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Dr. Brian Shuman

Holiday Sonicare Sale & Donation to The Vermont Foodbank

November 29th, 2016

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Okay, maybe it's a little early, but our family traditions really start with apple picking and pumpkin carving in October and they don't let up until the New Year! In AIP tradition, I’m excited to let you know that we’re kicking off our annual Sonicare EasyClean electric toothbrush sale. I have them on special for just $57.94 (plux tax). This brush can be found at Amazon for $84 and Walmart for $79.95. In addition, for each Sonicare sold, I will personally donate $5 to the Vermont Foodbank.

It’s a great deal, a great gift for the holidays, a great way to maintain your oral health in the coming year, and a great way to give back to our wonderful Vermont community.

Speak to Kim or Jackie at the front desk to pick one up, or email me at BrianShumanDMD@gmail.com to reserve one. The offer is good through January 1st, 2017 or until I run out of brushes. Rain checks will be available.

Spread the word, tell your friends, and let’s beat last year's $1100 donation to the Vermont Foodbank. May the floss be with you through the New Year!

Reflecting on This Year's Special Olympics

July 26th, 2016

As you can likely tell from the new technologies always popping up in the office, the conferences I’m attending, and the publications I’m reading, I’m always striving to ensure that the care you receive when you come into AIP is better every time. I try to bring that same approach to the Healthy Athletes Program each year at the Vermont Special Olympics. As soon as the event comes to a close, I start contemplating how we can make it even more useful for the athletes next time around.

For example, in years past we performed oral hygiene techniques on puppets for the athletes, but Dr. Levi’s words popped into my head, "That that’s like trying to teach you how to play the piano by watching me do it, but never asking you come over to the bench and try it yourself." For one, you’re going to get tired of me playing Chopsticks and Heart & Soul pretty quickly, and further, it’s going to be a real challenge for you to do it well on your own at home without the tactical experience of hitting the keys yourself. For that reason, we implemented hands-on, one-on-one brushing and flossing trainings with volunteer professional hygienists and dental assistants. We observed as the athletes demonstrated their ability to brush and clean between their teeth, then we offered tips, tricks, and techniques for each athlete to try out. I look forward to seeing all the athletes again next summer and checking in on how the trainings impact their oral health this year.

I was thrilled to host the largest number of volunteers to date: 12 dental students from Tufts, 2 from the University of Buffalo, 10 dental assisting students from Essex TECH, 6 dental hygiene students from VTC, 10 volunteer dentists, 5 dental hygienists, and 15 additional volunteers. I'm extremely grateful to everyone for dedicating their time and talents. With their help, we were able to screen a record 157 athletes.

The Special Olympics is an event I look forward to every summer. And it's one that I not only get to share with my seasoned colleagues, dental students up-and-coming in the field, and the wonderful athletes themselves, but also with my daughters. Before Alexx left Vermont to do that “growing up” thing (what’s up with that?), she would join me every year. She said: “I have vivid memories of immediately forgetting how warm it was under the tent the moment the athletes started streaming in and the day flying by. I could always count on a fun exchange, a rush from being around people who’ve just achieved something big, and an immense sense of gratitude at the end of the day." Now, it’s an event I get to share with my 15 year old Meika, who shared, “It’s a fun thing to experience because helping out makes you feel good. Everyone is so nice and respectful and it’s always nice to make someone smile. I really look forward to it every year!"

Images by Diane Dumas.

Safety First

March 3rd, 2016

Years ago, as I watched the fire engulf my building, I remember finding comfort in knowing I had done the “right” thing by backing up all of my data to tape. Bummer--turned out my tape drive was no longer manufactured. No problem! I was diligent and as a secondary precaution had backed up everything to the Cloud. But my Cloud backup would take 5 days to get back to me. Too long. Finally, I tracked down my discontinued tape drive on EBAY and overnight had all my data fully restored. Never again. That night, I vowed to be up and running within one hour should another disaster strike.

I was reminded of all this after watching a segment on Good Morning America about the latest threat, Ransomware. In the spirit of transparency, and because I never want you to worry about a thing when it comes to AIP, I’d like to let you know how serious I am about protecting your personal information.

After the fire, I invested in DDS Rescue (the “high-tech spare tire for my server”), a state of the art backup system that encrypts and stores our server information  on both coasts. It also allows me access to all of my programs and files remotely, and within 10 minutes of any emergency. I have run simulations. It works.

We also use SendInc Encryption, a program that secures messages containing personal medical information by ensuring that data remains encrypted from the time it leaves AIP’s computer through the time you or your dentist receives it. You already knew we utilize cutting-edge technology in the office, but our advanced practices also extend beyond our walls to ensure that your information is safe all the way from our inbox to yours. If you haven’t already, you may receive email from us and note the SendInc logo. It will require a one time name and password registration to open.

In other words, your information is 100% safe and 100% backed up 100% of the time, giving us all peace-of-mind.

Ask AIP: Incorporating Interdental Brushing Into Your Routine

September 25th, 2015

Last month, I extolled the benefits of interdental brushing. Since then, I've heard back from a number of you who've tried out this flossing alternative, both with rave reviews and with questions. For that reason, this edition of Ask AIP answers the most common question I've been receiving: How can I successfully incorporate interdental brushing into my routine? I know starting something new can be a challenge, and as always, I'm here to help.

The trick is to turn interdental brushing into a habit, much like brushing your teeth already is. I'm willing to bet you don't even think about brushing at this point; you sub-consciously allot the necessary time each morning and evening (that's right, I said morning and evening). So if you're struggling to integrate interdental brushing into your routine, here's some advice:

Use brushing your teeth as a cue! Say to yourself: "I will pick up my spiral brush before picking up my toothbrush every night.” One patient even hung a post-it note on the mirror as a reminder (thanks for the great suggestion, MW!). Integrating the behavior into your existing routine will positively affect the likelihood of it becoming habitual.

You can even start slowly by only using the interdental brush on the weekends and then start adding weekdays one by one. Keep this up and soon enough you'll have a new, healthy habit that we'll be sure to notice next time you come in for a visit.

We want to know how it’s going! Share your experience and thoughts in the comment section below and bring us any questions at your next appointment.

Brian

What Could Be More Effective Than Flossing? We’ll Tell You!

August 25th, 2015

In the American Academy of Periodontology's recent national survey, more than a third of Americans admitted they would rather sit in traffic or even clean a toilet before committing to flossing daily. In an ideal world, toilets would clean themselves, sitting bumper to bumper at the dreaded 5-Corners in Essex would be a thing of the past, and we could all maintain good oral hygiene without having to use floss.

While the first two are likely to remain pipe dreams for the foreseeable future, the 2014 XI European Workshop on Periodontology recently came to a surprising consensus on flossing that will change the way you clean between your teeth forever.

Leading researchers reviewed the literature and found that flossing is not the most effective prevention method when it comes to fighting periodontal diseases. In fact, the experts determined that there’s a new Periodontal Disease Prevention Sheriff in town: the interdental brush (also known as the proxy, spiral, or interproximal brush)!

Evidence shows that by using the correctly sized interdental brush, you’ll see greater plaque reduction and improved disease prevention than by using floss alone. As if that’s not motivation enough for you, interdental brushes are easier to use than their somewhat unwieldy counterpart! Coming in many shapes and sizes, this prevention method lets you say “so long!” to floss for any site that can fit an interdental brush instead.

Many of you have already integrated this highly effective tool into your oral health routines, and we here at AIP have already seen the stellar results. For those of you who haven’t given the interdental brush a try yet, be sure to ask me, the staff, Dr. Levi, or Dr. Gruwell about the benefits at your next appointment!

