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INVISALIGN: Utilizing technology for customized treatment, D2 CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY: Dental implants, D2 HAMPTON BEACH: the summer isn’t over yet, D5
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
For years hearing the words,
“You need a root canal” would make even the bravest of souls quiver.
By Keith O’Connor
technology and treatment such as microscopic visualiza“Patients ask us, ‘Is it going tion, microsurgical instruto hurt?’ We always tell them mentation, advanced matethat we are going to get them rials and medicaments, and very numb and expect them three-dimensional imaging to feel nothing but vibration help to provide better, longand pressure during their term outcomes and result in root canal. We actually have some patient equating a root patients falling asleep in the canal as no worse than having chair every day, which says a a tooth filled. lot as to how comfortable and Yet some surveys report at ease they become,” said Dr. Americans, many who have Elizabeth Shin Perry of Perry never had a root canal or Endodontics, who established underwent the procedure her practice in 1995 in Westmany years ago, still say that field. fear of pain most concerns “They often ask us afterthem about having root canal wards, ‘Is it done? That was treatment. it?’ Patients often come in So, why do root canals still with notions in their head get a “bad rap” from those based on what they have facing them? heard about root canals and “We deal with patients who what is going to happen. Many are often in a lot of pain, who are in tears beforehand and maybe have been up for two very anxious. Afterwards it is nights in a row in pain, who nice to see them smiling and telling us, ‘That isn’t what I expected at all,’” she added. In simple terms, root canal therapy is all about the “pulp.” It is performed to repair and ultimately save a badly damaged or infected tooth. A root canal eliminates bacteria from the infected root canal, preventing infection and saving the natural tooth. During the procedure, which lasts for about an hour, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, patients are referred back to their dentist to place a permanent filling or crown on their tooth for protection. The placement of a crown protects the biting surfaces of the tooth from fracture and the permanent filling or crown protects the inside of the tooth from bacteria and re-infection. Undergoing the procedure haven’t slept, and who can’t today is “not your father’s touch their teeth together root canal” to quote a popular because they are in so much idiom. According to the Amer- pain. So, it is often hard for ican Association of Endodon- them to differentiate the pain tists (AAE), a survey of people they came in with from the who have recently undergone procedure, which is relatively root canal treatment describe painless today,” said Dr. Ivy the process as “painless” six Pruitt Ahluwalia of Perry times more often than those Endodontic. who have never experienced “At one time, anesthetic it. They also report a 95 pertechniques were not as adcent success rate for the more vanced as they are now. So, if than 25 million root canals a patient wasn’t fully anesperformed each year. thetized, then they remember the experience as painful and Modern advancements in Special to The Republican
difficult. Also, if a root canal wasn’t done properly the first time around, it can leave the patient with ongoing issues and a bad perception of the procedure,” said Dr. Perry. Yet, there is still another reason why people fear root canals – misinformation they may have found on the Internet or elsewhere. “This misinformation is based on an old theory from the early 1900s called the ‘focal infection theory,’ which spread the belief that infections in the oral cavity would spread throughout the entire body and cause other health issues,” said Dr. Perry about those who felt it was best to extract the tooth. “Through research today we know that the focal infection theory is not valid. When someone has a dental
view of the delicate root canal anatomy. The additional magnification and illumination also allows for the identification of small details such as calcified canals and fractures within the roots. Use of the surgical microscope allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment and improves the potential outcome of the treatment from good to excellent. “In our practice, we use the surgical microscope on every procedure from start to finish,” Dr. Perry said. The use of the surgical microscope along with all of the other advances in endodontics allows them to complete root canal therapy in a shorter amount of time, and many treatments are completed in one visit. Together with digital radiography,
