THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF LUCCA, THE EXPLOSIVE-DETECTING DOG WHO SAVED LIVES
Sometimes, dogs are more than just a man’s best friend — they are heroes. When the Israel Defense Forces brought Chris Willingham, a Marine specializing in training military dogs, a small German shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix puppy in 2006, he knew she was special. Willingham named her Lucca, and in 2008, the pair deployed for their first tour in Iraq, where they spent countless hours together searching for improvised explosive devices or IEDs. When Lucca smelled a bomb, she’d lie down and wait for Willingham, an action they repeated so many times that the pair seemed to read each other’s minds. In fact, the duo became so successful that when platoons suspected they were heading into especially dangerous territory, they requested the team by name.
were restationing him at the Marine Security Guard School. But before he had to leave, he was allowed to choose a new handler for Lucca. Willingham chose Corporal Juan Rodriguez, whom he sensed was the perfect match for Lucca. And he was right. Lucca and Rodriguez picked up where she and Willingham left off until one day in 2012. The pair were four hours into their patrol in southern Afghanistan when Lucca located her second IED of the day. However, when she moved closer to the device to lie down — it exploded . Rodriguez quickly ran to Lucca, where he discovered she had lost one of her front paws in the explosion. He applied first aid, a tourniquet, and called for a medevac, never leaving her side. She had suffered burns to her neck and torso, and doctors had to amputate her front left leg.
However, in less than a month, Lucca was back to running around with the same spirit as before her injury but was now retired from her day job. She was reunited with Willingham and lived the rest of her days with him and his family peacefully until her passing in 2018. Lucca led more than 400 patrols during three combat tours in her career. She found 40 confirmed insurgents and countless explosives, and she never had a single human casualty during her six years of service.
After returning from their second tour in Iraq, Willingham received orders that the Marines
How Laser Dentistry Is Different THE FUTURE OF GUM DISEASE TREATMENT
When most people think about oral health, they focus on their teeth. But there’s so much more to our mouths, and our gums are crucial to our overall wellness. Traditional treatments for gum disease are generally uncomfortable, but laser gum treatment has changed how dentists approach the condition. Gum or periodontal disease occurs when an advanced infection occurs in the gum tissue. The condition starts with gingivitis, or gum inflammation, which can be treated effectively with at-home oral care. But if the disease advances, the gum recedes from the tooth and allows bacteria to enter. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Historically, dentists have treated gum disease with a procedure called scaling and root planing. This treatment is an extensive deep cleaning of the gum tissue. In more advanced cases, dentists may perform surgery to repair the problem. Laser dentistry is a more modern and comfortable solution. Unlike other options, it is minimally invasive and does not require scalpels or drills. Laser treatment is also less painful, causes less bleeding and swelling, and produces faster results. Patients also experience shorter appointments with less anesthesia.
While lasers still seem like science fiction to some people, they are an established and effective medical tool for appropriately trained doctors. The dentist uses a handheld laser to precisely remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the gums. The laser will only target the problem areas while leaving healthy surrounding tissue intact. Laser dentistry produces more consistent and predictable results, and patients who undergo it will be free of infection immediately. Notably, not all practitioners offer laser dentistry. However, our doctors believe in providing the most comfortable, state-of-the-art care, and we are proud to offer laser gum treatments to our patients when appropriate. Patients with more advanced gum disease may require supplementary procedures beyond laser treatment. Your dentist will discuss your treatment plan in detail during your consultation. Remember that additional procedures don’t mean additional pain at Signature Smiles — we’re 100% committed to pain-free and anxiety- free care that will meet the unique needs of every patient, no matter their circumstances.
2 — SignatureSmilesOH.com
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