Thank You!

Thank you to all who participated in the runDEAD for Special Olympics this past weekend!  It was a beautiful morning to participate in this great cause.  With the help of the patients of our practice, the team at Sunrise Perio, and the greater Massapequa community, we were exceed our goal for fundraising and raised over $2,000 for the athletes of the Special Olympics! 

We at Sunrise Periodontics are a determined group so we'd like to see if we can raise the bar a little more.... It takes about $4,000 to sponsor a single athlete.  Why not  help us get that special person full support?  We have until December 31 to achieve this goal!  We can do this!!

You can use the link below to donate or you may come to our office, located at 4760 Sunrise Highway in Massapequa Park, to participate in our exciting on-going raffles!!

http://tinyurl.com/TheGratefulUndead

Thank you for your continued efforts!!!

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].

 

We Need Your Help!

Time is running out and we need your help!  Sunrise Perio is participating for the second time in the Third Annual runDEAD on November 7th.  The runDEAD is a zombie 5k that helps to raise awareness and money for the Special Olympics.  The athletes participate in Olympic style events, all over the world, year round. Over 40,000 of these amazing people are in New York State!

Please help us help them.  Donate to our team - or better, yet, join us and be a zombie or runner!!

For more information, please visit the Grateful Undead's Team Site: http://tinyurl.com/TheGratefulUndead

We thank you for your interest in assisting the athletes of the Special Olympics!!

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!