Brian

Ask AIP: A Chat with Dr. Gruwell

June 19th, 2015

We get it: sometimes, over the course of a procedure, you might not get the chance to ask all the questions you'd like to. While you may leave feeling confident about the answers you got about your periodontal concerns, you might still be wondering what Dr. Shuman's favorite color is! For that reason, we're excited to announce a new blog series called "Ask AIP." During the course of this series, we'll give you a topic on Facebook (in this case, the topic was our newest doctor, Scott Gruwell) and you can send us anything from minor musing to profound quandary related to the theme. We'll pick the most popular questions, and get you your answers in the next blog!

In this installment, we get to know Dr. Scott Gruwell a little bit better.

Tell us a little about your family and hobbies.

My family is the highlight of my life. My wife and I have been married for almost 19 years and our three kids (17, 14, 10) certainly keep us busy and out of trouble. My daughter is a competitive swimmer and high school championship water polo player. My boys love football, basketball, and soccer. We love a great board game and are really looking forward to trying out some of the great winter sporting activities that Vermont has to offer! Additionally, we love exploring new areas, taking road-trips together, and almost any outdoor activities. One of my life goals was to visit all 50 states and I recently checked my final box... Indiana!

You majored in humanities and minored in zoology at Brigham Young University. What made you decide to go into the field of dentistry and then specialize in periodontics?

In college, I loved art and ornithology, but switched majors several times, having no idea what I wanted to pursue professionally. My dad is an E.R. physician, so I decided to go to medical school.  After many long conversations with my dad, he talked me out of medicine and suggested I explore dentistry – a chance to combine both art and science into one job. In fact, I was part of a group of four guys all preparing for medical school. After really researching the careers, three of us decided to switch to dentistry.

As far as the specialty of periodontics is concerned, I can honestly say that perio was the only specialty I decidedly ruled OUT before dental school. During my undergraduate studies, I completed a progressive 3-semester pre-dental learning track. I thoroughly researched all aspects of dentistry and observed in the offices of many general dentists and specialists. Periodontics was just not for me.  Fast forward 4 years in dental school and I loved it. To me, it represented the specialty that focused largely on the biology of dentistry while combining aesthetics with oral & systemic health and medicine on an extremely detailed platform. I love details!

You said one of the highlights of your Air Force career was leading a 9-person team into the Amazon jungle to provide humanitarian service. Could you share details about this adventure?

My adventure to Suriname was a once in a lifetime experience. I was the only staff dentist leading a dental resident, 3 dental assistants, and 4 pre-dental students into the Amazon jungle as part of a larger Air Force medical team. We saw patients in 3 different mobile dental clinics we set up in the local elementary schools at Brokopondo, Klaaskreek, and Brownsweg.  Our entire mission consisted of about 14 days in country, but due to the logistics of setting up, tearing down, and traveling between sites, we were only able to see patients for about 8.5 days.

During that time period, the resident and I completed over 700 extractions and 1600 dental procedures, taking only a single 10 minute break for lunch each day. During the day, we had toucans and sloths in the trees above us, patients who showed up with pet monkeys and parrots, and even a poison-dart frog hop across the waiting room one morning. The evenings were spent on the banks of the Suriname river watching the piranha attack our leftovers we tossed in the river.

Looking back, it was definitely a difficult experience to articulate. To say it was humbling is an understatement… literally hundreds of people in line when you arrive in the morning, passing armed guards in the hallways, using a translator for every interaction, and knowing that no matter how much work you accomplish, it will simply not be enough. All-in-all, the people were exceptionally kind and thankful. It was an honor and privilege to serve this population, many of whom had never had the opportunity to see a dentist in their lifetime. I can't wait until I have the chance to participate in another humanitarian mission trip.

Thanks to Dr. Gruwell for sharing, and we look forward to answering more of your questions in the next installment of Ask AIP!

What's Happening at 247 Pearl Street?

May 14th, 2015

My oldest graduated from Smith College, my youngest became an award winning gymnast, the Red Sox won the world series, AIP moved to a new space, Dr. Scott Gruwell joined the practice; these are just a handful of significant events that have happened since the night of the fire in 2011. You see, time is a funny thing. Despite the distance we’ve all gained thanks to the ever-dependable changing of the seasons, the night we lost 247 Pearl Street manages to remain as present in my mind as the coming of spring. Coming over the crest of that hill that I’d driven down almost every day for 27 years to see a once so familiar site aglow with red & blue lights, camera flashes, and of course, roaring flames, is an image that, it seems, will never begin to fade.

PEARL STREET APARTMENTS

As many of you know, I designed our current location not only to be comfortable, modern, and on the forefront of technology, but also to be completely removable in anticipation of returning to 247 Pearl. However, I have listened to your kind comments about the new office (the ease of access and parking, the bright and airy windowed rooms, my father’s paintings, etc.) and I have decided to make 1775 Williston Road the permanent home for Associates in Periodontics.

You may have noticed that construction has begun at 247 Pearl Street. The location that so many of us once called our second home will now be home to Burlington residents. A lovely building with 29 apartments (something the city needs, wants, and has had zoned for the site for years) will soon stand where our beloved building once did. The project is “locally sourced,” if you will, designed by Smith & Buckley (Hotel Vermont, Courtyard by Marriott, Dealer.com) and supervised by Redstone Corp.

AIP is proud to call 1775 Williston home today, and though it is bittersweet to bid farewell to our time at 247 Pearl, seeing new life rise from the ashes is nothing short of soothing. As always, we thank you in your support over the course of the past few years. With this announcement, we look towards our future, brightened not by flames, but instead by your shining smiles!

Brian

What Patients are Saying About AIP

March 26th, 2015

If you've ever taken a minute to read our vision statement, you might know: your smiles and your words of kindness are our greatest rewards.

When long-time patient ES sent a surprise fruit basket, I didn't think I could be any more grateful (I'm a huge fruit fan!). After a letter expressing my thanks, however, this sweet surprise was followed by one of the most rewarding notes the practice has ever received. I was ecstatic that ES granted permission to share it with all of you.

"I really wanted to say thank you for the great care that you and your staff provide. There is, of course, first and foremost, professional knowledge and expertise. But beyond that, at your office, there is an element of caring for helping people feel comfortable during procedures that aren't known for comfort. :-) You know (I hope) that I have appreciated, since our first meeting, the way that you practice and care for patients. I also want to send a shout-out to Kim, who does such a nice job of taking care of us, whether on the phone when we're scheduling (or concerned about a dental problem), or greeting us when we come in.

I experience your practice as the best of both worlds: the most modern equipment and care combined with the "old-fashioned" practice of having a community of patients who you remember are people. I'm not sure I'm articulating this well, but thank you."

ES -- you articulated it beautifully. Thank you for your kind words that remind us why we do what we do!

Brian

Welcome Dr. Scott Gruwell!

February 16th, 2015

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Scott F. Gruwell, D.D.S., M.S. to Associates in Periodontics. As he joins us from Texas, we are extending a particularly warm welcome -- we’ll do all we can do help him adjust to our occasionally arctic climate!

He brings with him so much more than just his excitement to join us up North. His impressive history began at Brigham Young University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He went on to receive his dental degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. There, he not only graduated magna cum laude, but earned both the Award for Excellence in Clinical Dentistry and the Award for Uncommon Dedication to the Field. After receiving his master’s degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and his Certificate of Training in Periodontics from the Wilford Hall Medical Center, he earned the prestigious title of Diplomate to the American Board of Periodontology. In layman’s terms: the Board recognized him as a periodontist who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialization.

His journey didn’t lead him to Vermont just yet. Dr. Gruwell served as an Active Duty member of the US Air Force for 10 years, during which time he lead a 9-person dental team into the Amazon jungle to provide humanitarian services to the people of Suriname, and was the only dental officer in the Air Force to be selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel an entire year early.

Nope, not just yet! He taught at his alma mater and served as both the Director of Clinical Periodontics and Postgraduate Periodontal Education for the Texas Air Force Postgraduate Dental School.

During all this time, he has been honored with numerous awards and commendations, including the the Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award for Academic Excellence, the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Dental Educator of the Year award for the entire Air Force Medical Service, to name only a few. Learn more here.