present inside the tooth. Effective eradication of these bacterial species, after one endodontic visit, is well-documented in the research.” added Dr. Pruitt Ahluwalia. The introduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) over the past 15 years has further added to an endodontist’s ability to diagnose, evaluate, treat and care for patients undergoing root canal therapy or other endodontic procedures. During a CBCT scan, the machine rotates around the patient, capturing images using a cone-shaped X-ray beam. The images are then used to construct a 3-D representation of the patient’s teeth, mouth and jaw. “This innovative imaging technique allows us to see cracks or fractures in a tooth, evaluate the teeth after a
are able to practice. We are able to predict and treat more complex situations. Even if we are in the middle of treatment and we come upon something unusual, we are able to see three-dimensionally what is happening with that tooth. So, CBCT has been really important for us to increase our success rates by helping us to predict the prognosis and to determine teeth that are treatable and which we will need to recommend other treatments,” Dr. Perry added. While it may be tempting for someone in pain to tell their dentist to “pull the tooth and get it over with,” she stressed the importance of saving your teeth. “There is nothing as good as our own parts. Research has shown that our dental health – the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth we have – is intimately connected to our overall medical health. So, by saving Dr. Elizabeth Shin Perry and the tooth, we are saving its Dr. Ivy Pruitt Ahluwalia with the surgical aesthetics and function, but operating microscope and 3D Imaging also saving a person from a on the computer screen. prolonged journey of ex(HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN) traction and replacement of the tooth. Although replacing a tooth with a dental implant is a very valuable procedure when needed, it is not a substitute for saving one’s own natural tooth. A recent study published in the Journal of Endodontics has shown that an extraction followed by an implant takes more than twice as much time waiting for the implant to become functional (13.5 months) versus root canal therapy followed by a filling or crown (4.8 months),” Dr. Perry said. Just as a primary care doctor may refer a patient to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a dermatologist, a dentist may refer a patient infection, the body localizes three-dimensional imaging, traumatic injury, as well as needing a root canal to an it and keeps the infection well electronic apex locators, adanomalies such as a person endodontist. contained so as to not cause vanced instrumentation and having five canals instead of Endodontists are dental disease in other parts of the medicaments, they are using the normal three or four, and body,” she added. make it possible to complete to determine early on, before specialists in treating tooth pain and performing root One of the big differences in treatment in a shorter amount we even open up the tooth, root canals from then to now of time. as to whether we can save the canal treatment. Beyond is that many endodontists “The research behind the tooth or it needs to be extract- dental school, they have perform everything under the protocols in the treatment ed,” Dr. Pruitt Ahluwalia said, completed two to three years of advanced training focusing surgical microscope. we are providing allows us to further noting a CBCT is not on diagnosing tooth pain and The use of surgical microeradicate the bacteria in the taken on every patient and performing root canals and scopes in endodontics greatly tooth safely and effectively,” only when extra information enhances the precision and Dr. Perry said. is necessary for accurate diag- other procedures relating to efficiency of each endodon“Advances in laboratory nosis or successful treatment. the interior of the tooth as the word “endo” describes. tic procedure by enabling a research have expanded the “CBCT has really changed magnified and illuminated ways we can detect bacteria the way we as endodontists SEE ROOT CANAL, PAGE D4
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D2 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2019
Cutting edge
technology
New care in dental implants Is there such a thing as a cal procedure so in the true non-surgical dental imsense of the word we do not plant placement? The short yet have a “non-surgical” answer is NO. However, approach to dental implant changes are coming quickly, placement. However, the and Dr. Kevin Coughlin of DIO Navi does not require Ascent Dental Care and his surgical flaps in order to team are excited to be able access the bone to place to offer new treatments your dental implant. It’s a using cutting edge technolsimple and almost pain-free ogies. process. DIO Navi is a new dental First a painless, radiaimplant system that martion-free CEREC scan is ries the latest technology taken intra orally. This scan and most advanced suris a 3D image of the inside gery resulting in dental of your mouth that only implant placement in a takes between two and three quick and almost pain-free minutes. Next, a CBCT scan appointment. That means is taken intra orally, which is no