Are You Giving Your Gums Special Attention?

A patient could need a periodontist, or gum specialist, for several reasons.

• Have you been experiencing bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, or the feeling of loose or drifting teeth?
• Are you concerned with the size of your teeth or how much your gums show when you smile?
• Do you have any chronic medical conditions, like diabetes or heart disease?
• Have you taken a hiatus from dentistry and looking to get the foundation of your smile set right? 
• Do you simply want a higher level of oral care?

If you answered yes, then we'd like to hear from you!  Visit our web site or interact with us on social media (links found under "pages" in the right column).

After all...

Osteoporosis and Dental Implant Health

A common question we get is: “Doc, I have osteoporosis…will the implant take?"

 

Osteoporosis is a disease in which patients have low bone density, which can lead to higher risk of fractures.  Results from several studies relating bone loss around dental implants and osteoporosis have been inconclusive and therefore the topic is controversial.  The Journal of Periodontology recently published an article regarding this topic.

 

The article examined 212 implants placed in 67 patients looking back over the course of two years.  The marginal bone levels around the implants were determined using dental x-rays.  Osteoporosis was assessed using a new method called the Mandibular Cortex Index (MCI).  The MCI allows patients to be reliably screened for osteoporosis by dental x-rays as opposed to medical bone density scans.  The researchers concluded that osteoporosis is not a risk for the development of greater bone loss around implants.  The only parameter affecting bone level appeared to be a history of periodontal disease.

 

So what does this all mean?

While a single study cannot discount any theoretical risk for bone loss around implants placed in a patient with osteoporosis, any risk appears minimal.  The best way to insure long term success for dental implants is to have a comprehensive periodontal evaluation by a periodontal specialist prior to their placement.  The periodontist will recommend individualized preventative and/or interceptive care based on the patient’s medical status and periodontal risk factors.  After the decision to place dental implants is made, be sure to follow up with your periodontist for frequent check ups.  

 

References:

1. Corcuera-Flores et al. “Relationship Between Osteoporosis and Marginal Bone Loss in Osseointegrated Implants: A two-year retrospective study” Journal of Periodontology 2015 Sep [ePub before print].

 

What Do Your Gums Mean to You?

Everyone should get an evaluation from a periodontist - especially if you notice any changes in your gums, mouth, or teeth.  Good periodontal (gum) health is an important part of your overall health!

Congratulations, Dr. Rubino!

Congratulations, Dr. Rubino!  Dr. Rubino has recently passed the qualifying examination toward becoming a Board Certified Periodontist! 

The process to become board certified is rigorous.  An applicant can take the qualifying examination only if they have successfully completed an accredited specialty program in Periodontics.  The qualifying examination itself is a half-day written exam, which covers several scientific and clinical topics – from anatomy to histology to surgical technique.

Once successfully completing the qualifying exam, the applicant is eligible to take the oral examination.  The oral examination is a full day examination taken in front of accomplished periodontists, most of whom who had contributed greatly to the development of the specialty.  The oral examination consists of treatment planning simulated patient cases and defending the treatment with research.

Periodontists who wish to maintain their board certification must be recertified every six years.  Dr. Price currently maintains his Board Certification.

Only about 50% of periodontists are board certified.  Board certification is not required to practice periodontics in New York and is beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty.  By taking this extra step, those who are certified elevate the quality of care for those needing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the supporting structures around natural teeth and teeth replacements (dental implants).  For more information about Board Certification, visit the American Board of Periodontology web site.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Rubino and in wishing her luck for the oral examination in May 2016!

The Link Between Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

An article published in the September 2015 issue of the Journal of Periodontology explores the link between Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Rheumatoid Arthritis not only causes joint pain but it can also predispose patients to osteoporosis, heart problems, and lung disease.  For more about rheumatoid arthritis, watch the video below.

The article in the Journal of Periodontology examines the latest information supporting a strong association between the two conditions.  Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis have a higher incidence of periodontal disease than individuals not affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Furthermore, those who have severe cases of periodontal disease tend to have more severe arthritis symptoms and vice versa.  

In addition to these trends, there is evidence that periodontal disease usually is present prior to Rheumatoid Arthritis.  This supports the possibility that mechanisms that cause periodontal disease may actually play a role in the development of Arthritis.  One mechanism that may be shared between both diseases is one involving a harmful bacterium commonly found in patients with periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis.  These bacteria can cause changes to proteins in a process called citrullination. The presence of these altered proteins is extremely specific for detecting Rheumatoid arthritis, even before a patient has symptoms.  The authors of the article conclude that a cause and effect relationship between Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis via these harmful periodontal bacteria appears biologically plausible.  Getting examined and treated for gum disease now can avoid a serious health problem later.

For those who may already be affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis, there is evidence that periodontal therapy reduces the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  When managing your arthritis, remember your gums!

As a practice, understanding how your gum health affects your overall health is of utmost importance to us.  Drs. Price and Rubino welcome any questions you may have regarding this topic.

References:

1. “Diseases and Conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis.” http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/basics/definition/con-20014868. Last accessed 9/15/2015

2. De Smit et al. “Commentary: Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What do we know?” Journal of Periodontology 2015 Sep;86(9):1013-9.

3. Ortiz et al. “Periodontal Therapy Reduces the Severity of Active Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients Treated With or Without Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors.” Journal of Periodontology 2009 April;80(4): 535-540.

Welcome Dr. Caroline Rubino!

We are proud to announce our new associate, Dr. Caroline Rubino!

Dr. Caroline Rubino is a Long Island native from Great Neck, NY. She received her BA in biology with a minor in comparative literature at the University of Pennsylvania. She then returned to Long Island to Stony Brook University's School of Dental Medicine and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors in research. She continued her education in Stony Brook's Advanced Specialty Education Program in Periodontics, a clinically intensive three year program. In addition to being chief periodontal resident at Stony Brook, Dr. Rubino became one of the first residents to earn a Master's in Oral Biology and Pathology concurrently with her specialty degree. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Dentsply Advanced Dental Education Scholarship, American Academy of Periodontology Award, Blasco C. Gomes Periodontology Scholarship, Dr. Richard J. Oringer Periodontology Award, ADA/DENTSPLY Student Clinician Research Scholarship, and the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine Outstanding Oral Research Presentation Award. She is a member of numerous professional associations, including the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontics.

 

In her down-time, Dr. Rubino likes to learn about other cultures and enjoys discovering music of all types. She has participated in cross-cultural events, performing in Bollywood dances. She is a trumpet player and you may catch her singing during one of your appointments!

We look forward to a great future with Dr. Rubino and the continued growth of our practice!

Welcome

I am a Periodontist devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of all smiles. I specialize in Periodontics, Dental Implants, and preforming 'Smile Makeovers.'

I have been serving local Long Island neighborhoods including the Massapequas, Amityville, Lindenhurst, Copiague, Seaford, Wantagh, Bellmore, and Merrick, for over 24 years.

I genuinely hope this site is helpful to you in learning more about our practice, dental conditions and treatments, dental recommendations, and more.

Please browse through our website and be sure to give us a call if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.