Now, the next exciting chapter beings as he joins Associates in Periodontics. He, his wife, and three children (who he boasts are “much better looking than he is”) are excited to be living in Vermont and grateful to have relocated here on a permanent basis. As avid lovers of the outdoors, they are all excited to explore all the state has to offer.

You can visit him at both our South Burlington and Barre offices starting March 24th.

Welcome Scott, Tara, Riley, Spencer, and Eddie!

Brian

Happy New Year & Vermont Foodbank Donation

January 1st, 2015

Thank you for making our Sonicare sale better than we ever could've expected.

It not only warms my heart to know that so many of you will be starting 2015 with great oral health, but also that together, we've made an impressive contribution to the Vermont Foodbank!

The gift came at a great time -- the Foodbank was working non-stop to hit their yearly fundraising goal before the year's end.  I'm so glad we could help them and, in turn, our neighbors in the final moments of 2014.

And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for!  Can I get a drumroll, please?  Or perhaps a countdown? 5…4…3…2…1…

We sold 80 Sonicare toothbrushes (wow!!). The Foodbank has confirmed that our gift helped to provide 1,200 meals to our neighbors in need.

Many of you wanted to participate, but were unable to visit the office in the time allotted. But good news -- I am contacting Sonicare and I plan to continue the sale throughout the next quarter (January - March). The same terms apply: $60.75 (plus tax) for the toothbrush and my personal donation of $5 to the Vermont Foodbank for every sale. The goal this time around is 1,500 meals!

If your appointment is not within the next three months and you want to reserve a Sonicare, simply contact me at keepyourteeth@hotmail.com.  I will have Kim reserve one for you to pick up at your next appointment!

Here's to a happy & healthy 2015. Can't wait to see you in the new year!

Brian

Want to Give Back Even More this Holiday Season? You can with our Holiday Sonicare Sale!

December 10th, 2014

It’s that time of year again! Snow on the ground, Christmas trees in the living room, menorahs on the dining room table, Sonicare EasyClean electric toothbrushes on sale at Associates in Periodontics… wait, what? I’m excited to add to the list of holiday traditions by announcing our annual Sonicare sale! We have them for $60.75 (plux tax), which is about $30 off of retail price at Best Buy, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and other major retailers.

Sonicare uses unrivaled Sonic technology to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It makes 31,000 brush strokes per minute, compared with a manual toothbrush, which moves at around 300 brush strokes per minute. That means two minutes spent brushing with a Sonicare is equivalent to about a month spent using a manual toothbrush. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out your time! Studies have even shown that Sonicare removes significantly more plaque than a manual brush, and that using a Sonicare can improve gum health in as short as two weeks.

If you’re not convinced: this is the toothbrush I use and I recommend – it’s straightforward and gets the job done right.

Not only is it a great deal, a great gift for the holidays, and a great way to maintain your oral health in the coming year, but it is also a great way to give back to our community. For each Sonicare sold, I will personally donate $5 to the Vermont Foodbank. I can’t wait to let you all know what the contribution ends up being.

Stop by the front desk at your next appointment to pick one up, or just swing by either of our offices (1775 Willston Road, South Burlington or 248 South Main Street, Barre) to take advantage of the offer. You can also email me at keepyourteeth@hotmail.com to reserve one (or two!) if you can’t make it in right away.

The offer is good through January 1st, 2015. Spread the word, tell your friends, and let’s make our donation an impressive one!

May the floss be with you this holiday season!

Brian

Should You be Worried About Microbeads in your Toothpaste?

November 15th, 2014

Remember a few years ago when plastic beads became all the rage in personal care? Suddenly they were everywhere: your face wash, your body scrub, and your toothpaste (yes, that’s where I come in). Though we haven’t completely bucked the trend, people have started worrying that maybe, just possibly, having a plastic that isn’t biodegradable in your toothpaste isn’t such a good idea, including patients!

When Jane emailed me asking, “Should I throw away my Crest Pro-Health toothpaste? If so, what toothpaste do you recommend?” I thought she might not be the only one out there wondering. Let’s explore this.

Let’s start with the plastic: polyethylene. It’s really an anomaly – simultaneously the most common plastic in the world, and the most contested. Containers, bottles, and grocery bags – all of these are made out of the same stuff as those little blue pebbles in your toothpaste. We’re up in arms about landfills overflowing with polyethylene bottles, and are absolutely adamant about bringing reusable bags to the grocery store; so yes, maybe we should be making a fuss about this plastic that lives forever when it comes to our toothpaste.

The fact that we are constantly finding these little blue plastic beads stuck in our patients’ gum lines, paired with the fact that these little blue plastic beads don’t break down, isn’t a great combination when we’re considering your oral health. Just like anything else that gets stuck in your gums, the beads become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to all kinds of reasons you might come to me in pain: gingivitis, infection, or even severe periodontal disease. While I love seeing you, I don’t want to see you go through that.

Crest has claimed that the beads are there for decorative purposes only. They serve literally no purpose besides looking pretty, and putting your oral health at risk. Luckily, Crest plans to phase the beads out of their toothpastes by 2016. Until then, I urge you to toss your toothpaste if it contains polyethylene beads, and make the switch.

Not sure if your toothpaste is putting you at risk? Check out this website for a list of toothpastes we know contain polyethylene, and also for a great article on the subject.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Brian

Dr. Shuman Receives Distinguished Service Award

September 26th, 2014

Harkening back to his days as an athlete, Dr. Shuman took to the stage with a group of cheering fans (his staff, family, friends, and colleagues) to accept the most prestigious award granted by the Vermont State Dental Society: the Distinguished Service Award.  The award was “in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the field of dentistry.  His volunteer positions on the Vermont State Dental Society Continuing Education Committee and the Annual Meeting Committee, as well as his co-chiefing of the Special Olympics Special Smiles program exemplify his exemplary commitment to the dental profession and oral health of Vermonters.”

Dr. Shuman was grateful and humble in a characteristically humorous acceptance speech.  Though his attempt to downplay the achievement was valiant, Vaughn Collins (Executive Director of the Vermont State Dental Society) took to the mic as Dr. Shuman tried to leave the stage, "I just want to say, he’s unbelievable.  I mean, he’s a committee of one for the [Continuing Education] Committee and he’s been on the Annual Meeting Committee forever.  He just does a tremendous amount of work for us, and we couldn’t do what we do without him.”

"You never expect anything like this," Dr. Shuman said in a quiet moment after the ceremony, "you do these things simply to do them, because it's what you believe is right.  You never expect to be honored."  Clearly still reveling in the surprise of being rewarded for how he has chosen to live his life, Dr. Shuman seemed (perhaps for the first time) speechless.

Congratulations, Dr. Shuman!

- The AIP Team

Gum disease linked to chronic health problems

August 19th, 2014

I read a great article in The American Journal of Preventative Medicine that I wanted to share.  It's a study where researchers found that treating gum disease may reduce heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.

The study showed that within four years of periodontal treatment, patients had lower medical costs and fewer hospitalizations compared to people who hadn't received treatment: "People with cardiovascular disease and diabetes who had gum disease treatment had health-care costs that were between 20% and 40% lower".

The article continued to say that the link between gum disease and chronic health conditions is inflammation and can worsen. The health of your gums ARE important to your over all health!

You can read the whole article on The Conversation.

Brian

Dr. Shuman Helps Special Olympics Dental Screenings Reach New Heights

June 23rd, 2014

"This was one of our most successful years ever," says Dr. Brian Shuman, Co-Chair of the Vermont Special Smiles dental program. We were able to screen 190 athletes. The volunteers included, 8 students from the Essex Tech dental assisting program, 8 students from the VTC's Dental Hygiene Program, all three dental Residents from Fletcher Allen plus eighteen 3rd and 4th year students from Tufts University School of Dentistry and local VSDS dentists. The dental hygienists and assistants taught personalized oral hygiene instruction to the athletes, while the dentists supervised the dental students.

