We will always be independent

A few weeks ago, I was at a meeting of dentist from the tristate area. We usually meet quarterly, but this was the first meeting since 2019.

I was horrified. Many of my colleagues had sold to corporate entities. Usually at this meeting, we discuss improving clinical outcomes and how to better serve our patients. These guys spoke only about how to meet the production goals that the company had set for them. Most disturbing, many of the dentists did not change the name of the practice and gave their patients no indication that anything had changed. They gave their patients no indication that they are being controlled by a corporation.

Their patients were no longer the focus of their attention, but a means to an end. Their professional lives were now focused on meeting corporate goals and filling their contractual obligations. I am both incensed and disappointed in my colleagues.

We will always be independent. We don’t work towards financial goals, corporate minimums or any other objective. We only work to provide great dentistry for our community and keep the dental health of our community at a high standard. If my name is on the door, I am doing the dentistry and working toward that goal. If my name is on the door, we will never be corporate owned and ALWAYS focused on improving the dental health of our patients.

Tee-shirts

We have been asked many times about our tee-shirts. We use them to convey information, tell stories, and have some fun. Here are a few of our current favorites from over the last few years.
#vaccinated
#essential
#itwasalladream

Our next tee-shirts are up for some debate. #Waynesmile? #Bikesandteeth?

Our infection control procedures have always been robust, but now they are on steroids.

Our infection control procedures have always been robust. You are safe here and will always be safe here.

We use the same Universal Precaution procedures used by hospitals to treat patients with active Covid-19. Universal precautions protects both the patient and the doctor from transferring anything infections in either direction. This requires we wear face-shields, N-95 masks, level 2 masks, Hepa filters and advanced room asepsis. This system was designed to keep people safe in hospital ICU settings and is considered to be overkill in a dental office, but we are following it to the letter to ensure everyone is safe.

In addition, we have 3 levels of hepa filters. One is in the HVAC system, one in-room hepa filter in each room, and an over-the-patient hepa filter to collect any aerosols.

Dentists by nature are type-A, germaphobe, gadget enthusiasts. As a profession, we are hard-wired to work in this new environment. Please feel free to email the office if you have any questions about our procedures.

UPDATE: Care Team Vaccinated!

Welcome back message from Dr. Spina

Please watch this 30 second video of Dr. Spina modeling his PPE and welcoming everyone back to the office!

We are excited to welcome everyone back to the office. You will notice a lot of new changes (equipment, PPE, etc.) but it is the same practice and we will take the same great care of you!

We can’t wait to see everyone back at the office.

Smile

I was out on my bike on Thursday afternoon and a biker came up behind me who was an old friend of my father. Even at 82 years old, he was clearly the better rider.

We spoke for a while about Covid, the challenges of home school, the practice, and the state of the world. He brushed off all of my concerns and said simply ,“You are bigger than Covid. We are bigger than Covid and the world is bigger than Covid.”

As he pulled away because I could not keep up his strong pace, I smiled knowing once again that we would conquer this challenge like all others in the past.

Live strong Marco. May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back. Can’t wait for you to kick my ass on a bike again.

Restoring perfect beauty


When dealing with the most complicated dental problems for the most beautiful patients, only world class dentistry can restore perfect beauty. The best implant surgery. The best cosmetic dentistry. The best implant dentistry. The best and highest quality materials and the most in-depth knowledge must come together to deliver perfection back to beauty.

Only a few practitioners in the world have this depth of knowledge and experience to generate the results that the patient deserves and our community expects. Dr. Spina and his team can restore to perfect beauty.

Mardi Gras 2/25/2020

As many of you know, the only holiday we officially celebrate at the office is Mardi Gras. Come in for an appointment or stop by on Tuesday 2/25 and grab some beads. After work that day, the team and myself will be at Christopher’s in Wayne handing out beads to whoever wants them!

Mardi Gras reminds us that we can take our dentistry very seriously, but not take ourselves too seriously.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Dr. Spina

Benefits of Replacing Teeth with Dental Implants

There are over three million people in the United States that have already replaced their missing teeth with the gold standard in tooth replacement—dental implants. Dental implants can replace any number of teeth and alleviate smile concerns commonly associated with tooth loss, such as an aging appearance. Why Should I Replace My Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth are more than just an aesthetic concern; they also affect lifestyles.

