The Best Toothbrush (?):

If we received a nickel every time we were asked, "Doctor, what's the best toothbrush to buy," we could retire from clinical practice a few years earlier than anticipated! My hygienists, Maureen and Sara, are continuously selecting from the vast array of oral hygiene products currently available then instructing and demonstrating to patients the techniques for removal of plaque from around, between and underneath teeth and prostheses. We use devices that come in all shapes, sizes, colors, bristle consistencies, manual, and powered (5-spd and automatic), etc. to help patients be as efficient and self-sufficient in the their home efforts as possible. The reality however is that the Best Toothbrush is the one that the patient can use correctly!

The Better to Serve You With...

Recently, I made some changes to enhance patient care, and our inter-office communications. First, the quality of the water supply used in treatment is now like Ivory Soap, virtually 99 and forty four one hundreths % pure. Although lab testing indicated the coolants and irrigating streams previously used in my operatory were good, I installed a new filtration system that will render the water supply even cleaner. Of course I never witnessed evidence that post operative healing was adversely affected by the water, but this system will add further peace of mind to our patients who focus on infection control.

Secondly, I've re-tooled the Referral Pad. Periodontics has changed dramatically since I left my training program 25 years ago. There are many more treatment options under the umbrella. Several are prescription items, i.e. crown lengthening, isolated root coverage, single tooth implant, or localized hard or soft tissue regeneration. These are in addition to our perio/prosthetic and esthetic treatment cases. If referring a patient for evaluation, the new padded form has easy check off spots to quickly transfer information about the patient . The form also includes a map and background information about my staff and me. Once an appointment has been made, we send an introductory letter explaining what to expect at the evaluation, making patients as comfortable as possible going outside the familiar boundaries of your office.

Periodontal Plastic Surgery in the news:

Several months ago I was asked to contribute an article to a new Russian language journal, Dental Kaleidoscope. Fortunately I was able to concentrate on the clinical case which demonstrated coordination of connective tissue grafting with a new crown for #9 to correct "black line disease" and gingival margin discrepancies; the English was subsequently translated. If you would like a Russian reprint, callŠ.the pictures are nice! My attention is now directed to the annual American Academy of Periodontology meeting in San Antonio this fall. I will be presenting a technique I've developed to simplify suturing of grafts and minimize healing time as part of a panel on Clinical Innovations. It's a great opportunity (and challenge) to address fellow periodontists. Until next time.....