As a testimony to the popularity of this project, the leader of the dental students advised us that she had to turn away 25 other students who also wanted to come help with the event. "Participating in this Vermont event is our most sought after volunteer opportunity at Tufts. Everyone is so nice and make us feel so comfortable here. We feel like we are truly making a difference."

The event exposed 18 potential Vermont dentists to our area many of who are now considering applying for the Dental Residency program at Fletcher Allen.

Dr. Shuman believes that "The Special Olympics and Vermont dentistry has morphed into something way beyond our expectations but consistent with our vision for the program. It provides a wonderful service for the athletes and for the students.This will surely bring back many of the students to Vermont for the Residency program and perhaps get them to consider settling and practicing in Vermont."

Periodontal disease; I have what?!

June 9th, 2014

All of us at  Associates in Periodontics understand the diagnosis of periodontal disease can be scary and confusing.  But the good news in most cases is that it is treatable and manageable with a little work from you and a little help from us.

Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the gum tissue, bone, and supporting structures for the teeth. In the past it was known as pyorrhea. Diagnosis is commonly made through a combination of dental X-rays, periodontal readings (called probing depths), and visual clinical findings.

The mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body and can provide clues to your overall health. In fact, the first signs of some chronic diseases appear in the oral cavity; they can be a hint for the dentist to refer the patient to a medical doctor for a thorough exam.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to premature tooth loss, sensitivity, and chronic or acute mouth pain. If you have diabetes, you are more prone to periodontal disease and can experience greater difficulty controlling your blood glucose levels. The body ends up spending so much energy fighting the infection in the mouth that it cannot achieve balance elsewhere. Studies have shown that once periodontal disease is treated, the glucose levels become more responsive to control.

Standard treatments basically involve cleaning out the infection and allowing your body to heal. There are many tools and techniques to clean out the infection including scaling and root planning, laser therapy, antibiotic therapy and surgery

We always give you an accurate diagnosis and a range of treatment options. Periodontal disease is “silent,” which means you will not always experience pain as a signal of infection. When caught early and subjected to proper oral hygiene care on a daily basis, treatments are generally very successful.

Brian

Brian Shuman DMD

Patient Review: Five Stars For AIP

November 6th, 2013

I have been having my periodontal treatment done at the Associates in Periodontics for many years.

There is a quality of care and caring at the Associates in Periodontics. This is due to the guidance of the office by Dr. Brian Shuman. He… provide(s) the backbone for the quality of therapy and warm and caring personalities. All of the hygiene staff are excellent in the techniques, thorough in reviewing my home-care plaque-removing techniques and complete and gentle when they clean my teeth. I owe the expertise of this office to helping me retain my teeth and helping to maintain good health!

Haverford to Honor Mid-Atlantic Conference Century Most Valuable Players

October 24th, 2013

On Saturday, October 26 at half-time of the annual Soccer battle between Haverford and Swarthmore College, will be a ceremony honoring the 10 individuals who were named to the 'MAC 100 Century All Star Soccer Team.'

Brian is one of the 10 inductees chosen to be a member of the Century Team. The game and half time award ceremony will be available streaming on line at:

http://www.haverfordathletics.com/sports/msoc/2013-14/schedule

The game starts at 3:30 pm and the award ceremony should start around 4:15 pm. There will be no sound but the video will be live.

We Love you Dr. Shu "B" #13
Cindy, Alexx, Meika,Thunder, Cowboy, Tilly and Champster

Meet Shanin at Associates in Periodontics!

August 26th, 2013

This month's staff spotlight shines on Shanin (aka "Shan").


Shanin has been with AIP for 15 years. As a Chairside Surgical Assistant for Dr. Shuman, Dr. Halliday and Dr. Kolesar, she is described as a caring, dedicated "professional multitasker." Skilled to help out anywhere needed, Shanin is also a Registered Dental Hygienist, licensed in the Administration of Local Anesthesia and a Certified Dental Assistant.

Most rewarding for Shanin is her work teaching home care to her patients and the daily "aha moments" that really make a difference in their lives. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, taking fitness classes, hiking, cosmetology and music. One of Shanin's colleagues at AIP describes her favorite memory in the office as when she head Shanin sing a song in Italian to a nervous patient who couldn't speak English. Shanin enjoys her coworkers. She regards them as her "family away from home" and says that everyone at AIP "works hard to take good care of our patients."

A Little Bit Jaded

July 26th, 2013

Lessons can be learned in various ways: personal, academic, professional. Or, in the aftermath of our September 2011 fire, from a 35 year old jade plant. This begs a little background information first.

Originally native to South Africa, it was known as the friendship tree and lucky plant. Travelers marveled at its fleshy, tear-shaped leaves, rich emerald color and ease of propagation. It required low maintenance, benefited from the occasional pruning, while having an extremely long life-span. Its popularity as a houseplant grew as slips were carried worldwide.

Dr. Levi acquired one and it sat on a ledge in the back of our office for 35 years. With a little water and a lot of sun, it became the size of a medium shrub. Over the years it became a part of who we were. Welcoming, enduring and lucky! Who would have thought it could have survived the fire. But there it sat, a little dry, a little singed, firmly holding on, removed from the debris by Dr. Shuman and nurtured back to life again in his garage.

With the re-birth of AIP, it is an apt analogy. Our office endured through adversity with the luck and tenacity of a jade plant. We have our roots planted deeply into our community and have successfully survived; a little dry, a little singed, but now stronger and better than ever before.

Staff Spotlight: Kim Couture

July 15th, 2013

Today's Staff Spotlight shines on Kim Couture.

Kim has been with Associates in Periodontics (AIP) for 12 years. Her role, as she describes it, is to be an "ambassador between patients and the office. Mainly focusing on patients and advocating for them."

Kim's favorite things about working for AIP are the laughter and the great rapport she has with patients and colleagues. Kim believes her co-workers are the most dedicated, caring group of people she's ever had the pleasure of working with. She describes her patients as "kind and caring." "Our team goes the extra mile everyday for our patients. We love what we do and it shows!"

When Kim is not at work, she enjoys gardening and reading. She also helps out with her children's sporting teams and volunteers for her church.

Ways To Stay Connected!

July 5th, 2013


Visit our website and check out our blogs: http://www.vermontperio.com

Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontperio

Visit us at our location and speak with us in person!

    South Burlington Office


1775 Williston Road
South Burlington, VT 05403
Phone: (802) 863-5447

248 S. Main St.
Barre, VT 05641
Phone: (802) 476-0995

AIP Staff Spotlight: Helen

June 28th, 2013

This month's staff spotlight shines on Helen.

Helen has been a dental hygienist at Associates in Periodontist since 1984. She enjoys teaching patients how to properly take care of their mouths and maintain a healthy body. She describes her colleagues as fun, loving, dedicated people who truly care about their patients and each other. She notes, "My co-workers are true professionals."

When Helen's not at work, she keeps busy as the Treasurer for the Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation. They raise money to help military members and their families. She's also the co-chairperson for the silent auction for the Travis Roy Foundation Wiffle-Ball Tournament, which raises money for individuals with spinal cord injuries., During the fall months, Helen and her husband remain busy maintaining their own apple orchard, Chapin Apple Orchard, in Essex, Vermont.

Patient Review for Associates in Periodontics

June 13th, 2013

Wondering why patients choose Associates in Periodontics? Take a look at this latest review:

Having the need for periodontal work, I asked my dentist to whom he would go. His recommendation was Associates in Periodontics. Although 1 3/4 hours away, I was welcomed as if family, treated with respect, and I experienced skillful and outstanding care. The entire staff is professional, caring and genuinely happy! I cannot recommend Dr. Shuman and staff highly enough!"

