The Contour of Luxury Spring/Summer 2018 | Page 114

Alexis Day Alexis Day Your Care Philosophy and Practice is centered on saving the natural dentition is health, comfort, and esthetics wherever possible. Can you tell us more about why this is your practice’s philosophy? What is your take on “quick fix” technology and pharmacotherapeutics as a routine treatment for periodontal diseases? Dr. Drury As I have mentioned, they have limited benefit in treating periodontitis, which is a chronic inflammatory disease with a serious systemic component. At this point in time there is no cure, but we can arrest and control it with proper long term therapy. Yes, quite simply your own teeth are your best implants. If they along with their supporting structures can be restored to a state of heath, comfort and esthetics, and maintained in that condition, for the most part the patients are much better off than replacing them with prosthetics with or without dental implants. Alexis Day You have written an article in the Journal of the Western Society of Periodontology titled Crisis in Morality, which speaks on periodontics practices in regards to periodontal diseases. Share with us a bit about this article. Dr. Drury The article speaks about the importance of honesty in periodontal diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. It talks about the value of saving the natural dentition for as long as possible. It talks about the value utilizing periodontists with their additional training and expertise treat the disease and place dental implants, if needed. It talks about how quick fix remedies are promoted which have little evidence to support their claims, and can give the patient a false sense of confidence. It talks about how periodontal disease is a hidden disease which if not treated properly cannot not only lead to loss of teeth, but can have contribute to serious health problems. Dr. Drury Alexis Day What would you suggest potential periodontal patients look for when seeking to find a Periodontist for care? Dr. Drury I would seek out a periodontist who is ethical, honest and has a strong grasp of the scientific literature. I would look for a practitioner who is interested in trying to save the natural dentition wherever possible and who has a strong appreciation for the value of personal oral hygiene, frequent quality maintenance visits and who works well with general dentists and the other specialties to try and do what is in the best interest of the patient. Alexis Day How can one contact you to become a patient? Dr. Drury Just call the office. (310) 376-9884