Giri Palani, DDS, FICOI

Palani Center for Dental Implants is a full-scope dental practice focused on aesthetic dentistry, replacing teeth with dental implants and full-mouth reconstruction. Owner Giri Palani, DDS, graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry and completed two years of postgraduate training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA. He opened his practice in 2006.

What are the most popular services you offer?

The most popular treatments we offer are immediate-placement dental implants and Teeth in a Day solutions where we replace a single tooth or an entire set of teeth in one day.

How does your training enhance your services?  

I have completed two years of full-time postgraduate training in dental implants and reconstructive dentistry. During my training, I was drawn to and fascinated with the ability to place immediate dental implants and replace a full set of teeth in as little as one day. I continued to study and learn from pioneers in the industry. I have traveled around the world to learn from the best in the field and then came back and applied what I learned in my practice. The learning never stops, and I continually seek to make myself and my team better so I know that I am providing the absolute best care for my patients. 

What do you find most rewarding about working in the health care industry? 

What I find most rewarding is being able to be part of each patient’s journey. Whether the patient is in need of one tooth or a full replacement of teeth, each patient is different with a unique set of needs and goals. It is an amazing blessing to help see each patient through their journey, to be there for them and support them, and to witness firsthand the transformation they achieve in their lives.

Is stress the biggest challenge in health care?  

I don’t believe in stress. If you don’t like something, change what you don’t like or change yourself.

When did you know you wanted to help people as part of your future career?

I remember my grandmother didn’t have any teeth. She wore dentures. I saw firsthand how she suffered physically, emotionally and socially. She was not able to eat properly. She wasn’t able to smile and laugh. I remember thinking at a young age that there had to be a better way for my grandmother. In this day and age, with all our advancements and technology, no one should ever have to live without teeth or with poorly fitting dentures or failing teeth. This shaped the way I experienced dental school. To me, the most interesting aspect of the profession became solving the problem of tooth loss and being able to restore form and function to my patients. 

What skills are necessary to achieve success as a dentist? 

Having love and compassion for every patient and being consumed by wanting to provide a perfect result for them.

How do you help patients deal with apprehension?

We offer several methods for patients to overcome the fear and anxiety of dental treatment. From a pill you take one hour before the procedure to laughing gas to general anesthesia, we are able to help our patients overcome fear and anxiety and get the dental work they need. 

Any “wise words” you’d like to share with potential patients? 

If you’ve been told that you are not a good candidate for dental implants or you thought dental implant treatment was a difficult and long process with several appointments over many months or years, please give us a call. We will find the most time-efficient and cost-efficient solution to give you back the teeth you’ve lost. 

What can patients expect at your office?

Our patients can expect a first-class level of care in a clean, safe and comfortable setting. I am proud to say that we have one of the most technologically advanced dental offices in the Los Angeles area. This directly translates to better treatment outcomes, patient comfort and safety.

What makes you passionate about dentistry?

My passion is giving people back teeth they have lost with dental implants. My team and I have spent countless hours training to provide the most advanced dental implant and cosmetic dentistry experience for our patients. I love dentistry because it allows me to be an artist, doctor and engineer all at the same time. Every day people leave my office absolutely in love with their smile that I created. Being able to do what I do is one of the biggest blessings in my life!

What do your patients like best about you?

Our patients love the passion that our team has for the work we do every day. We are so excited to give people the smile they have always dreamed of. This excitement is extremely contagious!

Photographed by Jeffrey Fiterman