The Future of Dentistry! An Interview with Dr. Brunacini

As we begin a new year, one cannot help but think about the future.  What lies ahead?  How will things change?  How will our lives improve?  When it comes to oral health care, there are a lot of interesting developments in the works and on the horizon.  To gain a better understanding of what the future may hold for dentistry, we spoke with Dr. Brunacini.  

1.When you think of the future of dentistry, what is most inspiring to you?

Itero Element 2 Digital Scanner

Dr. Brunacin:  The digital workflow in dentistry will be a significant gamechanger.  By using a digital scanner (pictured, right) instead of traditional impressions, we can achieve better fitting crowns and dentures in a much more efficient and comfortable manner.  Digital scanners are a wand-like device that allow us to capture a 3D image of a patient’s mouth. 

We can now begin planning oral rehabilitations digitally before performing any surgeries as well.  This helps us better anticipate any challenges that may arise and creates improved predictability, which also helps us achieve one of our top priorities:  a much better patient experience!

Also, replacing teeth with dental implants will continue to increase in prevalence because they combine both great esthetics and function for the patient.  There are so many advances  to look forward to in dentistry!

2. Have there been any takeaways from the COVID-19 pandemic that you think will impact the future of oral health care?

Dr. Brunacini: During the pandemic, I’ve been struck by the power that stress has on our bodies.  The increase in stress and anxiety that we all feel has correlated to a significant increase in TMJ symptoms and broken teeth.  Of course, we need to treat teeth with cavities due to decay, but broken teeth due to bruxism (grinding/clenching) is new to a lot of people and really can do significant damage to the teeth and gums over time.  As we’ve discussed before, it will continue to be important for patients to consider their whole body health as part of their oral health.  It’s all connected…when you’re stressed, it shows in your mouth.   

3. Integrative Dentistry is an important part of the oral health care philosophy at FDA.  How do you see that evolving in the years to come?

Dr. Brunacini:  Integrative Dentistry is a care philosophy that views the oral cavity – mouth, teeth, and gums – as another system in the human body that requires a whole body approach when thinking about care.  I’m looking forward to the continued increase in collaboration between medicine and dental care.  For so many years, dental care has always been separate from the medical model.  Over time, I expect more connections between oral health and overall health to increase, which will create more motivation for both the patient and provider to improve oral health.  

4. Technology is advancing all the time.  What are some of the exciting technological advances taking place in oral health care?  

Dr. Brunacini: As I’ve mentioned before, the digital workflow using digital scanners and 3-D printers will continue to improve in quality; therefore, it will soon become the preferred way to fabricate crowns and dentures.  This will create a more efficient and more effective treatment for the patient, which is really sensational!  

5. What’s one thing patients can do to improve the future of their oral health?

Dr. Brunacini:  Proper homecare and diet continue to be the best way to improve oral health.  I tell patients repeatedly that the best dentistry is no dentistry.  If a patient can maintain proper oral hygiene plus a healthy diet to minimize decay risk, then a majority of dental problems can be prevented.  So keep brushing, flossing, and eating healthy!

 

Thank you, Dr. Brunacini!

Your teeth have a lot to look forward to in the future!  As Dr. Brunacini recommends, keep those teeth healthy and happy by following a proper home care regimen: brush twice-a-day, floss daily, and come in for your regular check ups!  And don’t forget to eat well and find ways to reduce stress in your life, too.  If you have any questions about your oral health care, or need to schedule an appointment, call us today at 207.781.5900.

 

*Scanner image courtesy of www.itero.com

 

Welcoming Wellness: 3 Ways to Begin Practicing More Holistic Oral Healthcare

The start of a new year is a great time to incorporate healthy new habits into your routine…hello new year’s resolutions!  This year, we want to encourage you to take a holistic approach to your oral health.  Yes, we still would love if you started flossing every day, but we also want you to think bigger.  That means going beyond the toothbrush and thinking about how your mouth is connected to the rest of your body.  From your mind to your stomach, how you treat yourself impacts the health of your teeth and mouth.  Chances are, you’ve heard Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos talk about this oral health care philosophy before, or read about holistic oral health care on our blog.  But it is a message worth repeating!  We thought it would be useful to share 3 tips to help you begin practicing more holistic oral health care in 2021.

1. Meditate

More and more, we see signs of stress are showing up in dental exams.  Not only does stress increase the likelihood of clenching or grinding teeth, but it can also cause dry mouth, a neglect of oral hygiene, and decreased immune function.   While we can help address the symptoms that arise with these issues, it is just as important to think about the root cause and find ways to lower your stress levels.  One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is to meditate.  Meditation not only helps reduce stress, but it also improves your oral health by boosting your immune system, reducing chronic inflammation, and increasing saliva production.  There are loads of resources out there to help you get started and please feel free to ask our team of compassionate care providers to recommend an app or breathing technique at your next appointment.  We are here to support you!  So breathe in…and breathe out for a healthier mind and a healthier mouth.  

2. Eat Your Greens

Perhaps eating more vegetables was already on your list of new year’s resolutions, which is great!  Eating a healthy diet is not only good for your body, it’s good for your mouth too.  In particular, leafy greens like kale and spinach pack a real punch!  These superfoods are full of calcium which support teeth enamel, and folic acid which may help treat periodontal disease.  We love to recipe share, and there are plenty of tasty options like blueberry-spinach smoothies and kale pesto that will make incorporating more greens into your diet a cinch!

3. Turn to Tea

Fancy a cup of tea?  Go for the green!  Dating back some 4,000 years as a popular and medicinal beverage enjoyed in China and Japan, recent studies have shown that green tea protects against cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.  The tasty beverage is full of antioxidants and compounds called polyphenols, which help reduce bacteria and promote the health of gums.  Studies have also shown a decreased risk of oral cancer in green-tea drinkers, another important reason to incorporate a cup into your day.  It’s important to remember that sweeteners can still erode your teeth, so for the best health benefits skip the sugar and honey.

 

While these tips are a great way to more holistically support your oral health, they are no replacement for the tried-and-true routine of brushing twice-a-day, flossing daily, and coming to see us for regular check ups.  If you have questions about how you can incorporate more holistic health habits into your oral health care routine, please let us know!  We are your partner in your oral health care and want to support you.  Call our office at 207.781.5900.