Private Health consultations and COVID-19 testing now available with us.

A great new service for expats who can’t see their doctor and have translation problems when seen.

New English speaking medical clinics have recently been launched by Dr Margo Livingston, Doctor of Immunology and Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Masters degree) with her business partner Helena Davidson. This pair recognised the urgent need that many expats currently have during the pandemic with COVID-19, that they can’t easily get doctor’s appointments and also have difficulty understanding the conversation with a doctor during a telephone interview, if they don’t speak Spanish. Many people need basic medical care and follow up for illnesses unrelated to corona virus but these needs are sadly not being met due to the clamp down in services and focus on COVID-19.

 

This exciting new professional service will help those needing a medical check up, treatment for minor illnesses, routine blood check ups, weight management, nutrition advice, medication review and COVID-19 testing for both current and prior infection. As a Doctor of Immunology, Margo can also help explain more about COVID-19 testing and supply valuable scientific information about this pandemic in terms of viral spread, symptoms, recovery from illness and address some of the myths which have been frightening people during this year. Dr Margo is also a psychotherapist with experience in anxiety, depression and addiction. She is also a major advocate of natural healing methods like Qi Gong and Body Sculpting for anti-ageing.

The clinics are being held in Karen Gardener’s well-respected clinic - the Clinica Dental, La Plaza, in Javea as well as in central Gandia and Villalonga for those in these predominantly Spanish areas. Both Margo and Helena look forward to serving many expats who need medical help and expertise, guide them, direct them for specialist referral if required and simply help allay the fears of those with problems unrelated to COVID-19.

 

Services

·         Private consultation to assess patient issues and form a provisional diagnosis. This includes:

·         History taking, drug reconciliation, physical examination as appropriate, tests as appropriate

·         Specialist referral system as indicated

·         Blood analysis, results from same day, depending on tests required

·         COVID testing

·         Specialist immunology advice, including COVID-19, autoimmunity, boosting the immune system, understanding the disease process and how our body’s heal

Lifestyle Services

·         Natural healing methods discussed if indicated

·         Dietary advice

·         Weight Management

·         Psychotherapy

Tests

·         Routine blood samples for analysis, including comprehensive new allergy testing for stomach, liver and kidney systems

·         COVID-19 tests for both current disease and past disease – new antigen test to replace old PCR test, much cheaper and more accurate results

·         Urinalysis to test for infection, ketosis, blood in urine or other abnormalities

·         Blood sugar analysis for diabetes or pre-diabetes

·         Blood pressure check, heart, lungs and other body systems checked for abnormalities.  

For an appointment call Helena on 711 058 450

 

www.DrMargoLivingston.com

 

 

 

3D Dental X-Ray Technology

Not all dental clinics are created equal. In fact, there can be a wide discrepancy in the quality of treatment patients receive in all types of dental care particularly if not employing the latest technology.

Because providing exceptional patient care is our primary concern at Clinica dental La Plaza we aim to offer the latest technological advances in the field of dentistry. As such we up-graded to 3D dental x-ray technology for our patients that require it.

3D dental x-rays use radiation similar to conventional radiographic imaging. The 3D cone beam imaging is able to convert the images into a three-dimensional view. ... This technology allows us to see all views of a patient's mouth, including bone structure, jaw anatomy, soft tissues and nerve canals.

These types of images are primarily used for dental implant planning of complex cases where a 2D view gives insufficient information.

Naturally, this level of detail helps us improve our diagnostic accuracy for implantology and the images can be used for computer guided implant placement.

We can also take the 2D xrays with this machine for dental diagnosis treatment planning and orthodontic diagnoses.

How Are 3D Dental X-Rays Taken?

With 3D dental technology, you’ll stand still while our camera rotates around your head, doing a complete 360-degree scan. The entire process is a quick one. As a result, there is less risk of movement, eliminating the need for retakes. To check out what the Acteon 3d Xray looks like in action, take a look at this 3D x-ray video we created.

Are 3D Dental X-Rays Safe?

While many people are worried about radiation exposure from X-rays, the radiation emitted from a 3D digital x-ray machine is very small compared to other xray technology and  we only take xrays when they are truly required.

