Towson Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics

Dr. Kassolis said he will do laser treatment for my peri-implantitis. I went for a second opinion to Harbor Periodontics where they also perform LANAP. They said that I was not a candidate for it after reviewing a CT scan, it showed too much bone loss and the laser would do nothing. It looks like Dr. Kassolis was looking for unnecessary work by offering a laser to a patient who would not benefit from it. He has the equipment to do a CT scan but he only did an x-ray. His evaluation was not thorough, and he recommended a very expensive treatment that would not work. He was also dismissive and pushy. An occlusal adjustment was included in my treatment plan by default even though I didn't say I wanted to proceed with it. He said that I will lose my teeth if I don't get it and got irritated when I asked a question. I went back to the dental surgeon who placed my implants 9 years ago. He tested me for pain in different areas - jaw, neck, back of the head - and discovered that I had TMJ disfunction which affected occlusion. He recommended a 10-day ibuprofen regimen to help with inflammation. Then placing a mouth guard designed for TMJ that relaxes muscles. This alone could help with occlusion. If it doesn't, then the adjustment can be made. He took the time to explain everything. Dr. Kassolis only said that he will shave off my enamel otherwise I will lose my teeth. As if as a middle-aged woman, I looked too dumb to use proper terms or properly discuss treatment. He didn't notice that I have TMJ disfunction and that it was the reason for the malocclusion. And he didn't notice that the significant bone loss makes LANAP useless for me. LANAP costs thousands and it takes many months to see the results. I would lose precious time while bacterial inflammation would keep destroying the bone and then I would still have to get traditional surgery. He also doesn't care if he hurts a patient. I've never had such a painful check-up. He poked my gums so clumsily that even the healthy, not-inflamed gums hurt. When he probed the inflamed part, it felt as if he cut me open with a blunt knife. He nonchalantly said that it was because the gums are sensitive. Well yes, and that's why all other dentists - my general dentist, another periodontist, and a dental surgeon - all have been careful and didn't hurt me. I give zero stars for this experience - from dismissive attitude to the lack of proper evaluation and, as a result, the suggestion of wrong treatment.

I have never in my life had such a thorough evaluation of my teeth as I had with Dr. Pam Adams. I am grateful for her diligence and counsel. And my all-time favorite hygienist is Ashley at Adams Dental.