2018
GUIDE INSIDE You Cannot Have a Healthy Body With a Sick Mouth Survey: More Americans Want to Visit the Dentist
FEATURING
You Cannot Have a Healthy Body With a Sick Mouth - Sam Guarnieri, DDS...........16 Winning The Battle Against Tooth Decay - Sam Guarnieri, DDS................................18 Improving Your Smile with Invisalign® - Jeremy Bateman, DDS.................................18 Saving Teeth With Endodontic Treatment - Harp Deol, DDS.......................................19 A Healthy Body Starts with Healthy Gums - Kenneth Tirone, DDS.............................19 What Makes You Smile? - Jill Nikas, DDS........................................................................20 April 2018 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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You Cannot Have a Healthy Body With a Sick Mouth Sam Guarnieri, DDS
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he National Institutes of Health (NIH) have long since recognized the link between oral health and overall health. Oral infection such as periodontitis has been implicated as a contributor to many serious systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes mellitus, and low birth weight babies. Inflammation is the concern. Different sources of inflammation can stem from oral infection, such as periodontal disease and tooth decay as well as from sleep breathing disorders. That's one of the reasons Rochester Dentist Salvatore "Sam" Guarnieri takes oral care so seriously. As owner and founder of Pittsford Dental Excellence Center in Pittsford, he knows dental care is not just about pearly white teeth or filling cavities. Dr. Guarnieri, or Sam as he prefers to be called, is passionate about continuing education. "A Doctor of Dental Surgery degree or DDS should not be considered a license to earn, but rather a license to learn," he argues. And learn he does. Since his earliest days, he's built on his DDS degree from Howard University School of Dentistry in Washington, DC, by completing continuing education programs from many of America’s most prestigious institutes of higher learning in dentistry. In fact, he's a clinical instructor at the internationally renowned Kois Center in Seattle and has earned certifications from many other similar organizations. "I'm trying to connect the dots about what I see in the mouth and how it relates to the rest of the body," Dr. Guarnieri said. "I call it 'wholeistic' dentistry. I don't mean just holistic with the teeth, but looking beyond the teeth to the systemic relationships between oral health and whole body health." As a result, he has studied many disciplines in healthcare. He has trained with cardiologists and an otolaryngologist (ENT) out of Harvard and Stanford, for Page 16
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example, and he and his team work with naturopaths, lactation consultants, chiropractors, myofunctional therapists, functional medicine providers and sleep medicine specialists. He also collaborates with other medical and dental specialists, including pediatric dentists, periodontists, oral surgeons and other dental specialists. Of course, it's not possible for one person to become an expert in all areas of health. Dr. Guarnieri, however, endeavors to recognize issues in oral health that relate to other systems in the body so he can suggest patients follow through with the appropriate specialists while they are healthy and still have time. "It's about saving lives, where it's a collaborative effort between many different disciplines," Guarnieri added. "Everything we see has a broader implication. It’s not just about teeth." For example, he noted that a "scalloped tongue," which bears the imprint of the patient's teeth on the sides, has an 87 percent correlation with sleep disordered breathing. Children with open mouth posture also bear a higher risk for sleep disordered breathing. It is also a risk factor for attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. “Children should never snore, as this can be a serious concern with health and behavior implications, including facial development dysfunction that can result in high palates, crooked teeth, and speech, breathing and cognitive issues,” Dr. Guarnieri explained. Even appearance can give clues to sleep disturbed breathing, like asymmetrical facial features, poor posture, dry lower lip or dark circles under the eyes. "You can't just use one indicator; you need a whole number of these before you can draw any conclusions, make any connections or offer any suggestions," Guarnieri said. In children, sleep-disturbed breathing can lead to behavioral and development problems, as children receive insufficient