Dental Emergencies- Which treatments can wait and which need immediate intervention?

Most of us are pretty used to living in self-quarantine or under lockdown by now. We're ordering almost everything online, whether it be cleaning supplies or groceries, we're paying bills and even continuing to take classes in an attempt to stop disruptions to our daily lives. And yes, most of us are putting off going to the doctor's as much as we can until absolutely necessary. But what about when we have an emergency, especially one not related to the coronavirus pandemic, like a dental accident? What if you have a broken tooth, or a filling falls out or have an upcoming implant or whitening appointment? And how important is oral and dental hygiene?

During times of widespread infection, oral and dental care is even more important than usual. As with all other infectious diseases, COVID-19 weakens our immune system, making us more susceptible to other diseases. That loss of immunity can exacerbate gum problems like gingivitis, and depending on the stress levels of the patient, mouth sores can develop. The virus's primary entry point into the body is the mouth, hence, dental health deserves maximum attention. The virus can also enter the body through other cavities such as the nose and eyes, which are left vulnerable during dental treatment,

So which treatments can wait and which need immediate intervention?

Anything that can be considered urgent, including severe pain, infection, swelling in the gums and neck, bleeding and trauma, like a broken tooth or fallen fillings, should be tended to and solved as soon as possible.

 People should be brushing their teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, in addition to flossing and using mouthwash once a day. We recommend that people wash down their meals with a glass of water, which helps dislodge bits of food stuck in their teeth. Don't let your throat get dry and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

COVID-19 is caused by the new coronavirus and it attacks the respiratory system causing symptoms such as dry cough, shortness of breath and fever. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets after a person coughs or sneezes. This can be especially challenging for dentists, as the electrical tools used in such processes cause the patient's blood and saliva to scatter around in aerosol form.

 "That's why the mask-gloves-protective glasses trio are the standard protection method we, and physicians, routinely use while treating each patient. Aprons should also be changed regularly. All instruments used during consultations and treatment undergo strict sterilization procedures, and the rooms are regularly ventilated and disinfected. This goes for waiting rooms, treatment areas, offices, sinks and any other places within the clinic.

Social distancing should be maintained in waiting rooms, and there should be at least one hour between each patient's appointment times.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COSMETIC DENTIST

While every dentist is a health professional, some dentists are more interested, knowledgeable, experienced and artistic when it comes to cosmetic dentistry.  More complex issues will definitely require a greater degree of expertise. The more extensive the work, the greater the skill level that will be required. Like everything we buy, there is a lot of variation in the quality and price.  Everyone loves a bargain but will it get you what you want? Creating beautiful natural smiles requires a great deal of time, knowledge of dental materials, artistry and skill.  Depending upon your needs and the combined skill of your cosmetic dentistry team, the level of artistry achieved will invariably be reflected in the price.

People often start by talking to others who have come to our clinic and had a great experience with cosmetic dentistry. As you research, it’s important to check out examples of the cosmetic dentist’s work. Be aware that commercially produced before-and-after examples do exist, so it’s important to verify that the photos you are seeing are actual patients of the cosmetic dentist.
 
Keep in mind that cosmetic dentistry is different than other dental specialties (orthodontics or oral surgery for example) in that there are no criteria dentists must meet or exams they must pass to be able to call themselves a cosmetic dentist; any dentist who wants to can adopt the title. However, there are organizations that accredit (certify) dentists in cosmetic dentistry and the process is quite rigorous.

Dr Karen Gardner
B.D.S.Lond,L.D.S.,R.C.S Eng.`88

Is the principal dentist and owner of our clinic. Qualified from The Royal London Hospital College in 1988 . After 6 years experience practicing in London and Dorset , Karen moved to Javea, Spain and never looked back. 30 years experience in dentistry,and having completed numerous updating courses in Spain and the UK you can be sure and confident that your teeth and mouth are safe in her hands. Karen , in addition to general dentistry, is specialized orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and facial rejuvenation, for which she holds additional qualifications and has much practical experience over the years.