Address:
Laura Hannon, D.D.S.
6080 Lute Rd.
Portage IN, 46368
Phone:
219.841.6446
Office hours:
Monday
9:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday & Wednesday
8:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday
7:30am – 4:00pm
Dr. Laura Hannon is firmly committed to earning the trust of her patients and understanding their goals in order to bring them the benefits of comprehensive dentistry. She understands that each patient she treats brings a unique story and dental background, and she finds joy in providing care that meets these unique needs.
As evidence that points to the connection between oral and overall health mounts, Dr. Hannon takes pride in offering a wide variety of general dentistry procedures in order to promote each patient’s complete body health. By providing first-rate services, health education, and the latest dental technologies, Dr. Hannon is able to restore the health and beauty time has taken away. Contact her office today if you are interested in receiving any of these services or experiencing any of the newest technologies.
Services
Technology
Initial Consultation
In an effort to get to know each patient personally so as to best provide dental services, Dr. Hannon and her staff meet with each patient for an in-depth initial consultation. Dr. Hannon believes that learning the values and expectations of her patients is an absolutely integral part of her practice, as it allows her a chance not only to understand who she’s treating, but also to gain insight into which treatment approach would serve her patient best. This extra time spent in open communication before any procedures or treatments are performed helps ensure that everyone’s goals are met.
In addition to understanding the expectations of her patients, Dr. Hannon seeks to learn about their past dental experiences. By recognizing each patient’s unique dental background, Dr. Hannon can either continue to contribute to positive dental experiences or make appropriate, individualized adjustments for patients who have previously gone through unpleasant dental treatment.
Each smiling and satisfied patient is a testament to the benefits of Dr. Hannon’s desire to invest genuine interest and time in those she serves. To meet with Dr. Hannon for an initial consultation, please contact our office today to set up an appointment.
Nutritional Evaluation
Another important service Dr. Hannon provides is a nutritional evaluation that allows her to promote overall health through oral health. Oral conditions can often inhibit people from gaining the proper nutrition they need for living a healthy lifestyle. After performing a nutritional evaluation, Dr. Hannon is able to make recommendations that allow the patient to feel better, first by restoring energy and then by gradually establishing practices that can remedy habits which have contributed to poor nutrition. As proper nutrition contributes not only to body health, but also to oral health, Dr. Hannon seeks to ensure that patients are optimizing their food intake. To schedule an appointment for a nutritional evaluation with Dr. Hannon, please contact our practice today.
Tissue Care
Maintenance of gum tissue is an extremely important facet of dental care that can prevent further health problems in other parts of the body. Dr. Laura Hannon is committed to providing comprehensive tissue care in order to both avert and treat general health problems. Oftentimes, an infection of the gum tissue can act as a gateway into the bloodstream for bacteria that can go on to affect the pancreas, heart, and other organs. Additionally, studies have shown that properly maintaining the health of gum tissue can lower the rate of respiratory disease and premature births.
Treatment for Inflammation
The oral cavity is a particularly volatile and delicate area of the body that is often the site of infection and inflammation. Dr. Laura Hannon recognizes the close connection between inflammation of the gums and mouth with certain cardiac health risks like high blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks; bacteria that enter the bloodstream through inflammation can also cause problems and infections elsewhere. As poor oral hygiene, bad teeth, and inadequate nutrition are most often cited as the causes of the inflammation, Dr. Hannon focuses on remedying these possible gateways to cardiac risks. After Dr. Hannon has treated the inflammation, blood pressure may drop and the patient’s risk of experiencing various other cardiac conditions can fall. To find out more about the overall health benefits that a visit to Dr. Hannon can bring you, contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Digital X-Rays
Dr. Laura Hannon is excited to offer her patients a new technology that marks a wonderful improvement over conventional dental X-rays. While traditional X-rays produce sometimes confusing images that have proven difficult for patients and even dentists to read accurately, the digital X-rays Dr. Hannon uses produce clear, crisp images in less than 30 seconds. The easy-to-read images are extremely advantageous to both the dentist and the patient, as they allow much quicker recognition of potential dental issues.