Even just one missing tooth can make it difficult to speak, chew, or eat, and can be a significant source of unease when it comes to feeling confident. It can also lead to further tooth loss as the jaw bone recedes from lack of use. Dental implants can fix these concerns and more with a natural-looking tooth replacement solution that feels and functions just like natural teeth.
Using dental implants to replace missing teeth protects the health of the smile by addressing the problem at its source. Comprising a screw that implants directly into the jaw bone, an abutment, and a natural-looking tooth that attaches above the gum line, dental implants maintain the health and integrity of the smile while renewing its natural beauty. As we bite and chew, the dental implants act as tooth roots, keeping the jaw bone stable and protecting the rest of the smile from further harm.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Traditional solutions like dentures might have stood the test of time, but they have consistently failed to provide the reliable, long-term tooth replacement solution we are all looking for. Dental implants have quickly become the modern solution to replace missing teeth because of their efficiency and reliability. With dental implants, we get:

Long-lasting solution
Natural-looking smile
Healthy jaw bone for a supported smile
Restored natural appearance
No messy or goopy pastes

How Can I Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are ideal for a wide variety of smiles.

Dental Microscopes Save the Unsavable

With the advent of the dental microscope, dentists are now able to save heavily damaged and, in some cases, even terminal teeth. The Terminal Tooth Protocol, or TTP, is a novel method of salvaging previously non-restorable teeth. This technique, based on the innovative work of several European dentists, has changed the practice of restorative dentistry. Relying on advanced dental microscopy, TTP utilizes every micron of healthy tooth to restore teeth and potentially allow the patient continued function.

Teeth that could derive particular benefit from TTP include those that: have had a previous failed crown; have been badly fractured; are located in areas inaccessible by implant. Many patients will do anything possible to avoid having to remove a natural tooth. These patients, or those who are otherwise not candidates for dental implants, should strongly consider TTP as an option. Oftentimes, we bill TTP restorations as long-term temporaries, as they all have a guarded prognosis due to their heavily damaged nature.

Of course, even with TTP, many teeth cannot be saved and dental implants are still recommend. However, as use of this technology becomes more widespread, tooth salvage may become the exception rather than the rule.

Why Should Your Dentist Use a Dental Microscope?

It might seem like an odd idea to use a microscope in dentistry, but dental microscopes have actually revolutionized the field, allowing dentists to provide their patients with more reliable, precise results. A dental microscope is similar to microscopes used by brain and eye surgeons, and it’s a critical piece of technology that can help dentists improve their techniques and utilize other pieces of advanced dental technologies. A dental microscope can also help you achieve the smile results you seek.

What Does a Dental Microscope Do?

No matter what treatment or care your smile requires, your dentist needs the best view they can get. With the use of a dental microscope, they can achieve longer-lasting, higher quality results — so you can wear your smile confidently. The dental microscope magnifies and enhances your dentist’s visualization to allow them to see things they might otherwise miss, providing the opportunity for better treatment plans and, in some cases, the ability to save teeth that might otherwise not have a chance.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Microscope Use?

Saving your smile from tooth loss is just one of the many benefits of using a microscope in dentistry. Especially in cases of aesthetic and restorative dentistry, having access to enhanced visualization helps the dentist see greater detail to evaluate your needs and determine the best treatment plan for optimal results. The alternatives to microscope use are relying on the naked eye or using low-magnification dentistry. These two methods result in far less detail during evaluation, giving the dentist less information to work from and leading to inferior results.

Choose a Dentist Who Uses a Microscope

When you choose to undergo a smile transformation of any kind, you want to feel confident that you’ve made the right decision. This confidence starts with knowing your dentist has access to all the tools and techniques they need to make clear decisions and provide concise reliable results. Dr. Joseph Spina uses a microscope in his practice to take advantage of the benefits of enhanced magnification and to get consistent results for his patients. If you’re ready to see the difference this piece of advanced technology can make for your smile, contact us today.