When periodontist Edmond Ghiabi began providing treatments on Prince Edward Island, he initially attempted to balance a satellite Island practice with Nova Scotian headquarters. “There’s a shortage of periodontists in some areas of Canada, including PEI,” he explains. “I thought that, by visiting once or twice a month, I could provide services here.” However, local demand for Dr. Ghiabi’s expertise escalated, “to the point that the waiting list was about eight months.” Soon, Dr. Ghiabi relocated his practice — and home — to Charlottetown. He has continued his work on the Island for the past three years. Dr. Ghiabi is now PEI’s sole resident periodontist (gum specialist). “Periodontists treat gums, bone, and the supporting tissues of teeth,” he explains. “Ultimately, our goal is to help patients keep their natural teeth for as long as possible.” A Harvard alumni and former Dalhousie faculty member, Dr. Ghiabi possesses over two decades of experience. He sees self-education as vital to his skills as a periodontist, and makes a point of staying informed. “In today’s age of digital technology, it’s easy,” he says modestly. “I get journals, I attend seminars... just last weekend, I was in Montreal for an implant conference.” Varied gum-related complaints — recession, deep pockets, sensitivity, and other issues — lead PEI patients to Dr. Ghiabi’s North River Road practice. Some patients may even seem symptomless, he notes. “Gum disease is actually a silent disease. It usually doesn’t manifest pain until it’s severe.” Gum disease can obviously result from lapses in oral hygiene. However, Dr. Ghiabi is quick to point out that even scrupulous patients may require periodontic attention for other reasons:
for instance, missing or misspaced teeth, food trapped in damaged tooth restorations, and/or improper brushing. Other concerns may have a cosmetic component, since treatments such as gum grafting or crown lengthening can help improve patients’ smiles. Dr. Ghiabi and his staff develop treatment strategies for each patient following a thorough initial assessment. Since he’s aware that nervousness can afflict dental patients, Dr. Ghiabi keeps his clinic space serene. “We’ve been told our office is more like a spa,” he chuckles. “It’s a very calming, soothing environment. We try to help patients relax and feel comfortable.” The clinic also has access to nitrous oxide or other sedatives, should the need arise. “Periodontists treat gums, bone, and the supporting tissues of teeth. Ultimately, our goal is to help patients keep their natural teeth for as long as possible.” While some patients contact him directly, Dr. Ghiabi says, local dentists send the majority. He clearly views his services as a complement to, and not a replacement for, standard dental checkups and treatments. He takes care to send treatment information back to patients’ primary dental practices, and even periodically holds ongoing periodontic education events for local dentists’ benefit, he notes. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, Dr. Ghiabi points out, annual periodontal checkups are ideal. “A dentist or hygienist can do that examination.” Should checkups highlight a need for specialist care, the best course for Islanders is clear: an appointment with Dr. Edmond Ghiabi.
▲ Dr. Edmond Ghiabi
Dr. Edmond Ghiabic, Periodonist 590 North River Road, Suite 1
Charlottetown 902 894.5100 admin@peiperiodontist.ca www.peiperiodontist.ca
77
SUMMER 2018 www.pei-living.ca
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker