Dr. Thomas Planzos, an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, has been offering the highest quality of general and cosmetic dentistry for over 30 years. Dr. Planzos three dentist daughters have joined him and practice alongside him at their Bay Ridge dental office. After also receiving their dental degrees from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, Drs. Lea, Penny, and Melena Planzos each went on to pursue a different three-year post-doctoral specialty program at Columbia University, obtaining Master of Science degrees in Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Orthodontics, respectively.

Dr. Planzos takes pride in his practice and has continued to invest in the most innovative technology. Procedures that often took multiple weeks to complete can be done quickly, efficiently, and more predictably using sophisticated technology such as digital scanners, 3D x-rays, lasers, and milling machines. Taking a 3D CBCT scan allows the surgeon to plan implant placement and diagnose accurately. Three different types of intraoral scanners allow impression making for crowns, implants, bridges, orthodontics, and other appliances, without the need for impression material, which often causes discomfort, gagging, and a mess. Lasers, when indicated, allow for treatment of gum disease, disinfection of implants, and correction of discoloration of the gums without the need for invasive surgery and stitches. Crowns can be milled in-office for a one-day visit, instead of needing multiple visits and a 2-week lab turnaround time.

Dr. Thomas Planzos has made community involvement and teaching a priority. For well over a decade, he has volunteered his time every Friday to co-direct New York Universitys Full Mouth Rehabilitation CE course. Throughout the years, he has been an invited speaker to many venues, including the Bay Ridge Dental Society, an organization that he served as past President. Many young neighborhood individuals were first inspired by Dr. Planzos enthusiasm and positive attitude towards the profession. After being invited to spend time shadowing him at the office, most have decided to pursue a career in dentistry.

The Planzos family was all born and raised in the Bay Ridge community. Although all three daughters left Brooklyn to pursue their passions in dentistry, they have happily returned to their hometown to live, work, and start their own families. Their pride in the community has drawn them back to continue their fathers legacy and create a second generation, true multidisciplinary dental practice that continues to grow.

Together, the Planzos dentists have been helping and improving lives and smiles as both mentors to colleagues and compassionate doctors to their patients. The success of the practice has grown solely due to the loyalty and trust of patients who have referred friends and family by word of mouth. Knowledge of their discipline and their passion for their work is contagious, and this is why they have been treating generations of families for so many years. As they continue to grow the practice and nurture relationships within the community, Drs. Planzos are slowly bringing highly qualified dentists and staff into their dental family. Their dream team has been 33 years in the making and they are so excited for what the future holds, not only for their practice, but for dentistry as a whole!

My name is Dr. Tom Planzos. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and obtained a Bachelors degree in Biology at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1982. I attended dental school at the University of Pennsylvania, completing my dental degree in 1986, directly followed by a post-doctoral General Practice Residency program at what is now known as the NYU/Lutheran Medical Center. I have been in private practice in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn since 1987 and enjoy living in this community with my wife, three daughters, and grandchildren.

I am very passionate about innovation and believe that technology greatly improves the quality of patient care. My philosophy encompasses a lifelong commitment to dental education and a never-ending dedication to my patients and to clinical excellence. As a Clinical Director of the Full Mouth Reconstruction Course at The New York University College of Dentistry, I instruct dentists in the treatment of patients in need of complex oral rehabilitations.

As a father and dental professional, I am most proud to be joined by my daughter, Lea, a Periodontist, and twin daughters, Melena and Penny, who are dental specialists in Orthodontics and Prosthodontics, respectively.

Dr. Lea Planzos was born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. She is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she graduated with Honors in Clinical Dentistry and received awards in Periodontics.

Dr. Planzos then went on to complete a three-year post-doctoral residency program in Periodontics at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. During her residency program at Columbia, she also received a Master of Science degree in Periodontics for her contributions to a published research project on immediate implant placement.

Dr. Lea Planzos is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology after making significant achievements beyond the mandatory requirements of the specialty of Periodontics. Diplomate status places one at the pinnacle of periodontal knowledge both clinically and didactically.

Prosthodontist Dr. Penny Planzos received her dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine where she graduated with Clinical Honors. She went on to pursue advanced training in Prosthodontics from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, which was a three-year program focused on full mouth rehabilitation, complex dental treatment, and cosmetics. During her specialty training, Dr. Planzos received a Master of Science for her research on implant dentistry. Her research won many awards including first place at the American College of Prosthodontics national competition, and is pending publication.

Her clinical expertise includes implant restorations, crown and bridgework, veneers, and dentures. She incorporates the most advanced technology such as digital impression making, designing and milling crowns for a one-day visit to make procedures efficient and painless.

Orthodontist Dr. Melena Planzos is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, achieving the highest level of recognition in the specialty. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine where she received her dental degree. She then went on to complete a three-year postdoctoral specialty program at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where she received her Master of Science degree in Orthodontics. Dr. Planzos is exceptionally trained in conventional orthodontics as well as Invisalign. She received the Cangialosi American Board Initial Certification Scholarship and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics as well as the Northeastern Society of Orthodontics.

Lisa D. Tran, DMD is originally from Pennsylvania and studied at Villanova University before completing her dental school training at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. While in dental school, she was accepted into the Clinical Dentistry Honors program, received the Vernon Brighten Research scholarship, was an active member of the Oral Cancer Society, and volunteered her time in the community. She then relocated to New York for a General Practice Residency at NYU Lutheran Medical Center and obtained her Endodontic Certificate at the same hospital Currently, Dr. Tran is on her way to becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.

Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Paulina Kanakos attended George Washington University for her undergraduate studies and then continued to receive her dental degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Paulina then completed her residency at UCONN for Pediatric Dentistry.

She grew up with three uncles who are Pediatricians and was always inspired by their life-long commitment to treating children. She followed in their footsteps, deciding to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. She loves seeing her patients every day and developed her own system for making kids excited to take a trip to the dentist!

Dr. Kanakos is of Greek descent is incredibly involved in her Greek culture, family, and Church community. She was also very influenced by her YiaYia and Pappou (grandmother and grandfather) who immigrated to America from Greece in search of a better life for their families. They always preached hard work, honesty, education, integrity, respect, and to be a great teammate. She emulates these qualities with everyone she encounters and is absolutely a great asset and fit to the Impressive Dental Care team!