Attention to detail in some cases could make all of the difference between some- thing being good versus superb. In other cases, meticulousness isn’t a choice, but rather what the job entails—similar to the work of a periodontist. Dr. Andrew Diamond of Diamond Periodontics says attention to detail is crucial when replacing teeth, reconstructing oral tissues and treating diseases of the mouth.

“I work in very, very small areas around the mouth and have an opportunity to reshape the oral tissues by sculpting the bone and gum and performing oral plastic surgery,” says Dr. Diamond. “It’s reshaping tissue. When I remove tissue or add tissue, I’m sculpting it.”

He compares this work to clay sculpting, a hobby he picked up a few years ago. He says the diligence and attentiveness that goes into creating each sculpture has made him a better surgeon. This interest in clay sculpting came about by accident. After years of re- shaping, reconstructing gum tissue and studying the anatomy of his patients, a mere after- noon with his kids and clay changed his perspective on surgery. “I’ve always had a knack for art and drawing, but never knew I was capable of creating human facial anatomy from clay,” says Dr. Diamond. “Everyday I’m sculpting human tissue; clay is just another medium.

“During oral plastic surgery I’m rebuilding and reshaping tissue and I’m doing that with clay as well,” he adds. “It’s about persistence, detail and being able to sit still and create something and not stop until it’s as perfect as it can be. ...Clay sculpting makes me a better surgeon. Being a better surgeon makes me a better sculptor. The precision required to successfully sculpt the human facial form has helped me with the precision needed for surgery. A steady skilled hand is crucial to both.”

Dr. Diamond followed in his grandfather’s footsteps when he entered dentistry, and he knew from a young age observing his grand- father’s work that he wanted to be in this field.

“I always wanted to be a dentist, as far back as I can remember, and always had a fascination with dentistry,” he recalls. “My grandfather was a dentist in World War II and was stationed in Panama, then came back home to Queens [New York] and had a practice there nearly until the day he died. He was a practicing dentist until I was about 18. Unfortunately he passed away before I started my dental education.

“I remember as a kid he took me to his colleague’s office and I would observe and ask questions,” he continues. “I’ve always loved using my hands, building things, taking things apart, art, drawing and biology. For me, dentistry was a no-brainer.”

Dr. Diamond offers non-surgical periodontal treatments such as periodontal scaling and root planing, in addition to periodontal surgical treatments such as crown lengthening, soft tissue grafts, pocket reduction procedures and regenerative procedures. The practice also specializes in dental implants, which he says makes up?the largest part of his practice, by removing broken?down teeth, reconstructing lost tissues and providing?patients with permanent teeth that mimic natural ones.

“Every day we perform extractions and bone grafting techniques to rebuild bone for dental implant placement,” Dr. Diamond explains. “[Patients] no longer need re- movable appliances or bridgework that hook onto other teeth. Sometimes, we can do implants the same day the teeth are removed to improve the final outcome for aesthetics, comfort and function.”

Aiding him in these procedures is the latest 3D technology—a CBCT scan that helps Dr. Diamond virtually?perform surgery on a computer before he gets to the patients. “It allows us to see more of the patient’s anatomy,?the need for any bone reconstruction, and digitally place?the dental implants on a computer,” he explains. “We?can see crucial anatomy needed for successful and safe?dental implant placement. Prior to this technology,?patients had to go to a radiology center or a hospital and?be exposed to high doses of radiation to obtain a?traditional CT scan. Now using Cone Beam (CB) technology, patients are exposed to a fraction of the radiation?traditionally needed and now it can be performed in the comfort of our office. CBCT scan technology enables us to know exactly what’s under the gum as well as the precise angle and position necessary to place each dental implant.”

Before beginning any of these procedures, Dr. Diamond consults with a patient for 60 minutes educating them on exactly what his diagnosis is and what can be done to treat the patient, always presenting options and in turn, putting their nerves at ease.

“My number one goal is to make patients comfortable. Every new patient gets an hour of my time to discuss their needs and treatment options,” he explains. “Another important aspect for us is education. We have models to show patients which helps them understand the procedures we do and if need be, I draw pictures and patients really appreciate this. I have patients time and time again leave the office thanking me for explaining everything to them in a way they understand. We always educate patients on their needs and go over the various treatment options. With this education, patients are able to pick which option suits them best.”

Dr. Diamond isn’t the only one in his office who lives by attention to detail. It’s seen through- out his office with his staff, from a patient’s initial phone call, to when they walk into the office for the first time and until the patient leaves the office when treatment has been completed.

“I’ve always been a detail- oriented person and it has trickled into the way I run my practice,” he says. “I pay attention to the details as a doctor, but my staff pays attention to detail from an administrative standpoint with the way we run our office. Everyone is detail oriented—customer service is our number one priority.”

Treating his patients like family and building relationships is of utmost importance to Dr. Diamond and his staff, in addition to offering them the highest quality in care.

“What I like about running a periodontal practice is that we are one of the few surgical specialties that have patients that become part of our patient family,” he explains. “A periodontal office has reoccurring patients—that’s what drew me to it. It’s building relationships and being a part of our patients’ long- term dental care.”

“Nearly every patient thankfully leaves our office happy after going through the procedures because of the results we are able to achieve and the care they have received. With some, by changing their smile, we change their life. A smile and a healthy mouth is one of the most important things we can have, and by enhancing their smile and giving them health and function, patients are appreciative and grateful for what we can do.”

Andrew B.  Diamond, DMD, MS
2300 Computer Ave.
Suite B9-10
Willow Grove, Pa.
(215) 657-2211
DiamondPeriodontics.com

Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life Magazine, July, 2017.
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