- Kathleen L., March 15, 2013

Staff Spotlight Shines on Ann-Marie, RDH

June 7th, 2013

Ann-Marie, aka “AMBa”, has been with AIP for 31 years. She started as a hygienist for the first
10+ years and has evolved to become the Business Administrator. Her current role covers the financial aspects of the office and beyond. To say that she wears many hats is an understatement!

Her dynamic personality enables her to be ready for anything the day might bring. She has developed many strong relationships with patients while working with Drs. Levi, Shuman, Halliday and Kolesar - it’s like seeing friends everyday.

She recognizes that Periodontics, as a dental field, requires a commitment to treatment, a lifetime of proper care and patient education. From the first greetings in the morning to the goodbyes at the
day’s end, her fellow staff is constantly providing excellent, caring and professional services.

She is proud to be associated with a group of people who set the bar for excellence so high.

If you want to find out what letterboxing is, AMBa is your girl! She enjoys creating stamps and going “on the hunt” with her two sons, in addition to making websites, music & video files or an array of arts and crafts projects. In her free time, she volunteers at Christ the King school as a coach and coordinator for the Odyssey of the Mind Program. She also serves as a member on the Board of Directors for the program, where her role is developing to take over communications responsibilities “Hey, I’m staying!” state-wide.

Bioteeth Closer to a Clinical Reality

May 16th, 2013

Originally shared by Dental Tribune International: ‘Bioteeth’ a step closer to becoming clinical reality

NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: Researchers at the Dental Institute at King’s College London say they’re a step closer to growing human teeth in the lab using cells from the individual who would ultimately receive the tooth as a natural implant. Led by Professor Paul Sharpe, the research team isolated adult human gingival tissue from dental patients at the institute, grew more of the tissue in the lab, and then combined the tissue with mesenchyme (tooth-forming) cells from mice.

The combination of cells were transplanted into mice renal tissue, where they grew into hybrid human/mouse teeth that contained dentine and enamel — and formed viable roots.

The root formation is seen as a key breakthrough, because bioengineered teeth with natural root structure could eliminate one of the challenges sometimes seen with tooth-implant technology to date: a risk of bone loss in the area of the jaw that anchors an artificial implant. Such bone loss has been attributed to friction that occurs when eating or because of other jaw movement.

The goal is creation of a viable root that would be integrated into the jaw as if it was the recipient’s natural tooth. There’s no need for the crown of the tooth to match the bite, because technology exists to create a man-made alternative that integrates appropriately into the bite and appearance — and functions comparably to a natural crown.

The King’s College London Dental Institute reports that previous efforts to produce bioengineered teeth (bioteeth) have focused primarily on the generation of immature teeth (teeth primordia) that mimic those in the embryo. Such teeth could be transplanted as small cell ”pellets” into the adult jaw to develop into functional teeth. It has been demonstrated that embryonic teeth primordia can develop normally in the adult mouth, so if suitable cells can be identified and combined in such a way to produce an immature tooth, there is a realistic prospect that bioteeth can become a clinical reality.

Subsequent studies have largely focused on the use of embryonic cells; and although it is clear that embryonic tooth primordia cells can readily form immature teeth following dissociation into single cell populations and subsequent recombination, such cell sources are considered impractical to use in a general therapy.

Sharpe, an expert in craniofacial development and stem cell biology, said, “What is required is the identification of adult sources of human epithelial and mesenchymal cells that can be obtained in sufficient numbers to make biotooth formation a viable alternative to dental implants. … Epithelial cells derived from adult human gum tissue are capable of responding to tooth-inducing signals from embryonic tooth mesenchyme in an appropriate way to contribute to tooth crown and root formation and give rise to relevant differentiated cell types, following in vitro culture. These easily accessible epithelial cells are thus considered a realistic source for consideration in human biotooth formation. The next major challenge is to identify a way to culture adult human mesenchymal cells to be tooth-inducing, as at the moment we can only make embryonic mesenchymal cells do this.”

Sharpe’s findings were published in the Journal of Dental Research. The team’s efforts were funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, United Kingdom. The research report became available online in early March at jdr.sagepub.com. Categorized under “Research Reports – Biological,” the article is titled, “Adult Human Gingival Epithelial Cells as a Source for Whole-tooth Bioengineering.”

(Source: Dental Institute at King’s College London)

How To Prevent Bad Breath

April 26th, 2013

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. You may not even be aware of your own bad breath, so if you’re concerned you may be suffering from it, talk to an oral health specialist such as a dentist or your doctor at Associates in Periodontics.

There are many reasons for bad breath:

  • · What you eat can also affect the way your breath smells. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, can have a very strong and lasting odor.
  • · If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath, not to mention tooth decay and gingivitis.
  • · Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor.
  • · Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask us for tips on kicking the habit.
  • · Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If this is the case, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause.

The good news is there are many ways to help eliminate bad breath from your life. Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath, so schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque, and don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!

Patient Reviews for Associates in Periodontics

April 11th, 2013

The team at Associates in Periodontics take special care to provide each of our patients with the highest quality care in a family friendly environment. Take a look at some reviews and feel free to share your stories with us on Facebook!

“Thank You”

Dr. Kolesar and his associates have shown the most professionalism I have ever encountered at a dentist. What could have been a stressful experience has been turned into a positive experience. Thank you.

“Superior Care”

Over the last decade I have found the care at Associates in Periodontics to be vastly superior to my previous experience with another Periodontist. Not only has my health benefited, but I feel very lucky to be the recipient of such warm, friendly and competent care. It's always good to see the cheerful Dr. Shuman. I trust his advice. Kim and Jackie offer outstanding service and Cyndy as a hygienist goes above and beyond in offering me care and I am most appreciative. Valerie H.

“A true life saver”

Dr. Shuman fabricated a somnomed sleep appliance for my husband. He had moderate sleep apnea and this appliance replaced the CPAP machine, which was less affective, noisey, and just awkward. The somnomed is fantastic! Both of us get a great nights sleep and it controls the apnea beautifully. Thank you so much for your knowledge and expertise of the somnomed appliance.

Staff Spotlight: Kathy

March 15th, 2013

This month's staff spotlight shines on Kathy (aka "KK").

Kathy has been with Associates in Periodontics for 3 1/2 years. She started as a dental hygienist and soon became a surgical assistant to Dr. Kolesar. For four years Kathy volunteered as a Tooth-Tutor dental hygienist for the State of Vermont. She also participated in the Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics and Relay for Life. For many years she's been involved with the community theatre and still deciding if she's a budding Ethel Merman or Lucille Ball.

Kathy enjoys working at Associates in Periodontics because her colleagues and patients remind her of a close-knit family. "From the first footstep inside our door, to the last wave good-bye, our patients are made to feel like family. Smiles are freely exchanged and hugs tend to flow. We chat about their health, their families, and their lives. We are passionate in all that we do and that makes all the difference."

Dr. Brian Shuman Featured in Burlington Free Press

March 5th, 2013

Dr. Brian Shuman was recently featured in an article from the Burlington Free Press describing the fire which burned down the historic Bailey-Hyde house.

Associates in Periodontics had been in the Bailey-Hyde house for more than 40 years before the fire destroyed the building nearly two years ago. In the article Dr. Shuman explains how he witnessed the fire in person and the road to recovery in the aftermath.

Read the Burlington Free Press article here and stay updated with our new state of the art facility in South Burlington by liking us on Facebook.

From NPR: Ancient Chompers Were Healthier Than Ours

February 28th, 2013

Audrey Carlsen of NPR shared this article on NPR and we wanted to share it with you!

Prehistoric humans didn't have toothbrushes. They didn't have floss or toothpaste, and they certainly didn't have Listerine. Yet somehow, their mouths were a lot healthier than ours are today.

"Hunter-gatherers had really good teeth," says Alan Cooper, director of the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA. "[But] as soon as you get to farming populations, you see this massive change. Huge amounts of gum disease. And cavities start cropping up."