incision and no stitches, also painless and takes only allowing patients to heal more quickly. “We believe that not all dental implants are created equally, and our goal is to identify the most effective dental implant system that also meets each individual patient’s clinical and aesthetic demands,” says Dr. Kevin Coughlin of Ascent Dental Care. He received training in the surgical placement and restorations of dental Dr. Kevin Coughlin and ADC dental hygienist Erin working with a patient implants at Harvard (SUBMITTED PHOTO) School of Dental Medicine continuing education two-year pro24 seconds. Third, with the gram, The Brookdale Medimagic of computer techcal Center in NY, and holds nology, the two images are a fellowship in the American merged, and a surgical guide Academy of Implant Denis milled providing the exact tistry. Dr. Coughlin has been location and the exact posiplacing and restoring dental tion of your dental implant. implants since 1983. This surgical guide fits in Whenever tissue or bone your mouth and allows your is cut, technically that would dentist to precisely place mean you have had a surgithe correct dental implant to coincide with your dental needs. The incision is usually less than 4mm, there is almost no bleeding or pain
and it’s very similar to an arthroscopic surgical procedure where a small hole is made as compared to a large surgical flap. In most cases the dental implant is placed, the dental abutment is placed, and temporary tooth is placed in less than 20 minutes. “Our patients have experienced little to no pain or discomfort during this new process in dental implant placements. We are committed to keeping up with the newest technologies and individual treatment options to bring better care to our patients,” says Dr. Coughlin. After the patient returns home, we follow up to learn how they are feeling and ensure they are healing properly and whether follow up care is needed. Good oral health is so important to overall health and includes good home care, as well as regular dental visits for preventative care. When a patient requires more advanced treatment, the goal is to restore the function and integrity of the tooth structure and maintain a healthy and natural appearance. Cutting edge technologies combined with experienced care can help patients realize their best healthy smile. The goal for each patient is to provide better care and better service for better results. To learn more about Dr. Kevin Coughlin and Ascent Dental Care or schedule an appointment in one of their 3 state-ofthe-art offices visit www. ascentdentalcare.com or call 413-224-1493.
Kevin Coughlin, DMD, MBA, MAGD, LE
has been practicing dentistry in the Springfield area since 1983 and opened Ascent Dental Care in 2018. Dr. Coughlin received his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, his bachelor’s degree from Springfield College and holds an MBA from Western New England University. Dr. Coughlin is the sole owner of ADC. He is currently on staff at Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center.
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Dr. Janice Yanni with YFO patient Addy discussing her customized treatment plan. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)
Invisalign
®
utilizing technology for customized treatment Dr. Janice Yanni with YFO patient Addy discussing her customized treatment plan. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)
By Allison Litera
diagnosis from a licensed orthodontist who can routinely With the introduction of monitor and modify their do-it-yourself (aka “Direct treatment to finish with that to Consumer”) orthodontic desired, beautiful smile. treatment, many people Invisalign offers clear, might leap at the opportunity removable aligners that to straighten their teeth at should be worn 24/7. Patients home without the “hassle” should remove the aligners of visiting an orthodontist. to eat and brush/floss their Some might do this because teeth. Dr. Janice Yanni was they don’t see a dental trained on Invisalign since professional regularly, are its inception in 1997 and she afraid to see an orthodontist, currently is a Platinum prowant a quick fix, or believe it vider achieving exceptional is less expensive. Essentially, results with Invisalign on with a mail-order service, nearly 1,000 patients. Using you are embarking on “DIY powerful technology and orthodontics.” Would you patient-centered care, the try to mend a broken bone or aligners are created to preperform a medical procedure cisely match a patients’ teeth before consulting a trained and gum line for ultimate medical professional? comfort. For adults, having “Direct to Consumer” Invisalign as a teeth-straightaligners are not fabricated ening option is a revolution. with the scientific research Patients are able to maintain that professional companies their smile without having such as Invisalign® have to worry about the slightly developed over the last 25+ unattractive look of wires and years. This DIY concept has metal fixtures. With nearly tried to shift society