Unlike conventional X-rays that use photographic film, digital X-rays use a sensor placed in the mouth. The images can be read as soon as the data is transferred to a computer screen. And, because they are digital, the X-ray images can be enhanced, enlarged, e-mailed, and instantly compared. In addition, using digital X-rays eliminates the need for the chemicals used to develop traditional X-rays, reducing waste and helping the environment. To learn more about the benefits digital X-rays can afford patients, please contact our office today.
Digital Photos
Much like digital X-rays, digital photos provide many benefits for both you and Dr. Laura Hannon during your dental visit. The high-quality images from digital photos can help patients get a look at the actual condition of their teeth, understand the treatments and procedures Dr. Hannon will be performing, and fully appreciate the extent of the dental work accomplished. The versatility of digital photos affords luxuries that traditional photos can’t provide dentists and patients.
Laser Recontouring
Dr. Laura Hannon is proud to provide laser gum contouring to patients who feel that their smiles show too much gum tissue and not enough teeth. Some patients complain that the excess tissue can make teeth look “too short” for the smile. The laser recontouring procedure can remove excess gum tissue in order to expose more of the teeth and restore the patient’s confidence in his or her smile.
Using a diode (a special type of laser), Dr. Hannon can contour the gum line in a precise pattern and leave behind the ideal amount of tissue. Application of a local anesthetic eliminates any pain as the laser vaporizes and closes gum tissue, avoiding cuts and bleeding. The recontoured gum tissue will then constitute an attractive part of a well-balanced, pleasing smile that will exhibit the brilliance of your teeth to the fullest.
While it takes just 15 to 30 minutes to remove smaller amounts of gum tissue, larger amounts may require a crown lengthening surgery that can last between one and two hours. Laser gum recontouring can also be combined with other cosmetic dental procedures such as porcelain veneers and whitening. If you are interested in undergoing laser recontouring, please contact our office today.
Perioscopy
A perioscopy is a non-surgical procedure that can treat gum disease by eliminating oral infections deep inside soft tissues. In advanced cases of gum disease, effective periodontal treatment hinges on cleaning the roots of the affected teeth. While invasive surgery has traditionally been the only method of accomplishing this task, perioscopies have recently revolutionized the process.
Made possible by fiber optic technology, a perioscope is a tiny camera that allows Dr. Laura Hannon not only to see the root surface, but also to remove areas of contamination. As the camera makes its way under the gum toward the root, Dr. Hannon can get a clear view of where decay and deposits are located. Because it gives her the ability to recognize, diagnose, and treat the sources of gum inflammation, Dr. Hannon is excited to offer this service to her patients. She will be able to assess whether a perioscopy is the ideal course of action for you after your initial consultation. Contact the office of Dr. Laura Hannon today to schedule an appointment.
Valplast® – Replacing missing teeth
You have many options in replacing missing teeth, from removable appliances to fixed bridges and implants. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Based on the condition of your mouth, Dr. Laura Hannon can help you decide which choice is right for you.
It was long thought that removable partial dentures had to be rigid to be effective. Flexible partial dentures can be a comfortable and affordable choice. The innovation of the Valplast® flexible partial allows the restoration to adapt to the constant movement and flexibility in your mouth. The Valplast® partial is practically invisible, lightweight and completely metal free. So the only thing that shows is your beautiful smile.
Click on this link, http://www.kellerlab.com/prod_valplast.shtml, to discover more about the Valplast® flexible partial or contact Dr. Hannon’s office today to meet with her and find out which restoration is suitable for you
VELscope®
Dr. Hannon performs the VELscope® exam, have you had your yearly exam? Dentists are considered the first line of defense in the detection of oral cancer. Many people are developing the disease not only due to tobacco and alcohol use but due to HPV virus. Age is also a predominant factor with 95% of oral cancer occurring in persons over the age of 40.
In early stages oral cancer does not cause pain or other noticeable symptoms; therefore, it may often be ignored. Early detection is extremely important. By using the VELscope® the doctor can help detect suspicious tissue that might not be visible to the naked eye. Studies reveal that when diagnosed early the cure rate is as high as 90%. Once suspicious tissues have been detected a definite diagnosis may be made through biopsy.