And thousands of years later, we're still waging, and often losing, our war against oral disease.

Our changing diets are largely to blame.

In a study published in the latest Nature Genetics, Cooper and his research team looked at calcified plaque on ancient teeth from 34 prehistoric human skeletons. What they found was that as our diets changed over time — shifting from meat, vegetables and nuts to carbohydrates and sugar — so too did the composition of bacteria in our mouths.

Not all oral bacteria are bad. In fact, many of these microbes help us by protecting against more dangerous pathogens.

However, the researchers found that as prehistoric humans transitioned from hunting and gathering to farming, certain types of disease-causing bacteria that were particularly efficient at using carbohydrates started to win out over other types of "friendly" bacteria in human mouths. The addition of processed flour and sugar during the Industrial Revolution only made matters worse.

"What you've really created is an ecosystem which is very low in diversity and full of opportunistic pathogens that have jumped in to utilize the resources which are now free," Cooper says.

And that's a problem, because the dominance of harmful bacteria means that our mouths are basically in a constant state of disease.

"You're walking around with a permanent immune response, which is not a good thing," says Cooper. "It causes problems all over the place."

In addition to oral disease, those problems may include diabetes, obesity and even heart disease.

According to Cooper, bacteria make up approximately 90 percent of the cells in our bodies. He believes that we focus too much on ourselves and not enough on this so-called microbiome.

"We brush our teeth and we floss, and we think that we've got good oral hygiene. But [we're] completely failing to deal with the underlying problem," he says. "Ten years from now, I think we're going to find that the whole microbiome is a key part of what you get monitored for and treated for."

As for right now, Cooper suggests that one way to help return your microbiome to a healthier, more balanced state might be to cut out all of those processed carbs and start eating like our ancestors.

Sounds like he's another fan of the paleo diet.

Patients Are Raving About Associates in Periodontics

February 15th, 2013

Wondering what other patients have to say about their experience at Associates in Periodontics? Take a look at these reviews:

Thanks for personal concern and efficient dental treatments

I feel that my needs as a patient are more than met by your professionals; from the receptionist who is alert to my concerns about time-frame, to the assistant who is enthusiastic and questions, to Dr. Halliday who carefully examines and explains what she sees and what she thinks needs to be done; all give me attention and work to see that my dental care is top-notch.

Need expert advice?

When having problems with your teeth, it is always nice to have a second opinion. You just don't want any second opinion, but one that you can feel confident in helping you and your dentist make the best decision for yourself. Dr. Kolesar was that person for me!

I would recommend

When I was reffered to the office down in burlington by my doctor back in massachusetts I really did not know what to expect and if peole were going to be friendly. But when I mad my appointment over the phone and got there it was very cozy, easy to find and everyone was so friendly. The service was right on time, which I enjoyed very much! I'm really grateful to find a place where the service is great and the people are friendly as well. I would recommend it.

February Marks National Dental Health Month!

February 8th, 2013

Did you know February is National Dental Health Month? It’s a great time of the year to renew those resolutions about continuing to practice great dental hygiene. Today, we thought we would discuss the importance of preventative oral care. While most folks are familiar with traditional healthy-conscious practices such as eating well and exercising regularly, lesser-known are the benefits that great oral hygiene provides to your cardiovascular health.

Here are a few tips to help you continue taking care of those pearly whites and in the process, your heart.

*Brush and floss every day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that your toothbrush simply cannot reach.

*Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold to prevent re-infection. Please remember to use a soft toothbrush so that you don’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.

*Visit your dentist regularly. The American Dental Association recommends you visit us every six months (or as recommended) for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.

If you have questions about your treatment or need to schedule your next appointment please contact us or find us on Facebook!

Eating Healthy For You and Your Oral Health

February 1st, 2013

Health gurus rave about replacing unhealthy food choices with healthy ones in your diet. If you want to maintain your beautiful smile as well as your waistline, choose foods that are good for your teeth and good for losing weight. This article will discuss some of the worst healthy foods for your teeth and what you can do to continue to enjoy them.

When watching your weight, snacks heavy in sugar and starch are the first target for elimination. You want to trade those empty calories for something with more nutritional value. A healthier snack is fruit and vegetables. When you are substituting empty calories with whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, consider a few implications for your dental health.

The most acidic fruits are grapes, grapefruit, and strawberries. Want to know the number-one worst healthy food for your tooth enamel? Apples! An apple a day may keep the doctor away but you may soon be calling your dentist.

Another healthy food often incorporated into dieting is salads. But consider what you put in those salads. Salad dressings are filled with vinegar and sweeteners. These make a salad very acidic and can change the pH of your mouth from alkaline, which is good for your teeth, to acidic, which puts your smile at risk for erosion and decay.

Last but not least is diet soda. You might be cutting down on the calories but you are still putting your teeth at risk for decay. Though calories are reduced, the acid is not.

You do not need to eliminate any of these foods from your diet. Simply alter what you do after eating these foods to decrease the amount of acid your teeth are exposed to.

During your next office visit we can discuss your diet. We may recommend using certain products to fortify your teeth or change the way you routinely care for your teeth.

Please enjoy the wonderful whole foods that are great for a healthy waistline. A healthy waistline and a healthy smile have a positive influence on your general health. A healthier you is a happier you. The happier you are, the more you smile. Keep your smile brilliant and beautiful with the care your teeth deserve.

Patient Reviews for Associates in Periodontics

January 25th, 2013

Here are some wonderful reviews from patients of Associates in Periodontics. If you have questions, be sure to contact our practice and let us know how we can help!

“Thank You”

Dr. Kolesar and his associates have shown the most professionalism I have ever encountered at a dentist. What could have been a stressful experience has been turned into a positive experience. Thank you.

“Superior Care”

Over the last decade I have found the care at Associates in Periodontics to be vastly superior to my previous experience with another Periodontist. Not only has my health benefited, but I feel very lucky to be the recipient of such warm, friendly and competent care. It's always good to see the cheerful Dr. Shuman. I trust his advice. Kim and Jackie offer outstanding service and Cyndy as a hygienist goes above and beyond in offering me care and I am most appreciative. Valerie H.

“A true life saver”

Dr. Shuman fabricated a somnomed sleep appliance for my husband. He had moderate sleep apnea and this appliance replaced the CPAP machine, which was less affective, noisey, and just awkward. The somnomed is fantastic! Both of us get a great nights sleep and it controls the apnea beautifully. Thank you so much for your knowledge and expertise of the somnomed appliance.

Latest Patient Reviews for Associates in Periodontics

January 11th, 2013

5 stars, “I would recommend”

When I was reffered to the office down in burlington by my doctor back in massachusetts I really did not know what to expect and if peole were going to be friendly. But when I mad my appointment over the phone and got there it was very cozy, easy to find and everyone was so friendly. The service was right on time, which I enjoyed very much! I'm really grateful to find a place where the service is great and the people are friendly as well. I would recommend it.

5 stars, “Thank You”

Dr. Kolesar and his associates have shown the most professionalism I have ever encountered at a dentist. What could have been a stressful experience has been turned into a positive experience. Thank you.
“Superior Care”

5 stars

Over the last decade I have found the care at Associates in Periodontics to be vastly superior to my previous experience with another Periodontist. Not only has my health benefited, but I feel very lucky to be the recipient of such warm, friendly and competent care. It's always good to see the cheerful Dr. Shuman. I trust his advice. Kim and Jackie offer outstanding service and Cyndy as a hygienist goes above and beyond in offering me care and I am most appreciative. Valerie H.

Stay healthy in 2013!

January 5th, 2013

Cold and flu season is here yet again. The folks at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Associates in Periodontics and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our South Burlington and Barre offices at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff, we ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have a fever with their illness, because that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Happy New Year!

December 27th, 2012

The year is almost over, and as we reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask all our patients: what was memorable about 2012 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2013? Do you have a New Year’s resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year from our family to yours!

Season's Greetings!