towards 35% adult patients, the mabecoming a consumer rather jority of them are choosing than a patient. With a single Invisalign as their preferred in-office initial consultation, treatment option. “Express” Dr. Janice Yanni will provide versions of Invisalign are also an accurate orthodontic offered for minor treatment diagnosis and several custo “fix that one tooth” or to tomized, safe treatment plans address slight shifting of their – a desired, ideal outcome teeth, which happens frewith function and aesthetics quently in early adulthood. equally in mind. Recent advances in Invisalign “With just four visits a technology have allowed year, we can ensure that we early treatment options and are safely moving your teeth procedures that were once to their ideal position with thought to be corrected by high quality and predictable surgical treatment only. aligners,” she says. With The iTero Intraoral Scanner Invisalign, patients are is used to easily fit patients investing in a medical/dental for Invisalign aligners, eliminating the need for goopy impressions. Dr. Yanni uses the scanner wand to digitally map a patient’s teeth in about three minutes, taking over 5,000 images per second with quick pulsating lights. Dr. Yanni also utilizes Special to The Republican
Invisalign® SmileView™, which provides patients with a virtual smile in seconds. “Being able to visualize a ‘new smile in seconds’ with this technology is game-changing,” she explains. “Patients see results with a ‘selfie’ filter, similar to those on Snapchat or Instagram. Teens and adults are coming into my office showing me what they want to achieve. I love the engagement and team approach it is creating.” She enjoys using these technologies to deliver the most custom care that a patient can hope for. Some facts about her inoffice technology: • No need for messy impressions! • Invisalign shortens appointment times by 22%. • Itero scanner uses powder-free, clean scanning for maximum patient comfort. • Itero scanner ensures precisely fitting trays within additional appointments. • Patients love that the iTero scanner provides a preview of how their teeth will look after treatment with Invisalign before treatment even starts. • Smile simulation provides real-time, high-impact visualizations. “My goal is to educate the patients and parents of the benefits of orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Yanni. “And with these technologies available at our offices, we can do just that.” To learn more about Yanni Orthodontics, please call 413-739-4400 or visit yfosmile.com
Janice Yanni, DDS
received her undergraduate degree from Miami University of Ohio and her dental degree from Case Western Reserve. She completed her postdoctoral work at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Yanni is the owner of Yanni Family Orthodontics, which she established in 2002. Dentistry runs in Dr. Yanni’s family – both her sister and brother are dentists!
Platinum Provider
Join us Oct 5th at our CROCTOBER Open House for your FREE pair of Crocs
Better Care. Better Service. Better Results. East Longmeadow East Longmeadow Longmeadow 250 N. Main St. 294 N. Main St. 66 Dwight Road (413) 224-1493 (413) 525-9500 (413) 567-9600 Owned and operated by Kevin Coughlin, DMD, MBA, MAGD, LE
yanni family orthodontics yfosmile.com • 413-739-4400
66 Dwight Road, Longmeadow • 180 Westfield Street, West Springfield • 642 Tolland Stage Rd, Tolland, CT
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2019 | D3
THE BIG E’S OPENING DAY HONORS ACTIVE MILITARY AND VETERAN PERSONNEL
The Big E’s Opening Day Honors Active Military and Veteran Personnel The largest veteran outreach event in our region is less than a month away.
Save Your Teeth! Custom Sports Guard
Pick your team color Ready in only 1 week
Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019 – Veteran Appreciation Day at the 3 County Fair, America’s longest running continuous agricultural fair. 54 Fair Street, Northampton. General admission is free for all veterans with valid ID. 3countyfair.com
Friday, Sept. 13, 2019 – Military Appreciation Day at The Big E, Eastern States Exposi-
tion, 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield. Free admission for active-duty military members, retired military members, dependents of active-duty military personnel and veterans with veteran or military ID. Thebige.com
Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 – Western Massachusetts Stand Down at the Greek Cultural
Center, 22 St. George Road, Springfield. Free event from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for veterans and their family members with information and services. Bilingualvets.org
Saturday, October 5, 2019 -- The 2019 Veterans Picnic in the Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at
Spec Pond Recreation Area, Boston Road, Wilbraham. An annual early autumn tradition, the Western Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association hosts this day of celebration and education. Vetspip.org
N EE IO FR ISS M
OAKDALE DENTAL ASSOCIATES, P.C.
