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November 2001
The Aftermath
With encouragement from our leaders, we try to "get back to normal" in the post-September 11th New World Order. Actually the World hasn't changed as a result of the attack on the WTC; we just became painfully aware of a long-standing, festering hatred outside our borders. I am sure we are all dealing with the ever expanding ripple-effects of our own Day of Infamy; sharing stories of the tragedy with patients, revising our priorities in life, changing travel plans, or learning to function with threats of bio-terrorism. As a serious photographer, I process a lot of my feelings through imagery. Shortly after 9/11 my wife and I went to NYC to be with our son & daughter who reside in the Big Apple. While there, we joined the throngs of citizens who paid their respects to the victims and rescuers at the huge memorial downtown at Union Square. One of the firefighters who came off a shift at Ground Zero was very willing to talk to us about his experiences. I managed to capture an image of him that for me represented the resolve we in the U.S. are now demonstrating in the battle looming ahead. You can find the image on Channel 7's web site www.whdh.com in their Pictures of Patriotism section. I would be happy to provide you with a print should you wish. Perhaps the photo will also be inspirational for you.
Arestin: not a disease "cure," but perhaps a periodontal management "cure"?
It only takes a short while after starting a practice to understand that rather than affecting a "cure" for dental disease, we assist patients in the ongoing management of disease. In other words, our treatment has more in common with controlling hypertension than in the surgical removal of an inflamed appendix! Arestin (minocycline HCl) is in my view, a wonderful addition to the armamentarium of therapies targeting periodontitis. Recalcitrant or recurring pockets, which are not, or cannot be treated via surgical means, are good candidates for application(s) of Arestin. The medication is similar in action to the tetracycline in Actisite fibers. Delivery to the pocket is, however, infinitely easier with NO retrieval needed after roughly 2 weeks of slow medication release. Ongoing research may also provide strong support for Arestin's ability to maximize the beneficial results of Initial Therapy root planing. I will keep you posted....
Philadelphia and Boston
Aside from the significant events in American history associated with these cities, there is a professional connection for me. In early October I attended the annual Academy of Periodontology meeting in the City of Brotherly Love where along with a co-presenter, Dr. Mario Roccuzzo of Torino, Italy, I presented a CE course on root coverage procedures. Our session was sold out; a very gratifying fact for us considering the multitude of educational opportunities to choose from. Root coverage with associated implications for Esthetic & Restorative Dentistry remain hot topics. As such, I intend to concentrate on that theme when I present a Minuteman at Boston's YDC 27 on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. I hope to see you then!
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