December 20th, 2012


In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as we reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? Hitting the slopes? A clean slate for 2013? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food?

Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year? We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to limit the amount of sweets you eat!

Happy holidays from our family to yours!

What Are Patients Saying About Associates in Periodontics?

December 7th, 2012

Check out these reviews from patients about their experience at Associates in Periodontics. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, be sure to find us online and give our practice a call!

5 stars, Professional and caring, the BEST!
I travel over sixty miles each way for the Exceptional service provided by Dr.B.Shuman and his staff. Not only is Dr.Shuman highly professional, but his gentle and most caring manner provided me with painless surgery. Simply put,Dr.Shuman is the best! - Dolores

5 stars
You will be amazed at the personal and professional care from this office,from Doctors to office staff more like visiting friends than being an anonymous patient in the midst of a long day. - David

5 stars, Exceptional patient care
I had settled into bare minimum oral care hoping I was getting away with it. They gently helped me face the reality that I was developing periodental disease- and gave me the knowledge and tools and encouragement to turn it around. On only my 2nd visit, I already showed great improvement. Very positive and professional atmosphere. I felt so well cared for! - Lurlene

5 stars, Thorough and friendly
I had been putting off having a gum graft for some time, intimidated by the procedure. However, I finally had it done and am glad I did. The graft went smoothly and I was made as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Don't put off needed work as I did. - Lisa

Don't throw those insurance benefits away!

November 30th, 2012

We would like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it’s about that time to schedule your last dental visit of 2012 so you can optimize your benefits!

Now is the time to reserve you appointment with us. Space is limited and we get VERY busy around the holidays, so don’t wait to give us a call! Happy holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 21st, 2012

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great food.

We are very thankful for all of our patients and their families. We’d like to know, what are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories, photos or recipes to share with us, we encourage you to share them below or on our Facebook page!

From Associates in Periodontics: Giving Thanks to Our Patients

November 14th, 2012

With the holidays just around the corner, we wanted to share our thanks to our wonderful patients who took the time to leave some patients reviews for our practice. We work hard to provide the highest quality care for you and your family and wanted to express our gratitude to our friends and neighbors.

5 Stars, Experience at Associates in Periodontics

For about 15 years I have unfortunately had to have a great deal of complex periodontal work done on gums, bone and teeth. The only fortunate part of it is that all of it has been done at AIP where the unusual and outstanding calibre of skill and expertise on the part of doctors and staff is matched by the unusual and consistent kindness, respect and humanity with which their patients are treated, making sometimes difficult experiences more than bearable. My appreciation, gratitude and respect is enormous.
- By Deborah L.,

Remember, if you have questions about your treatment or need to schedule an appointment, be sure to contact us so we can get you in before the holiday season is upon us.

Novel chewing gum eases motion sickness

November 9th, 2012

By DrBicuspid Staff

A new prototype for medicated chewing gum has been developed for motion sickness that may offer many advantages over conventional oral solid dosage forms.

The research was presented last week at the 2012 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) annual meeting in Chicago.

Lead researcher Mohsen Sadatrezaei of RoshaDarou, a pharmaceutical firm based in Tehran, Iran, and colleagues from the Islamic Azad University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences have developed a medicated gum that will improve patient compliance and faster absorption through the cheek, thus alleviating motion sickness sooner, according to an AAPS press release.

A sensory panel was used to test faster absorption through the buccal cavity, which can result in earlier onset of action against motion sickness, the researchers noted. Panelists also ranked the gum on bitterness and easiness to chew.

"The main challenge in delivering drugs through chewing gum is masking the bitter taste of its active ingredient," Sadatrezaei said. "We have formulated dimenhydrinate as chewing gum with acceptable taste and sensory attributes. Dimenhydrinate is among the best drug candidates for treatment of motion sickness, providing a comfortable and acceptable drug delivery."

The final formulation has great potential for dimenhydrinate chewing gum commercialization, he and his colleagues noted. Their findings could also be used as a platform to incorporate other active ingredients with objectionable taste into chewing gum.
Copyright © 2012 DrBicuspid.com

Patients say the best things about Associates in Periodontics

October 26th, 2012

The team at Associates in Periodontics deliver the highest quality care in a personalized environment. We make treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

“My life would be complete disaster ....”

From Z. Thomas
.... were it not for Paul Levi and his outstanding staff and associates. I take pride also that Dr Levi travels to foreign countries to share his genius and insight with gifted budding professionals.

“A Dental office that is relaxing….”

From Sloan
I love the fact that I felt no pain on a treatment that I was dreading. I had beautiful music playing on the headphones, an eyemask and very kind professionals. I never thought I wouldn't mind going to the dentist!

“Teeth and Gum care”

From David G.
I was referred to Associates in Periodontics by my regular dentist,last year. I've made three visits to them to date, and at each visit I was carefully examined, treated, and made to laugh! The visits are actually fun, and I leave with my mouth feeling healthy and clean!

“Top Notch Periodontal Care”

From Heather H
Dr. Shuman is a skilled, compassionate periodontist. He explains your condition, options for treatment and performs the prescribed procedure in a very calming manner. I have complete confidence in Dr. Shuman.

From Associates in Periodontics: Patient Reviews

October 19th, 2012

Associates in Periodontics, serving Burlington and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about our team!

“Excellent Quality Care”

I have been a patient since 1981 and I would highly recommend Associates in Peridontics. Although I have seen many changes in the practice over the years, what stays consistent is the genuine quality of personal care. This practice has stayed on the cutting edge with continuous improvement in peridontical practices, while upgrading equipment to stay abreast with advanced technology to provide the best dental care. They provide thorough, informative and proactive service. - Mary P.

“It doesn't get any better !”

I actually look forward to each visit.Everyone is courteous and extremely professional. I learn something new to improve my daily care procedures with each visit. I enjoy my conversations, everyone is a joy to see again. I love the offices,a lovely renovated home with private rooms for dental care. I am a lucky guy to have all this for such an important part of my health.I can only ask that this will continue in perpetuity. - Leonard V.

“Great Experience! Dr. Shuman is fabulous”

Good: The entire staff was very friendly. Dr. Shuman explained the procedure in great detail. I loved the fact that I could watch a movie during the procedure. I was so relaxed I fell asleep. It was an excellent experience and I could not say more. Great office, wonderful people.. Bad: Nothing. - William C.

Study: Candidates' teeth can predict election outcomes

October 11th, 2012

Does the brightness of political candidates' teeth influence their election success?
Yes, according to a study sponsored by Luster Premium White, an oral care whitening brand from Dentovations.

An analysis of photos taken of presidential candidates on the campaign trail showed the correlation between teeth whiteness and electability, the company noted in a press release. By adjusting the color of photos taken over the years to control for changes in ambient lighting and environmental conditions, the study was able to compare the relative whiteness of each candidate's teeth.

Photo evidence going back to 1992 shows the candidate with the whiter teeth winning the election. For example, when Bill Clinton was governor of Arkansas, he had a considerably whiter smile than incumbent President George H.W. Bush. Clinton handedly won the election, a feat he repeated in 1996 against the dimmer-smile-bearing Bob Dole.

In 2000, George W. Bush had only marginally whiter teeth than Vice President Al Gore, a portent of the narrow election win he'd see in November. But four years later, his teeth outshone those of Sen. John Kerry, and Bush once again won the election.

What is in store for 2012? At the time of the study, President Barack Obama's teeth were just barely outshining Mitt Romney's. Unless Romney makes a dental correction, it looks like another win for Obama, according to Dentovations.

By our friends from the DrBicuspid Staff

CDC: Half of American Adults Have Periodontal Disease

October 5th, 2012

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show high prevalence of periodontal disease in the U.S. population; American Academy of Periodontology encourages yearly comprehensive periodontal evaluations to assess for disease.