restful sleep and lower oxygen levels as they sleep. Poor oral care can lead to infection throughout the body. This understanding has in recent years become better understood and more widely known. While furthering his training at Kois Center, Guarnieri first learned that certain bacteria in the mouth are highly pathogenic toward cardiovascular issues, arthrosclerosis and many different issues. "I always had a very strong awareness of the effects of infections in the mouth, even dental cavities," he said. “My studies at Kois only further confirmed my beliefs. "Your mouth is part of your whole body and there are certain inflammatory markers we look at to see if someone is being affected," Dr. Guarnieri added. "My training and experience was a good proving ground for diagnosing an issue with my brother-in-law. I noted the systemic links between his oral health and his cardiac issues. In fact, we had done an oral DNA test on my brother-in-law. I sent the results to Brad Bale, MD," Guarnieri said. A preventive cardiologist in Nashville and author of the book, “Beat the Heart Attack Gene,” Dr. Bale had a strong reaction. "After seeing the DNA report, Dr. Bale wrote back and said, 'If this person doesn't have his periodontal disease treated, he would be dead in two years,'" Guarnieri explained. Unfortunately, Dr. Guarnieri's brother-in-law delayed treatment until he felt sick and subsequently required open heart surgery. Dr. Guarnieri said that the same bacteria he had identified in the mouth of his brother-in-law were implicated in the man's cardiac disease. The patient fell into a coma following surgery. Within 18 months of Bale's response, Guarnieri's sister made the difficult decision to remove her husband from life
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • April 2018
support. "He was like a big brother to me," Guarnieri said. "His death made me seek to understand more and more and more. It reinforced my convictions regarding treatment in my office." As a routine part of his office's hygiene protocols, each patient's tooth pocket depth is measured on six sites on each tooth. If there's significant bleeding, bleeding at certain sites, active infection or bone loss, then bacteria testing may be suggested. "It's integrated personalized care," Guarnieri said. ”That’s our approach to patient care.” At first, a patient may wonder why a dentist would suggest the possibility of heart disease, but Guarnieri says most patients heed him because he shares the account of his brother-in-law. "We talk about risk," Guarnieri added. "For one person, they can have many different risk factors and never have a manifestation." Guarnieri encourages anyone concerned about the health implications of oral health to seek the care of a provider who can identify issues of both oral and systemic health. For more information, visit PittsfordDentalExcellence.com
Sam Guarnieri, DDS
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What does dental care mean to you? Dental care is more than caring for your teeth. It’s caring for your oral and overall health. We take a total wellness approach to dental care...evaluating your jaw, your facial structure, your bite, your breathing, your appearance and your quality of life. Comprehensive dental care is important to total wellness. Our focus is the care of you, backed by our advanced dental technology and skills. To learn more about our approach, you’re invited for a consultation.
Sam Guarnieri, DDS
Call today for an appointment
585.248.2575
www.PittsfordDentalExcellence.com April 2018 •
Dr. Sam Guarnieri 55 Sully’s Trail | Pittsford, NY 14534
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Winning The Battle Against Tooth Decay Sam Guarnieri, DDS
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n the battle against tooth decay, the best prevention is preventive care—brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. Detecting early decay and establishing a plan to address the issue is crucial. However, even in the dental chair, sometimes the smallest signs can still go undetected even with x-rays. To win the battle against early tooth decay, Dr. Sam Guarnieri of Pittsford Dental Excellence Center utilizes the latest digital technology designed to help detect and treat cavities early in the game. This technology scans for the presence of cracks and tooth decay before they are large enough to appear on dental x-rays. Then with an intraoral camera, images can be taken and displayed for immediate chair-side review with the patient. By finding
Improving Your Smile with Invisalign® Jeremy Bateman, DDS
