The Future of Dentistry! An Interview with Dr. Brunacini

Jan 20, 2021

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

 

Behind the PPE – An Interview with Dr. Brunacini

Aug 17, 2020

Safety and infection control has always been a top priority for us in providing you with the highest quality oral health care.  Perhaps you’ve seen our staff wear PPE for certain appointments in the past, but today per the guidance of the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) we now wear them for every appointment.  It’s a change for all of us and does shift the feeling of the environment we create for your care.   A big part of our oral health care practice is to make sure that as our patient you are comfortable, your needs are accommodated, and you feel connected to our compassionate team of professionals.  That can feel harder now that our team is behind layers of equipment, but even if you can’t see our smiles, please know that we are so happy to answer questions and want to do everything we can to help you feel safe and comfortable in our office.  Many of you have questions about our PPE, so we thought we’d give you a peek behind the mask and tell you about the components of our protective equipment and what it’s like for us to wear them.  We spoke with Dr. Brunacini to learn more.

1. What are the elements of the PPEs you and your staff wear?

We have always practiced “universal precautions” in the clinical areas which include gloves, surgical masks, and safety glasses. Now, because of the nature of dentistry and how coronavirus is spread, we have taken additional precautions to manage what is called the “droplet precautions.” These additional precautions include surgical caps to cover our hair, N95 masks, face shields, shoe covers to protect our shoes, and washable full gowns. We are basically covered head-to-toe!  There are even plexiglass barriers installed at the front desk for safety.  

2. How does wearing the PPE affect your job?

Of course, wearing many layers of PPE can get pretty hot, so the A/C is running colder than before.  Also, I find the need to change gowns for each appointment slows me down in checking patients throughout the day.  The biggest challenge is maintaining the relationship aspect with our patients.  Feeling buried in PPE can create a challenge for us to help our patients feel comfortable and trusting, especially when we are meeting someone for the first time.  Patient comfort is one of our top priorities, so we are all doing our best to find ways to communicate our compassion.

3. I hear there is a shortage of PPEs in our country, is FDA concerned?

During the closure, it was very difficult to obtain PPE through the normal supply chains.  There were some days that I simply searched for ways to obtain the PPE, and didn’t know when it would even arrive as a lot of PPE was backordered.  It does seem that the PPE production backlog has improved slightly, which is allowing us to get the necessary PPE.  

4. What do I need to do to help protect you and your staff during my appointment?

We are requiring all patients to arrive wearing masks until they are escorted into the dental room.  We are also asking everyone to be patient and understanding of the screening questions that we must do prior to their appointments.  It may be repetitive, but it is prudent to do in order to keep people safe. We are grateful to have our wonderful family of patients to care for, and really appreciate everyone doing their part to keep our office safe for everyone.

Thank you, Dr. Brunacini!

From our FDA family to you and your family: thank you for being our patient…we’re in this together!  We’re happy we can continue to safely provide you with the highest quality oral health care.  If you have any questions about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice, please visit our COVID protocol page or give us a call at 207.781.5900.  If you are overdue for your appointment, rest assured we will be in touch as soon as we catch up on our backlog; we appreciate your patience!  We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!