable. We can also use IV sedation or syringe-free local anesthesia for your comfort. We also have appointments available that are longer and more private if you wish to be separated from other patients during your treatment, or if you feel you need more time to feel comfortable during treatment.

During procedures or examinations, you may want to use headphones or earplugs to block out the sounds of tools being used. Consider bringing a stress ball so that you occupy your hands during your appointment or practice deep breathing exercises while in our office to lower your stress levels.

Our staff acknowledges dental anxiety and dental phobia in patients and will work with you to ease your feelings of anxiety and discomfort. Together, we will help you to achieve better oral health and a brilliant, long-lasting smile.

For more information on how we can help you with your dental anxiety, contact The LANAP and Implant Center today.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the irritation and infection of the soft tissues that surround and support your teeth. Though it is usually painless, left untreated it can progress and lead to tooth and bone loss within the mouth caused by plaque buildup.

This disease has three levels of severity: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Common symptoms of gingivitis include swollen or red gums that bleed during brushing and flossing. There is no bone or tissue damage at this stage and teeth are firmly rooted in place. Fortunately, this stage is reversible with dental cleanings and good oral hygiene habits.

If left untreated, it can progress into the second stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. Toxins from the bacterial plaque begin to spread not only into the gums but bones and ligaments that support your teeth. Over time it can lead to the loss of tissue and bone, causing your teeth to loosen and begin shifting. This stage of gum disease requires professional treatment and possible surgical options.

What is Periodontal Therapy?

In many cases, gum problems can be treated with general dentistry services. However, when cases become severe, a more complex form of treatment such as periodontal therapy may be necessary to restore your oral health. At The Lanap and Implant Center, we are proud to offer periodontal therapy to those seeking treatment for gum disease.

When is Periodontal Therapy Needed?

For patients with periodontitis or advanced periodontitis, often the inner layers of gum and bone have receded from your teeth and formed pockets. These pockets allow for food and bacteria to grow inside leading to possible infection. It is imperative for those wishing to preserve their teeth and oral health, that they begin treatment immediately to prevent further damage.

At The Lanap and Implant Center, we believe in using less intensive and minimally invasive options to treat patients with advanced stages of gum disease. One form of periodontal therapy we often recommend is LANAP. This treatment can improve the health and function of your mouth while preventing the gum problem from progressing.

What is LANAP?

LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), is an excellent treatment option for patients suffering from periodontal disease. LANAP is a non-invasive, non-surgical, treatment option with no virtually no pain, swelling, or bleeding.

During this procedure, dental lasers are used also with scalers and other dental tools to target and remove diseased tissue and cleanse the area of harmful infection-causing bacteria. This gentle procedure treats gum disease without cutting or suturing and allows for a faster recovery time compared to other treatment options. This allows for minimal loss of tooth and bone structure and a speedy recovery compared to traditional treatment options. LANAP takes less time than traditional surgery and provides better, longer-lasting results.

For more information on periodontal therapy and how we can help you or to schedule a consultation, contact The LANAP and Implant Center today.

Have you ever experienced symptoms of a clicking jaw or earaches? Commonly referred to as “TMJ” in reference to the temporomandibular joint, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common issues that occur when the jaw joint is misaligned and causes problems such as pain, inflammation, and the inability to move or operate the jaw. We are proud to offer an alternative therapy for TMD through acupuncture.

What are the causes of TMD?

There can be a variety of causes for TMD and can arise from problems with the jaw, the muscles near the jaw, or the joint itself. Some common causes for TMD include:

• Injury to the joint, jaw, or muscles along your neck and face
• Whiplash
• Grinding or clenching your teeth which puts pressure on the joint
• Movement or dislocation of the soft cushion, or disc, between the joint parts
• Arthritis of the joint
• Stress, which can cause you to tighten facial or jaw muscles
• Tooth/jaw misalignment

Signs & Symptoms

Patients with TMD often experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or chronic. Symptoms depend on the severity and cause of your condition and can show on one side or both. Some of the most common symptoms of TMD include:

• Pain in the face, jaw, or ear area
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Pain or pressure around the ears, face, and behind the eyes
• A clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth
• Dislocation of jaw
• Locked, stiff, or stuck jaw
• Tenderness of jaw muscles
• Limited jaw movement
• Swelling of the face
• Dental occlusion (the way the upper or lower jaw/teeth fit together)

Many of the symptoms of TMD can overlap with other conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, sinus problems, or arthritis. While we are able to help provide relief of your symptoms, it is important that you seek an official diagnosis from your dentist, orthodontist, or primary care physician to ensure there aren’t any underlying conditions that may need to be addressed.

