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Photos: Aquarol, The Love Hygiene, Power Dental Group
Dentistry is a dynamic blend of science, artistry, and a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care. At the heart of our work lies the shared goal of achieving exceptional outcomes through evidence-based approaches tailored to each unique patient. Over the years, my practice has evolved, shaped by experience, innovation, and a dedication to continuous learning. In periodontics, the tools, technologies, and techniques we choose are more than just instruments; they are extensions of our expertise and care. These essentials don’t just support clinical success—they elevate the quality of life we can offer to our patients.
In sharing these 5 tools, systems, and resources, I hope to offer insights that have become integral to how I deliver care. These elements inspire me, keep my practice thriving, and enable me to provide comprehensive, compassionate treatment to every patient who entrusts me with their oral health. I am honored to be part of the journey in helping patients achieve better health and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with exceptional colleagues like you. Together, we can continue advancing the standards of care that define our profession.
1) Lasers - The PerioLase MVP-7, Millennium Dental Technologies
Laser protocols are indispensable tools in my practice, allowing me to deliver advanced care with a focus on patient comfort. The PerioLase® MVP-7, manufactured by Millennium Dental Technologies, is a free-running, pulsed Nd:YAG laser that plays a critical role in performing the patented LANAP® and LAPIP® protocols. These FDA-cleared procedures enable true regeneration on previously diseased root surfaces (LANAP) and the treatment of ailing and failing dental implants (LAPIP). Both protocols are minimally invasive, allowing me to treat periodontal and peri-implant diseases without the need for cutting or stitches. Not all dental lasers are created equal; the PerioLase MVP-7 is the only laser able to perform the FDA-cleared LANAP protocol, a groundbreaking procedure that restores lost bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament function.
With this technology, I can successfully regenerate bone around teeth and implants—without relying on additional biologics—improving long-term outcomes for even the most challenging cases. The laser is equally powerful in maintaining implant health during hygiene visits and preserving compromised teeth, preventing disease progression before it escalates. For advanced implant cases and medically complex patients, I use the BLAST technique to optimize success and stability. As a LANAP clinician for over eight years and a certified instructor at the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing impact of these protocols for patients. I take great pride in caring for both my patients and those entrusted to me by referring doctors, utilizing this advanced technology to deliver exceptional, tailored treatment. My commitment lies in providing precise, innovative, and predictable results, while upholding the trust and confidence of my colleagues and patients alike.
2) Air Polishing – The Love Hygiene
Air polishing technology has advanced significantly, offering a variety of systems and polishing powders tailored to specific clinical needs. Some air polishing powders, like tagatose, even have antibacterial properties and are gentle enough for use on dental implants and veneers. In my practice, I rely on the Love Hygiene system, which creates a fine mist of heated water and a polishing powder of my choice to effectively and efficiently remove biofilm. This approach not only achieves superior cleaning but also provides patients with a soothing, comfortable experience. In our office, Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut, the Love Hygiene biofilm management system has been lovingly renamed "cloud cleaning" by our patients, a testament to how much they appreciate this gentle, effective, and innovative care. For periodontal maintenance and implant care, the Love Hygiene system remains my personal favorite for biofilm management, combining innovation with exceptional patient outcomes.
3) Dry Mouth Treatment - Aquoral
With one in four patients suffering from dry mouth, it’s clear dry mouth is an epidemic hiding in plain sight. Common causes like polypharmacy, CPAP use, autoimmune diseases, and a history of head and neck cancer treatments make identifying and addressing dry mouth a critical part of patient care. Unfortunately, most over-the-counter and topical treatments are water-based, meaning they wash away quickly with eating and drinking, providing only short-term relief.
Many patients may not qualify for or be ready for systemic treatments like pilocarpine, which stimulates salivary flow. For those patients, Aquoral offers an innovative solution. Its patented lipid-based formulation creates a protective layer that doesn’t wash away easily, delivering relief for up to six hours—50% longer than most water-based alternatives. With a convenient in-office dispensing model, Aquoral makes it easy for practices to provide immediate care and ongoing support for dry mouth sufferers. Aquoral is a solution I trust, offering a lipid-based barrier that brings relief when traditional options fall short. It’s a joy to see my patients find comfort and regain their quality of life.
4) Financial Planning with PROVISER
As dental professionals, we often focus so much on patient care that it’s easy to overlook the importance of protecting ourselves, our families, and our practices. Financial planning is a cornerstone of long-term success, offering security and peace of mind in a rapidly changing world. From disability and life insurance to malpractice support and strategic financial advice, having a trusted partner to guide you is invaluable.
I personally use PROVISER for my personal and business financial planning needs. They’ve helped me ensure my family and practice are protected while providing strategies to grow and secure my future. If you’re looking for support in this area, I highly recommend exploring options like theirs to safeguard what matters most.
5) Custom Kits from Power Dental Group
Looking out for our own health is just as vital as taking care of our patients. Dentistry is a physically demanding profession, and the impact it has on our bodies over time is undeniable. That’s why I’m so passionate about equipping myself—and my colleagues—with high quality tools that prioritize ergonomics. Thoughtfully considering our bodies isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for long-term success and well-being.
The dSb Perio Implant Kit, which I developed in collaboration with Power Dental Group, has been a transformative addition to my practice. These instruments are precision-crafted, engineered in the US, and specifically designed with ergonomics in mind. They empower me to work with confidence, efficiency, and comfort.
As dental professionals, we spend the majority of the day in the operatory, relying on our instruments to help deliver the best outcomes for our patients. Why not invest in equipment that prioritizes us too? Your health is your greatest asset—choose solutions that support your body and your practice.
Teamwork & Appreciation
While tools and systems are essential to delivering great care, it’s ultimately the support of our teams and families that makes everything possible. For those of us with children, family support allows us to show up fully in our practices, knowing that someone has our back at home. Without that foundation, the dedication required to practice dentistry would be much harder to sustain.
Equally important is having a skilled office management team that handles the behind-the-scenes work—marketing, organizing, scheduling, following up—everything that keeps the practice running smoothly and ensures our procedures are executed seamlessly. And let’s not forget our dental assistants and lab technicians, whose expertise and precision make so much of our work possible. Their commitment and skill enable us to deliver treatments efficiently and effectively, ensuring the highest quality outcomes for our patients.
Great patient care is built on teamwork. Don’t underestimate the value of showing appreciation to everyone who supports your practice, because their efforts enable us to care for our patients to the best of our ability. Behind every successful clinician is a team of committed professionals, including hygienists, dental assistants, lab techs, office managers, and a supportive family. From those who maintain the seamless day-to-day operations to loved ones who handle life’s invisible responsibilities, their collective support allows us to grow as practitioners, elevate patient care, and continue advancing our profession.
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