in Mind

BY STACEY BOMSER PHOTOS BY LUDMILLO PIERRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Periodontist Makes Patient Trust and Comfort Her Top Priority

WHEN MEYLEEN IZQUIERDO, DMD, was looking for a location to open her periodontal practice, Weston was her first choice. It was important to the mother of three to be easily accessible to both her patients and her family; she lives just one mile from the office. It was equally important that she create an atmosphere where patients feel comfortable and well cared for.

“I designed and built this office from scratch. My vision was modern but welcoming,” shares Dr. Izquierdo. “It evolved into a spa because I always felt that dated dental offices could use a modern look, while incorporating a spa atmosphere.”

With Pearly White Dental Spa, Dr. Izquierdo brought her vision to life creating a spa-like retreat with accent lighting throughout, aromatherapy permeating the air, and plush leather patient dental chairs. Extending the spa ambiance, patients are welcomed with offerings of gourmet beverages and treatments conclude with warm scented towels for female patients and hot towel wraps for men.

Best of the Best

While the office atmosphere may closely resemble a luxurious day spa, it is actually a state-of-the-art dental facility. Dr. Izquierdo outfitted her practice with the latest technology and equipment.

“The technology that I handpicked and vetted is with my patients in mind,” she explains, noting that her choices were guided by efforts to improve the patient experience.

Dr. Izquierdo purchased the only FDA-approved laser to treat periodontal disease. It allows her to provide a “No Cut, No Sew, No Fear” procedure to help save more teeth and implants. She utilizes Chao Pinhole for the treatment of gum recession because it provides immediate results and is substantially more comfortable than traditional methods. She also invested in the Cerec machine, which can make permanent crowns delivered the same day; patients no longer need to endure weeks with a temporary crown. Additionally, the implant company Dr. Izquierdo uses has integrated the latest surface technology to return teeth in a matter of weeks, not months.

Trusted and Talented

Dr. Izquierdo is comfortable using the latest technology because of her advanced training and expertise. She is a graduate of the University of Florida, earning both her bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. She then completed an additional three years of advanced surgical training in the periodontics program at New York University.

She says she was naturally drawn to this specialty. “I logged over 5,000 hours shadowing the periodontal residents in my dental school program. In my residency, my favorite rotation was oral surgery. Once I graduated, I found most offices funneled surgeries to me, as a provider. I knew I wanted to give my patients the best treatment possible and that would require additional training to specialize in surgery.”

As a periodontist, Dr. Izquierdo has been trained in all matters related to periodontal disease. She explains that a patient should see a periodontist for the treatment of bone loss, surgical and non-surgical treatment of gum disease, extractions, implants, sinus lifts and bone grafting.

Her office, Pearly White Dental Spa, also provides all facets of dental hygiene including fillings, crowns, partial crowns, and teeth whitening. They also treat sleep apnea.

Patient Focused Practice

Dr. Izquierdo understands that many patients are fearful of the dentist, especially if undergoing extensive dental work. She strives to build a level of trust and comfort with her patients.

“Aside from the relaxing, spa atmosphere and the equipment and technology that speed up procedures and recovery time, we have nitrous gas to calm anxiety and both oral and IV sedation for patients needing more assistance to tolerate procedures,” she explains. “I tailor my treatment to each patient’s individual needs and, often times, I find that educating them and walking them through the procedure helps tremendously.”

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Izquierdo is able to effectively explain treatment plans with her patients and answer their questions. “Being a Latina myself, I feel that my patients feel more at ease communicating with a doctor that can thoroughly explain things in their language.”

Inspiration and Motivation

The multicultural nature of Weston is one of the reason’s Dr. Izquierdo chose this as the place to raise her family and open her practice. It was important to her that her daughters grow up in a community with exceptional schools, abundant recreational opportunities, and one that would allow them to retain their Spanish language and cultural heritage. She says her girls serve as her biggest inspiration. “The Pearly White Dental Spa logo was designed with my children in mind. The three feminine profiles you see represent Sophia, Penelope, and Olivia.”

Pearly White Dental Spa is located at 17180 Royal Palm Blvd, Suite 4. For more information call 954-787-6453 or visit DentalPW.com