tooth decay at its earliest stages, cavities can be treated and healed without drilling and filling. “New technology offers a radical shift from wait-andwatch to a preventive approach in treating tooth decay. It can detect decay on smooth enamel, root surfaces, biting surfaces, between the teeth and around existing fillings. The scan is safe, non-invasive, painless and fast. A scan takes about five seconds,” Dr. Guarnieri offers. “We were one of the first practices in the area to offer this advanced technology and patients have found it helpful. We believe in the importance of proactive detection and treatment of cavities as part of our holistic approach to patient care.” For more information, visit PittsfordDentalExcellence.com
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ave you ever looked in the mirror and wished for straighter teeth? As an adult, there’s never been a better time to get the smile you’ve always wanted and there’s never been a better way to do it. Invisalign® is the most advanced orthodontic system available today with innovations no other clear aligner can claim. And Dr. Jeremy Bateman of Bateman Orthodontics is a top Invisalign provider in Western New York. Invisalign clear aligners are ideal for adults. One of the best things about Invisalign treatment is the minimal impact it has on your everyday life. The clear aligners are virtually invisible and removable making it easy to conceal treatment. You can eat the foods you enjoy and you can brush and floss
normally. Invisalign is also perfect for busy people and full schedules, with appointments about every twelve weeks and treatment complete in as little as a year. It’s never too late to straighten your teeth and you’re never too old. Dr. Bateman adds, “I have patients in every decade of life up to age 83 wearing Invisalign. To speed up the treatment timeline, we also offer AcceleDent in combination with your Invisalign treatment. This orthodontic device is the real deal and takes adult treatment to the next level. It helps to increase comfort— many adults have told me they have no soreness—and reduces treatment time by up to 50%.” For more information, visit BatemanOrthodontics.com
UNBRACE THE TRUTH before making a decision about braces. Talk to Dr. Jeremy Bateman about the benefits of choosing Invisalign® clear aligners and how to cut your treatment time in half.
Jeremy P. Bateman, DMD CALL TODAY! TWO OFFICE LOCATIONS.
BROCKPORT: 585.637.4474 | IRONDEQUOIT: 585.482.1170 www.BatemanOrthodontics.com Page 18
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • April 2018
A top Invisalign® provider in Western NY
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Saving Teeth With Endodontic Treatment Harp Deol, DDS
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here is misconception out there that root canals are painful? The fact is that root canal treatment actually relieves pain caused by a tooth that is severely decayed, infected or fractured. Millions of teeth each year are treated and saved with root canal (endodontic) treatment. Dr. Harp Deol and Dr. Tanjit Taggar of Progressive Endodontics are specialists in saving teeth and solely provide endodontic care using state-of-the-art technology. When a tooth becomes badly diseased or infected, simply removing it can lead to another set of oral health problems altogether. Root canal treatment can save the tooth and, with the latest dental advances available in local anesthetics, most patients have little to no
discomfort with treatment. “If the alternative is just having your tooth extracted with no replacement, then this procedure can definitely save your natural tooth,” adds Dr. Deol. Endodontists are dental specialists with specialized training beyond dental school. With modern technologies and advanced anesthetic techniques, endodontic treatment can often be completed in a single-visit. Progressive Endodontics also offers oral conscious and nitrous oxide sedation to supplement local anesthesia to help patients to feel calm and relaxed in the dental chair— making their visit to the dentist seem like a dream. For more information, visit ProgEndoSpecs.com
Save your teeth. Save your smile. Single-Visit Root Canal Therapy Microsurgical Endodontics
We offer excellence in endodontic care. If you need a root canal, see a root canal specialist.
WWW .P ROG E NDO S PECS . COM
P ITTSFORD 585.248.ENDO
C ANANDAIGUA 585.248.ENDO
Harp Deol, DDS, MMSc
G ENESEO 585.243.1790
Tanjit S. Taggar, DMD, MS
A Healthy Body Starts with Healthy Gums Kenneth Tirone, DDS
Does your
Smile make a
Statement? Not only can your smile radiate warmth and confidence, but a bright smile can make a lasting first impression. A beautiful smile starts with a healthy mouth. Dr. Ken Tirone enjoys blending the art and science of modern dentistry to help people make a statement with their smile.