CHICAGO—September 4, 2012—One out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease, according to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A study titled Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010 estimates that 47.2 percent, or 64.7 million American adults, have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. In adults 65 and older, prevalence rates increase to 70.1 percent. This study is published in the Journal of Dental Research, the official publication of the International and American Associations for Dental Research.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Research has also shown that periodontal disease is associated with other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The AAP has worked closely with CDC since 2003 on periodontal disease surveillance.

The findings are based on data collected as part of CDC’s 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), designed to assess the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States. The 2009-2010 NHANES included for the first time a full-mouth periodontal examination to assess for mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis, making it the most comprehensive survey of periodontal health ever conducted in the U.S. Researchers measured periodontitis because it is the most destructive form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, was not assessed.

Previous NHANES relied on partial mouth periodontal examinations and may have missed disease in teeth that were not examined. Since periodontal disease is not evenly distributed in the mouth, estimates based on partial mouth examinations may have underestimated actual prevalence rates in the U.S. population by as much as 50 percent.

“This is the most accurate picture of periodontal disease in the U.S. adult population we have ever had,” said Pamela McClain, DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology and a practicing periodontist in Aurora, Colorado. “For the first time, we now have a precise measure of the prevalence of periodontal disease, and can better understand the true severity and extent of periodontal disease in our country. The AAP values its collaboration with CDC to better understand the burden of periodontal disease in Americans.”

The findings also indicate disparities among certain segments of the U.S. population. Periodontal disease is higher in men than women (56.4 percent vs. 38.4 percent) and is highest in Mexican-Americans (66.7 percent) compared to other races. Other segments with high prevalence rates include current smokers (64.2 percent); those living below the federal poverty level (65.4 percent); and those with less than a high school education (66.9 percent).

According to Paul Eke, MPH, PhD, lead author and CDC epidemiologist, the findings may drive public health policy. “We have demonstrated a high burden of periodontal disease in the adult U.S. population, especially among adults 65 and older. Periodontal disease is associated with age, and as Americans live longer and retain more of their natural teeth, periodontal disease may take on more prominence in the oral health of the U.S adult population. Maintaining good periodontal health is important to the overall health and well-being of our aging population. Our findings support a need for public health programs to improve the oral health of adults.”

Co-author Robert Genco, DDS, PhD, Distinguished Professor at The State University of New York at Buffalo and Past President of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) and the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), believes these findings elevate periodontal disease as a public health concern. “We now know that periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent non-communicable chronic diseases in our population, similar to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.”

Dr. McClain noted that these findings support the need for comprehensive periodontal evaluations annually. “To really know if you have periodontal disease, a dental professional must examine each tooth above and below the gum line. A visual examination alone, even by the most qualified dentist, is not enough. These findings suggest that many more people have periodontal disease than previously thought, so it is more important than ever to receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation from your dental professional every year.”

Surveillance of periodontal disease in U.S. adults will continue through the 2014 NHANES to include more racial and ethnic segments of the population. Both CDC and AAP support additional efforts to continue to understand periodontal disease prevalence trends. This data will guide public health policy decisions including appropriate prevention and treatment recommendations.

To assess your risk for periodontal disease and learn more, visit perio.org.

What patients are saying about Associates in Periodontics

September 19th, 2012

Thank you from each of us to our fantastic patients who take the time to write about their experience at our practice and give us feedback so we can continually provide the best quality care. The team at Associates in Periodontics got some wonderful patient reviews and wanted to share them with you today.

“Exceptional Experience”

I cannot say enough about the treatment and care that I received from Dr. Shuman and the staff at Associates in Periodontics. I had the utmost confidence in Dr. Shuman's ability to get me the desired result, and he did. Every appointment was handled so thoroughly and professionally, that it gave me the impression that I was the only patient in the practice. Dr. Shuman's personal follow up and caring attitude made me feel special. As a nice bonus, my procedure was virtually pain free. I would highly recommend Associates in Periodontics and Dr. Brian Shuman for a great outcome and a very positive periodontic experience. - Gary

“AIP Advantage”

Associates in Periodontics is the most professional, courteous, responsive, and friendly group of practitioners I have had the opportunity to visit. Dr. Halliday is absolutely wonderful and all of the hygienists and assistants are great. Jennifer is highly professional and an absolute delight at the front desk. Many people fear oral treatments but I actually enjoy my visits - even the periodontal surgeries I have had have been easy to take. I highly recommend this group - especially the Barre office where I receive care. - Renee

“Kudos to Dr. Shuman's team”

The personalized attention, caring manner and reassuring atmosphere of Dr. Shuman's office are exceptional. At age 49, I had my first ever oral surgery, two gum grafts - a procedure friends assured me was barbaric, painful and traumatic. To my surprise, it was none of these under the skilled care of Dr. Shuman and his incredible staff. I experienced no pain during the procedure, recovered quickly,and have no lingering effects other than happy, healthy gums. If you need oral surgery, this is your team. - Nancy

Current reviews for Associates in Periodontics

September 12th, 2012

Drs. Shuman, Levi, Kolesar, Halliday and our team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Associates in Periodontics, serving South Burlington and Barre, have been getting some pretty great patient testimonials!

We thought we'd share some with you today!

“they are the best.”

5 Stars, Audrey
They know what needs to be done, explain it thoroughly, and then do it. You can put your trust in them. They call after the procedure to make sure you are feeling well. If you send them an article about a procedure and question it, you will get a call at home from the Periodontist discussing the options.

“Oh No, A Dentist Appointment!”

5 stars, Pauline
Most people laugh when I say that it is always pleasant and I never mind going to an appointment at Associates in Periodontics, but I really don't! I have been a patient for nearly 30 years. The entire staff has a way of making you feel comfortable and at ease. I have the upmost trust and respect for the team from the doctors to the desk folks. Thank you for taking such good care of me for so many years!

“They always willing to spend the needed time…”

5 stars, Rita
I am so glad my dentist referred me to Associates in Periodontics for the work I needed done. The staff and doctors are always willing to answer my questions, explain procedures and choices in detail, and are very understanding. I feel lucky to be able to count on these highly professional individuals to guide me along through the process of caring for my teeth and gums.

Latest reviews for Associates in Periodontics

August 28th, 2012

The team at Associates in Periodontics is proud to receive reviews and feedback from each of our patients and wanted to share a few highlights with you. Please contact us on Facebook, Google+ or call our practice to let us know how we're doing!

“Kudos to Dr. Shuman's team”

The personalized attention, caring manner and reassuring atmosphere of Dr. Shuman's office are exceptional. At age 49, I had my first ever oral surgery, two gum grafts - a procedure friends assured me was barbaric, painful and traumatic. To my surprise, it was none of these under the skilled care of Dr. Shuman and his incredible staff. I experienced no pain during the procedure, recovered quickly,and have no lingering effects other than happy, healthy gums. If you need oral surgery, this is your team. - Nancy R.

“Great Experience! Dr. Shuman is fabulous”

Good: The entire staff was very friendly. Dr. Shuman explained the procedure in great detail. I loved the fact that I could watch a movie during the procedure. I was so relaxed I fell asleep. It was an excellent experience and I could not say more. Great office, wonderful people.. Bad: Nothing. - William C.

“It doesn't get any better !”

I actually look forward to each visit.Everyone is courteous and extremely professional. I learn something new to improve my daily care procedures with each visit. I enjoy my conversations, everyone is a joy to see again. I love the offices,a lovely renovated home with private rooms for dental care. I am a lucky guy to have all this for such an important part of my health.I can only ask that this will continue in perpetuity. - Leonard V.

“Excellent Quality Care”

I have been a patient since 1981 and I would highly recommend Associates in Peridontics. Although I have seen many changes in the practice over the years, what stays consistent is the genuine quality of personal care. This practice has stayed on the cutting edge with continuous improvement in peridontical practices, while upgrading equipment to stay abreast with advanced technology to provide the best dental care. They provide thorough, informative and proactive service. - Mary P.

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