UPCOMING VETERAN EVENTS
AD
· Award-winning military photographer and disabled combat veteran, Stacy Pearsall, will take free portraits of veterans as part of her national touring Veterans Portrait Project; · More than a dozen state and community partners, to include the state Department of Veterans’ Services and the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, will be available to speak with Military Appreciation Day, veterans at the Massachusetts presented by the VA New State Building at a “Veterans England Healthcare System, is Commons” area; The Big E’s way of showing · Free Veteran commemoraappreciation to all of those tive T-shirts and a chance for who have served or currently military members and veterserve in the United States ans to win in several military Armed Forces. appreciation day contests to On September 13, the Fair’s include tickets to a regular opening day, free admission season New England Patriots is provided, with veteran or home game and for upcoming military ID, to: events at the Storrowtown · Active duty and retired Village at Eastern States military personnel Exposition; · Dependents of active duty · The Rock 102 Road Crew military personnel will be set up with VA from 11 · Veterans (no dependents) a.m. to 1 p.m. with chances to Acceptable forms of ID We bring the entire win additional prizes; include a copy of DD214, a · Bruce Marshall from VA system to the U.S. Department of Veterans Valley’s Classic Hits will be Avenue of States Affairs photo ID, or proof of broadcasting live from the VA membership to any veterans’ outreach area. at The Big E, and organization. The VA New England it’s a fantastic way Healthcare The U.S. Department of System is one for the community of 21 Veterans Integrated Veterans Affairs has been represented at Military AppreciService Networks (VISNs) and to extend its ation Day for the past seven comprised of eight medical appreciation to our is years at the Exposition. centers accredited by Joint region’s veterans.” Commission located throughVA representatives from all across New England will be out the six New England stationed along the Avenue states. For more information Military Appreciation Day of States from 8 a.m. to 4:30 on VA healthcare in New Enp.m. to answer questions and highlights planned for this gland, call 1-844-VA-CARES year’s Fair include: provide information on both or go to www.newengland. · 70-plus VA personnel from va.gov/outreach national and state veteran resources. They will also help throughout New England Opening day is also “Be a conducting outreach and asveterans enroll in VA health Kid for a Day. All guests pay care or assist veterans with fil- sisting veterans connect with $10 for admission tickets at their benefits, representing ing a claim for a service-conthe gate. Tickets can also be every major program, includ- purchased online or at all Big nected disability. Veterans are encouraged to stop by and ing the regional Mobile Vet Y® World Class Markets® Aug. Center from West Springfield; 24-Sept. 13. bring a copy of their DD214, · Pharmacists from a local “Certificate of Release or The Big E takes place Sept. Discharge from Active Duty,” Walgreens will be on-site with 14 – 30 in West Springfield, VA medical staff to administo help VA representatives Mass. and will be jam-packed ter vaccines and answer ques- with food, entertainment, determine eligibility for VA tions about immunizations; benefits. and more. VA officials have indicated that this is the largest VA outreach event for veterans in the nation. At the 2018 Military Appreciation Day, VA estimates more than 3,500 veterans visited the VA outreach area and more than 500 veterans received assistance with veteran benefits or services. “The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs greatly appreciates the partnership we have with The Big E,” said John Paradis, an outreach specialist with the VA New England Healthcare System and project officer for Military Appreciation Day. “Eastern States Exposition has done a superb job each year to ensure we meet with as many veterans as possible in one day. The number of programs and services we offer has grown over the years to become the largest event of its kind in the nation.
SAVE Big E’s Military Appreciation Day THE Friday, September 13, 2019 DATE All Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces enter free! VISIT THE VETERANS’ OUTREACH AREA ALONG THE AVENUE OF STATES FROM 8:00AM THROUGH 4:30PM • Learn about VA Benefits • Free Veteran Portraits with Veterans Portrait Project • Flu shots provided by Walgreens for veterans • Free t-shirts and giveaways (while supplies last) • Free contests for Patriots Tickets and more!
“THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE” * VA’s Military Appreciation Day contests are open to all Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces only. Please provide a form of ID displaying Veteran or Service Member status. See VA staff at location on the Avenue of States for more details.
