At Miami Designer Smiles, dentistry isn’t just about teeth – it’s about whole-body health. And sometimes, it means being the one voice that fights for patients when others won’t.
This week, we had a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
A patient came to us experiencing chronic facial pain and difficulty breathing through one side of her nose. She had seen multiple specialists and was told “everything looked fine.” But as we listened to her symptoms and studied her scan, we saw something different.
Thanks to our advanced CBCT imaging technology, we spotted what others had missed: a severely blocked sinus cavity, extending all the way to the forehead. It wasn’t just congestion, this was a chronic obstruction that had likely been affecting her daily life for years.
Getting answers wasn’t easy. It took:
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Three appointments
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Two doctors
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An oral surgeon’s insight
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A radiologist’s confirmation
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And ultimately, advocating directly to the ENT to get the help she needed
On her follow-up visit, she looked Dr. Garcia in the eye and said, “Doctor, you saved my life.”
Dr. Garcia responded, “I may not have saved your life, but I’m certain I’ve improved the quality of it.”
And that’s exactly why we do this.
“As a young dentist, I might have accepted what the ENT or specialist said without pushing back,” Dr. Garcia said. “But today, I know better. Dentists have a unique perspective — one that often sees what others can’t. We look beyond the surface, beyond the teeth, and into structures like the sinuses and airways that deeply affect daily comfort and function.”
This story is a testament to the power of listening, of advocating, and of using the right technology to uncover the full picture.
We’re proud to be a place where patients not only find answers, but also where they know someone is willing to fight for them.
Stay tuned — this patient will be sharing her experience in an upcoming video testimonial. Her journey is one that might resonate with more people than we know.
Need a second opinion on your chronic pain, breathing issues, or unexplained facial discomfort?
Schedule a scan with us by calling 305-595-4616.