Treatment

While there are several treatment options your dentist, orthodontist, or primary care physician might recommend, acupuncture offers a drug-free alternative for pain relief. Some of the most effective acupoints for facial pain include:
The back of the hand
Between the second and third metatarsal on the foot
Above the hyoid bone located in the neck

Though these acupoints are not located in the neck, they have been proven to help relieve orofacial pain, specifically that associated with TMD.

Every case is unique, so we take extra care and customize our treatment plans to best address your needs. If you have any questions about acupuncture for TMD, please contact The Lanap and Implant Center today so that we can help.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that also affects your teeth and sometimes the bones around your teeth. Periodontal disease or periodontitis is the more advanced stage of this bacterial infection. Gum irritation and the beginning of the periodontal disease is called gingivitis.

Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

All cases of periodontal disease are different. The following is a list of the most common symptoms associated with this periodontal disease, but it’s important to remember that if you have any abnormal symptoms in your mouth or with your teeth, you should always schedule an appointment with us right away.

• Swollen gums- Gums will tend to swell with periodontal disease. They may also look red or purple in color. By contrast, if your gums are healthy, they will be a pink in color, and they will feel firm.

• Pain- Tenderness or light to severe pain in your gums may be present. You may notice it, especially when you are brushing your teeth or eating.

• Loose teeth- With gum disease, the gums will pull back and away from your teeth. This will cause your teeth to feel loose, which is bad for their integrity, but moreover, bacteria can build up in the pockets that are formed when the gums pull away.

• Spaces between teeth-  Noticing spaces in between your teeth? This is another common sign of periodontal or gum disease. The gums are receding, and this may change the way your teeth are spaced and come together.

• Bleeding- Bleeding may be caused by periodontal disease as well. You will often notice this when you brush or floss your teeth.

• Bad breath- Finally, bad breath and a persistent bad taste in your mouth will likely be present if you have this disease.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

The main cause of periodontal disease is a build-up of bacteria near the teeth and gums. Right along the gum line, where your gums meet your teeth, is where most bacteria build up. Over time, this can cause gingivitis and then full-blown gum disease. However, it’s important to remember that many symptoms will not show up until the disease is in its advanced stages.

This means that identifying risk factors is especially important. The following are all common risk factors associated with this disease:

• Diabetes: Often, those who have diabetes will also struggle with bacteria build-up and periodontal disease.
• Smoking: Unfortunately, smokers are two times as likely to develop periodontal disease as those who do not smoke.
• Pregnancy: Finally, because of changing hormones, women who are pregnant often struggle with gingivitis, which may later turn into periodontal disease. It is common with between 60 and 70 percent of pregnant women.

The best way to protect your teeth and gums from gingivitis or more serious periodontal disease is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. If you notice any of the signs and symptoms associated with periodontal disease, make an appointment with The LANAP and Implant Center today. 

Greetings from Lanap & Implant Center! Our team is excited to invite you to an exclusive event hosted by our very own Dr. David DiGiallorenzo, DMD, which will be held June 1, 2021, from 7 pm – 8 pm via Zoom. During this webinar, we will explore the effects Lupus can have on your oral health. This event is hosted in conjunction with the Lupus Foundation of America, Philadelphia Tri-State chapter which strives to provide answers, support, and hope throughout Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Believe it or not, dental health remains the most overlooked aspect of health and wellness, which can be dangerous for patients. We encourage our patients to register and attend this online event as Dr. DiGiallorenzo will be discussing the intricate connection between chronic disease and the oral cavity, as well as the importance of comprehensive dental detoxification and rehabilitation. Even if you are a fairly healthy individual, prevention and awareness are key to optimal dental and overall wellness.