Please call for appointment Manohar Lalchandani D.D.S., MAGD 536-1782 • www.oakdaledental.com 1820 Northampton Street, Holyoke
For more information, visit: www.newengland.va.gov/events
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D4 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2019
Root canal
Losing Weight for
CONTINUED FROM PAGE D1
Better Health
Millions of Americans struggle mightily to lose weight and keep it off. Anne Scibelli knows about this chronic struggle. A feisty 60-year-old grandmother, she found herself so overweight that she was unable to pick up her youngest granddaughter and could barely walk down a hallway. Weighing 216 pounds at 5’1” tall, she was suffering from heart failure and had undergone a heartvalve replacement due to a childhood bout of rheumatic fever. Besides that, she also had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and used several inhalers to help her breathe. “I had weighed around 120 pounds all my life until I developed heart disease,” says Anne. “When my doctor told me at a recent visit that my life span would be shortened because of my weight, I thought: Well, if my time is going to be reduced, at least I’m going to try to improve the quality of it.” That’s when she heard about Dr. Ursula McMillian, a board-certified surgeon who specializes in bariatric and general surgery at the Weight Management Program at Holyoke Medical Center (HMC). The Program stresses individualized plans and a multidisciplinary approach, along with frequent communication before and after surgery and extensive guidance and training in nutrition and exercise.
Dr. McMillian, and the entire team at HMC Weight Management Program, pro-
SURGERY BRINGS BENEFITS After an extensive evaluation, Anne became Dr. McMillian’s surgical patient at HMC, undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy. In this procedure, approximately 75 percent of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow gastric tube or “sleeve.” The
surgery substantially reduces the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. The minimal surgical time of one to two hours is an important consideration for patients like Anne who are suffering from heart or lung disease. “It was a laparoscopic surgery,” says Anne, “with five small probes, and that’s it. When I went in, I was 193 pounds—now I’m 157.” Dr. McMillian encouraged Anne to attend support classes both before and after her surgery. “It was the best experience I’ve ever had,” says Anne. “All of Dr. McMillian’s colleagues were awesome.” In addition to shedding pounds after surgery, most patients find that the impact of obesity-related illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea, is either resolved or reduced. Anne was no exception: Her cardiologist reduced her heart medication after surgery and discontinued one of her inhalers. And then there were the boosts in energy levels and self-esteem. “The difference in the way I look is unbelievable,” says Anne. “I have a neck now. Before it went directly into my shoulders. And a month after surgery, I went disco dancing—I hadn’t been able to dance in years. I love Dr. McMillian. I’d never go to anyone else.” The Holyoke Medical Center Weight Management Program is accepting new patients. To learn more or attend an upcoming information session, call 413.535.4757.
Less than three percent of dentists are endodontists, according to the AAE. Drs. Perry and Pruitt Ahluwalia are the only board certified endodontists practicing in the Pioneer Valley. “All endodontists are dentists. But not all dentists are endodontists,” Dr. Perry said. “Everything we do involves the root, but not all procedures are root canals,” she added. Root canal therapy can be performed by both a general dentist and an endodontist. When deciding who should perform your root canal, the same considerations apply as if you were selecting a surgeon to operate on a hernia or your heart. Important considerations include how often your doctor performs a particular surgery and their success rates. According to the AAE, the most common procedure done by endodontists is a root canal, which they perform an average of 25 times per week, while a general dentist may only do two or less a week. AAE research shows that dentists refer an average of 43 percent of root canal patients to an endodontist. Other endodontic treatments include retreatment of root canals, endodontic microsurgery, and treatment of traumatic dental injuries. Retreatment is a pro-
Top: Dr. Ivy Pruitt Ahluwalia of Perry Endodontics in Westfield. Above: The Cone Beam Computed Tomography “CBCT” machine at Perry Endodontics in Westfield. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)
cedure done to redo a root canal that has already been completed and that may have healed improperly becoming painful or diseased months or years after treatment. End-
Creating healthy & beautiful smiles for the entire family • Cosmetic Services • Dental Implants • Digital X-rays & Records • Dentures & Bridges • Endodontics • Same Day Crowns • Surgical Procedures • Quality Dental Membership Plan • Young Explorer’s Club Emergency & Evening Appointments
