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Your Trusted Periodontists in Old Saybrook, CT
River Valley Periodontics & Implant Dentistry has been a trusted provider of advanced periodontal and implant care since 1974. Our team of board-certified periodontists brings decades of combined experience and specialized training to every patient interaction. We utilize cutting-edge technologies like 3D imaging and laser dentistry to deliver precise, minimally invasive treatments. Our commitment to ongoing education ensures we remain at the forefront of dental advancements while maintaining a patient-first philosophy across our six convenient locations.

Each treatment plan is tailored to individual needs, combining technical expertise with compassionate care to address both oral health and aesthetic concerns. Our practice has earned recognition in Connecticut Magazine as top dentists for over a decade through this balanced approach to clinical excellence and personalized service.
Services
Dental Implants Gum Disease Treatment LANAP Laser Surgery Chao Pinhole Technique Cosmetic Gum Treatment Bone Grafting Periodontal Maintenance Implant-Supported Dentures Peri-Implantitis Treatment Emergency Dentistry
Details
  • Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
  • Board-certified periodontists with over 50 years combined implant placement experience
  • Pioneers in minimally invasive techniques like LANAP and Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique
  • Recognized as top dentists by Connecticut Magazine for 10+ consecutive years
  • Six convenient locations serving Connecticut and Rhode Island communities
  • Comprehensive care from emergency treatment to complex reconstructive procedures
What people say
Painless and relaxing process Best at what he does Improved confidence and quality of life Seamless and smooth treatment Exceptional team care
Services
Dental Implants
Our board-certified periodontists specialize in dental implant placement using advanced 3D imaging technology for precise positioning. With over 50 years of combined experience, we offer single tooth replacements, implant-supported dentures, and full-arch solutions like Teeth-in-a-Day. The treatment process includes bone grafting when necessary and collaboration with trusted restorative dentists to ensure optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes while maintaining long-term oral health.
LANAP Laser Gum Surgery
This minimally invasive gum disease treatment uses the PerioLase dental laser to remove infected tissue while preserving healthy structures. Certified LANAP providers perform this FDA-approved protocol without scalpels or sutures, promoting faster healing and reduced discomfort. Patients benefit from immediate functional improvements and bone regeneration capabilities, with most returning to normal activities within 24 hours while achieving lasting periodontal stability.
Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique
This innovative approach treats receding gums through small pinhole incisions rather than traditional grafting. Our specialists gently reposition existing tissue to cover exposed roots, addressing both aesthetic concerns and functional issues like sensitivity. The technique offers immediate visual improvements and long-term protection against further recession while maintaining natural tissue characteristics.
Cosmetic Gum Treatment
We address gummy smiles and uneven gumlines through precise tissue sculpting techniques. Our periodontists correct excessive gum display and asymmetrical contours to enhance smile aesthetics while maintaining proper tooth proportions. The procedures often combine soft tissue modification with bone adjustments when necessary, creating balanced, natural-looking results that improve both appearance and oral health.
Bone Grafting
This procedure rebuilds deficient jawbone structures to support dental implants or preserve tooth stability. Using autogenous tissue or FDA-approved donor materials like Gem21 or AmnioSpark, our specialists regenerate lost bone volume through minimally invasive techniques. Advanced growth factor applications enhance healing and integration, ensuring successful implant placement or improved tooth retention outcomes for patients with compromised bone structures.
People
Craig Foisie
Board-Certified Periodontist
A diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology with naval service experience, Dr. Foisie combines military discipline with compassionate care. He leads the River Valley Study Club and volunteers with Dental Lifeline Network while maintaining expertise in IV sedation and implant dentistry.
Matthew Cantner
Board-Certified Periodontist
Recipient of the University of Pennsylvania's Directors Award, Dr. Cantner brings academic excellence to clinical practice. He teaches at the University of Connecticut and directs the River Valley Study Club while providing comprehensive periodontal care with a focus on patient education.
Tatyana Oks
Board-Certified Periodontist
Columbia University-trained periodontist with teaching experience at the University of Maryland. Dr. Oks maintains active memberships in multiple dental organizations while providing evidence-based care that combines technical precision with personalized attention to patient needs.
Matthew Miller
Board-Certified Periodontist
Former Navy Department Head of Periodontics and LANAP trainer, Dr. Miller combines military leadership with clinical expertise. He specializes in dental sleep medicine and maintains active roles in multiple professional organizations while delivering patient-centered periodontal care.
Anu Viswanathan
Periodontist
University of Pittsburgh-trained specialist with research recognition from the Osseointegration Foundation. Dr. Viswanathan combines artistic sensibility with scientific rigor in periodontal plastic surgery while maintaining a commitment to evidence-based treatment and patient comfort through IV sedation expertise.
Questions
Do I need a referral to visit River Valley Periodontics?
No referral is required. While many patients come through dentist recommendations, we welcome direct appointments for all periodontal needs including emergency care and second opinions.
What makes your dental implant approach different?
Our board-certified periodontists use 3D imaging for precise planning and offer bone grafting when needed. With over 50 years combined experience, we provide personalized solutions from single implants to full-arch restorations.
Are your gum disease treatments less invasive than traditional methods?
Yes. We specialize in minimally invasive options like LANAP laser therapy and Chao Pinhole Technique that avoid scalpels and sutures while promoting faster healing and better cosmetic outcomes.
How do you handle dental emergencies?
We provide 24/7 emergency care for periodontal issues. Our team accommodates urgent cases day or night, with specialists available to address pain, infections, or trauma-related concerns.
What comfort options are available during procedures?
We offer oral and IV sedation, blankets, pillows, and personalized explanations to ensure comfort. Our team's compassionate approach helps patients feel at ease throughout their treatment experience.
Can you help with cosmetic gum concerns?
Yes. We specialize in gum reshaping procedures to correct gummy smiles, uneven gumlines, and recession. Both traditional grafting and innovative techniques like the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique are available.