Dr. Harry A. Haralampopoulos received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery with honors from the University of Illinois in 1972, and a Certificate of Specialty in Periodontics in 1974. Due to his high academic achievement and demonstration of exceptional character, Dr. Harry was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, the highest achievement a dental student can attain. In 1979, he received a Master of Science degree in Histology with his area of research and thesis being: Human Gingival Response to Silk, Nylon, and Catgut Sutures, An Electron Microscopic Study.

Dr. Haralampopoulos is a pioneer in placing dental implants for over 35 years, including such treatment modalities as sub-periosteal implants and custom designed blade implants, even before there were dental implant companies. With the development of dental implant companies, he has continued to grow by using and evaluating multiple implant systems through the years.

His periodontal experience and histological training allows for a special respect and knowledge of the tissues involved with implant dentistry. Using periodontal surgical techniques along with implant treatments gives patients a unique surgical advantage.

Dr. Haralampopoulos passion in dentistry is continuously being renewed by the exciting new technological modalities and treatments that Health And Happiness adopts after taking extensive continuing education programs all over the world. His understanding of dentistry at a cellular level, along with his enthusiasm and respect for the bodys ability to regenerate, preserve and restore for the benefit and well-being of the whole person, drives his differential diagnoses with treatment specific for each individual. Too many dental practices fit people into the predetermined treatment approaches they can do, but Health And Happiness takes pride in its range of various, well-executed individualized treatments within one practice.

Regarding his personal life, Dr. Haralampopoulos and his wife have four daughters and a son. Along with his daughter Dr. Nikol, he provided dental care to the underserved in Jamaica. His interests include daily reading, actively playing basketball and tennis, traveling, and creating.

He first began his dental career working as a lab technician for a reputable dental laboratory in Chicago, Illinois. His professional education began with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1988 from Loyola University School of Dentistry. After an additional two year post graduate program at Loyola, he obtained a Certificate of Specialty in Endodontics in 1992. Dr. Walchirk has also taught at Northwestern University School of Dentistry and at Loyola University School of Dentistry as an associate professor in the undergraduate endodontic department.

Along with his extensive clinical experience and having spent considerable time providing patient care, Dr. Walchirk is diligent in his pursuit to stay current by attending numerous dental continuing education seminars. This is evident by his use of Microscopic Endodontics, 3D Scan (CBCT) Technology, digital radiology, and Photoacoustic PIPS Endodontic Laser Treatment. This advanced technology is integrally applied in his specialty practice of endodontics, including dental implantology.

Dr. Genes personal life is surrounded by his lovely daughter, Nicole, and family. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, traveling, and staying physically active by playing tennis and basketball, fishing, golfing, and jogging. He has traveled to Columbia for volunteer work, which he enjoyed immensely, and plans to continue his global volunteer work in the future.

Dr. Nikol H. Haralampopoulos first educational triumph was receiving a perfect record of all As throughout her high school career at Hinsdale South High School in Illinois with her actual unweighted class ranking being 1 in 373. This enabled her to apply to an advanced acceptance dental school program at Marquette University in Milwaukee Wisconsin, which guaranteed her a spot in dental school as an incoming college freshman. By excelling academically during these undergraduate years, Dr. Nikol was sought after by multiple dental schools. She finally decided to attend the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine after only 3 years of undergraduate study. She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree with high honors in 2008, including special awards such as the Academy of General Dentistry Award and the Dentsply Removable Prosthodontics Award. In 2008, due to demonstrations of exceptional character and high academic achievements, she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honors Society, the highest honor a dental student can attain.

Having completed over 500 hours of continuing education, Dr. Nikol is well trained with extensive clinical experience in cosmetic crowns and veneers, full arch reconstruction, Invisalign orthodontics, various laser procedures, implant placement and implant restoration of complex cases involving fixed and removable crowns, bridges, partials, dentures and hybrids. Along with Dr. Harry (Dr. Nikols father), she is one of a few dentists trained in RNA appliances for sleep apnea.

Additionally, Dr. Nikol and Dr. Harry have a dental implant invention pending with the United States Patent Office that may revolutionize the use of certain dental implants. Furthermore, she has co-authored and published an article with Dr. Harry regarding mini-dental implants.

Due to her extensive clinical experience, and innate abilities, she has an exceptionally discerning eye for beauty and has joy when creating beauty for her patients. She cares, serves, and loves her patients enough to really give them what they need for optimal dental health.

She has served her Chicago community by treating underprivileged children for many years. Along with Dr. Harry, Dr. Nikol has treated the underserved community in Jamaica, those with limited access to dental treatment.

When Dr. Nikol is not talking about or doing dentistry, she participates in 16 softball leagues during the summer and actively plays basketball. She recently married an endodontist that shares her passion for dentistry, and together, they are beginning their new life adventure.

There are more than 15 million root canals performed each year in the U.S., making it one of the most common dental procedures. This simple procedure can save your natural teeth and prevent unnecessary extractions and tooth replacements!

A root canal is a procedure used to treat severely decayed or infected teeth. The inside of a tooth contains a soft material called pulp, a nerve that allows the tooth to feel sensations. If the exterior of a tooth becomes damaged to the point where the pulp is exposed, infection may occur. Symptoms of a root canal infection include swelling of the gums and face, increased sensitivity to temperature, and severe toothache. If left untreated, the infection can result in abscesses and ultimately, tooth loss.

In order to save the structure of the tooth, your dentist will remove the pulp and clean the inside of your tooth. The only purpose of the nerve is to provide sensory experience, so its removal will not affect the normal function of your tooth. The cavity is then sealed with a filling in order to prevent further damage. If you are experiencing a severe toothache or sensitivity, call your dentist in Oak Lawn, IL immediately for emergency treatment.

Treatment is necessary when the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed, infected or dies. The pulp contains vital nerves and blood vessels that become infected when bacteria invade it. Bacteria and inflammation are often introduced through a cavity, fracture or an injury. If an infection is left untreated, it can travel throughout the tooth and cause a painful abscess.

First, your doctor will take x-rays of your mouth and determine the optimal placement of the implant along your jawline. Once the implant has been surgically placed, the abutment and crown will be attached during the restoration procedures. Most patients report less pain during recovery than with wisdom teeth extractions. However, any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. If you are anxious about any stage in the implant procedure, your dental team is always ready and willing to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Remember that every patient is different and dental implant treatment may vary.

Once placed in your mouth, your dental implant will feel exactly like your natural teeth. There is no protruding metal or denture sores. Many patients report not even knowing which tooth is the dental implant.

Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants keep the structure of your jaw intact, so you wont have to get them refitted or replaced. With good oral hygiene, they will last your entire life.

Dental implants are currently considered the gold-standard, when replacing missing teeth. They provide several advantages over other replacement options. They promote the health of not just a single missing tooth, but also that of the remaining healthy teeth around it. The implant prevents bone loss, by stimulating the bone that holds the root of the tooth, keeping the bone that holds the roots of neighboring teeth healthy and strong.

Dental bridges, the former standard for tooth replacement, have no component that serves the function of the root of the tooth. Bridges also require filing down the enamel of healthy neighboring teeth to support the bridge. This sacrifices the health of neighboring teeth that would otherwise not have been affected with a dental implant. Long-term results have shown a single implant to be much more esthetically appealing and easier to clean than a bridge. The gum tissue around a bridge can recede and leave an area of metal that is exposed. This results in a visible defect and an unattractive smile. In a worse-case scenario, an anchoring tooth on a dental bridge can get a cavity and the bridge can fail. This often leaves a patient with the need to now replace three teeth, instead of the initial single missing tooth.