123 Dwight Road, Longmeadow 413-567-1221 • flagshipdental.com
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CUSTOMIZED CARE
- Anne Scibelli
vides personal, individualized care. “I’m very invested in my patients and passionate about my work,” she says. “I want to find ways to help them succeed. If one diet or method doesn’t work, I customize another method that’s a better fit.” HMC offers non-surgical weight-loss programs as well as all widely accepted surgical procedures, including laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The majority of patients require only a oneday stay in the hospital after surgery, one of the lowest rates in the country. One reason Dr. McMillian is so empathetic about her patients’ weight-loss struggles is that she has undergone the hard work of maintaining her own weight. “I’ve had my own challenges with weight throughout my life, so I understand what my patients are going through.” Dr. McMillian and Anne were the perfect match of dedicated doctor and committed patient. Anne says she immediately connected with Dr. McMillian’s optimism and charisma. “I could tell she loves what she does, and that’s what drew me in.” For her part, Dr. McMillian found Anne to be a dedicated and excited patient. “She had such a great outlook and the motivation to succeed. That makes all the difference.” At her first visit, when Dr. McMillian asked Anne what she was willing to do, without hesitation Anne replied, “Anything you tell me.”
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Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Available to all in the Pioneer Valley
• Treatment for depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, and other mood problems • Psychiatric evaluations and medication services, as needed • Immediate openings available - no waiting • Mass-Health and private insurances accepted Call for an immediate appointment at a convenient location near you:
Lose Weight. Live Better.
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Agawam 786-6410 Holyoke 536-5473 Springfield 733-1423 Ware 967-6241 Westfield 568-1421
- Dr. Ursula McMillian
Crisis Services available 24 hours, 7 days a week: 413-733-6661 | bhninc.org
Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Services
800-990-7642
Call the Weight Management Program at (413) 535-4757.
With our medical help, you can reach, and maintain, your healthiest body weight. 3115722-01
Our team of experts has the experience and technology to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Equally important, we are committed to helping you keep the weight off — for life. Call the Weight Management Program at (413) 535-4757.
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www.overlook-mass.org Sponsored by the Masonic Health System of Massachusetts
odontic microsurgery is performed if there is a continued infection in the tooth due to certain types of bacteria or if the size of the infection to begin with was more than the body could resolve on its own with just the removal of the source of infection inside the tooth. Traumatic dental injuries often occur as a result of an accident or sports injury, baseball being the biggest sport resulting in dental injuries. These injuries can include chipped teeth to the more serious dislodging of a tooth or having it completely knocked out. “We can re-implant and do a root canal on a tooth that has been knocked out and save it for a lifetime for that patient,” Dr. Perry said. “We encourage the use of protective mouthguards while participating in any contact sport,” added Dr. Pruitt Ahluwalia Cracked teeth are also a big problem these days with so many stressed people clenching or grinding their teeth, noted Dr. Perry. “Diagnosing a cracked tooth is one of the things endodontists do every day. If the crack enters into the root canal or pulp space, it can cause a patient varying degrees of discomfort due to bacteria entering into the root through the crack. So, a dentist may refer a patient to an endodontist to identify where the crack is, if it has entered into the canal space, and to see if it can be saved with root canal therapy,” Dr. Perry said. Among the future trends in endodontics are regenerative endodontic procedures. According to the AAE, regenerative endodontics is “one of the most exciting developments in dentistry today and endodontists are at the forefront of this cutting-edge research.” Regenerative endodontics uses the concept of tissue engineering to restore the root canals to a healthy state, allowing for regeneration of the dental pulp and continued development of the root and surrounding tissue. Through regenerative therapy, endodontists can facilitate root development in previously immature teeth with necrotic pulps. This is a significant benefit over conventional root canal treatment and especially valuable for young patients, as teeth preservation is critical to their skeletal and dental development. “We have been doing procedures in our office to successfully regenerate the pulp within the teeth of our young patients for over ten years with great success. There are a lot of exciting advances in the way we are treating these young people,” Dr. Perry said.