Schedule a complimentary
smile design consultation. 15 Fishers Rd, Suite 115, Pittsford, NY 14534
CALL TODAY! 585.586.1780 www.drtirone.com April 2018 •
Y
ou eat right. You exercise. You know what it takes to keep your body healthy. But did you know that your oral health could affect your overall health? While bright, white teeth are a sign of a healthy mouth, your gums are important, too. In fact, your gums are a barrier that helps prevent inflammation that may damage your body. When your gums become infected, it is known as periodontal disease (gum disease). Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Additionally, gum disease has been linked to health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and premature births or low-
birth weight babies. With daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings and exams with the dentist, you can keep gum disease at bay and keep your mouth in tip top shape. Dr. Ken Tirone knows that health and beauty go hand in hand. “A healthy, beautiful smile starts with a healthy mouth. A healthy mouth is important to your overall wellness,” adds Dr. Tirone. With preventive, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can have a smile that makes statement and be on your way to better health. For more information, visit DrTirone.com
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper
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Special Advertising Insert
What makes you
Smile?
Dr. Jill Nikas brings more than 20 years of cosmetic and restorative dental experience improving and enhancing smiles. She is dedicated to offering compassionate care using modern dentistry techniques and treatments. Let Dr. Nikas help you achieve a perfect smile with dental care that goes above and beyond expectations. New Patients Welcome. Call today for an appointment!
585.424.5710 JillNikasDDS.com 200 White Spruce Blvd, Suite 128 Rochester, New York 14623
What Makes You Smile? Jill Nikas, DDS
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miling has benefits. According to studies, smiling can help reduce stress and boost the immune system. When you smile, you are viewed as more attractive, reliable, relaxed and sincere. Adults face a variety of changes to their smile, teeth and gums as they age. Teeth can yellow overtime or become stained from foods and beverages you enjoy. Overtime, excess wear and accidents can damage our teeth—all of which can age our appearance dramatically. If you are unhappy with some aspect of your smile, cosmetic dentistry can give you a youthful-looking smile. From subtle changes to major restorations, cosmetic techniques can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth, or brighten your smile. Dr. Jill Nikas has dedicated her
practice to making smiles look their best with the latest techniques and advances in cosmetic dentistry. While a great smile begins with healthy teeth, cosmetic dentistry gives you options to improve, restore and achieve a bright, white smile. “Improving your smile through cosmetic dentistry techniques aims to create a positive change to your teeth, your smile and your selfesteem,” Dr. Nikas explains. “Some methods will give you instant results in one dental appointment, while others may take longer, depending on your individual situation. Our goal is to ensure that your dental experience and the care you receive goes above and beyond expectations,” she adds. For more information, visit JillNikasdds.com
Survey: More Americans Want to Visit the Dentist American Dental Association
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mericans are still not seeing their dentist as much as they would like, according to a survey from Delta Dental Plans Association. For a second year, dentists topped the list of health practitioners Americans want
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to see more often, according to the Adults Oral Health & Well Being Survey. According to the survey, 42 percent of Americans don’t see a dentist as often as they would like, beating out their primary care doctor (29 percent),
dermatologist (23 percent) and the ophthalmologist (17 percent). Meanwhile, 85 percent of Americans believe that oral health is very or extremely important to their overall health, according to a Delta Dental news release. And while they recognize the importance, only a quarter (25 percent) of Americans are extremely satisfied with the health of their mouth, teeth and gums and another 49 percent are somewhat satisfied. Only 15 percent rated their current oral health as excellent. “Recognizing the importance of seeing a dentist is a good start,” said Dr. Bill Kohn, chairman of Delta Dental Plans Association’s Dental Science Committee. “Why not take that next step and make an appointment for a checkup?”
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • April 2018
The Adult’s Oral Health & Well-Being Survey was conducted between Dec. 13-28, 2017 among 1,008 nationally representative Americans over 18. Some other dental visit statistics from the survey: Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed reported they visit the dentist at least one time per year, down from 62 percent in 2016. Fifty-two percent made their most recent appointment for the purpose of having a regular checkup. Seventeen percent made their most recent appointment to have a procedure done. Fifteen percent made their appointment because they were experiencing mouth pain. Source: American Dental Association