Dr. DiGiallorenzo obtained specialty training in periodontics and implantology from the University of Pennsylvania and has over two decades of periodontics and dental implant expertise. He works with more than 60 referring doctors in the country and treats patients from every state. Dr. DiGiallorenzo also is a past clinical instructor at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Periodontics, and lectures both nationally and internationally at local and national meetings. He is a key opinion leader and consultant for DENTSPLY, Synthase, Keystone, and OraPharma.

For more information about the webinar, our services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. You can also register for the event here. We look forward to joining you on June 1st!

Dental implants are a common solution to missing teeth. The most common types of dental implants are comprised of three main pieces – the implant, the abutment, and the crown. The implant serves as an artificial root to the replacement teeth. Once the implant is embedded in the jawbone, your bone will begin to grow around the implant and permanently bond with it. The abutment acts as a connector that attaches to the implant, providing a place to affix the crown. Finally, the crown is the only piece that will be visible upon completion. Crowns are custom made to fit perfectly and are generally indistinguishable from your surrounding teeth. Implants also function just the same and require the same care as natural teeth.

What is the Process of Getting an Implant?

The entire process can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your needs. The following is what you can generally expect during the process of getting dental implants:

Initial Consultation

Your doctor will need to thoroughly examine your mouth to see where implants will be needed. This exam may include x-rays and/or 3D images of your mouth. Afterward, your doctor will be able to discuss your implant options and potential costs. At this time, we will work with you to set up a plan for your implant surgery.

Dental Implant Placement

Many people worry if the procedure will hurt and when they’ll be able to return to their normal activities. Thankfully, most patients report that they experienced only minimal discomfort and that they were able to return to most of their daily activities by the next day. During placement of the implant, local anesthesia or IV sedation can be used to ensure your comfort. You can expect some moderate swelling and bruising, and minor bleeding and pain; however, most patients are able to manage this with over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol.

Osseointegration (oss-e-o-in-tuh-GRAY-shun)

After we place the implant, your jawbone will begin to heal and form a permanent bond with the implant. This process, called osseointegration, may take several months, and we may recommend a soft foods diet for the first few weeks to minimize pain and speed up the healing process. After the initial healing from the surgery itself, this process of osseointegration should be pain-free. Your doctor may even be able to place a temporary crown while you wait for the implant to take hold firmly.

Abutment placement

Sometimes, this is done at the same time as the dental implant surgery. Other times this may be done after the implant is completely integrated. The abutment is then attached to the implant in preparation for your custom crown.

Custom-make and attach new teeth

Once your gums have healed from the placement of the abutment, your doctor will take molds of your remaining teeth. This ensures your artificial teeth will fit and match perfectly. Depending on the extent of your needs, these new teeth may need individual crowns, an implant-supported bridge, or multiple replacement teeth. After they are custom-made for you, they will be attached to the abutment.

Periodic check-ups

Although your new implants are not real teeth, they still require regular cleaning and maintenance just like your natural teeth. Once the entire process is complete, you should still be seen for regular preventative care exams and cleanings. If well cared for, your new implants can last a lifetime.

Ok, But What About the Cost?

The implants themselves generally cost anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 each, and the additional implements such as abutments and crowns can add an extra $500-$3000 per tooth. These costs vary widely depending on specific dental needs and factors such as:

• Where you live (higher cost of living can mean higher overhead cost resulting in more expensive procedures and implements)
• What materials are chosen for the crowns
• What dental work is needed beforehand

Most insurances cover implants to some extent, but how much they cover varies by plan. You can also talk to our office about payment plans or medical lines of credit, such as Care Credit.

BLAST Implant Control

At Lanap and Implant Center, we make the process of getting your implants to the next level with our BLAST implant control protocol. Patient safety and satisfaction are two of our top priorities, and with this unique patient experience, we can ensure a safe environment for the procedure, patient comfort, optimal effectiveness of treatment, profound healing, and the elimination of residual bacteria. For more information on BLAST implant control, click here.

We look forward to helping you with all your implant needs. For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, contact The LANAP and Implant Center today.