Welcome to The Practice Connection

The best outcomes of surgery do not begin in our office. They begin in yours.

Every referral extends your diagnosis, your reputation, your long-term restorative vision. We do not take that responsibility lightly.

At Jawfixers, we aim to uphold the standards you set from your office to ours. The purpose of this newsletter is to extend a hand of knowledge and experience. Through the Practice Connection, we create a relationship- an invisible string that patients may not see but always feel.

Each month we’ll share:

• Clinical Pearls
• Surgical Insights
• Practice & Community Updates
• Stories of Impact
• Team Spotlights

No fluff, no holding back. Real knowledge and connection that can be applied immediately. Because great dentistry is not isolated-

It’s aligned.

Welcome to The Practice Connection.

Clinical Pearl

Bisphosphonates & Extractions: Thinking Beyond the Generic Name

Are all bisphosphonates considered equal in dentistry? The short answer is no. The longer answer is that the risk depends on the patient’s timeline.

Before deciding on extractions or scheduling an implant consult, consider the following:

Duration of bisphosphonate therapy: If the patient has used bisphosphonates for over four years, the risk significantly increases

Route: Is the patient taking the medication orally, by injection, or via infusion?

History of delayed healing

Health history of the patient: Health history forms help identify risks.

For most healthy patients on oral therapy, the risk remains reasonably low. However, in higher-risk cases, early communication and coordination can help keep your long-term restorative plans intact.

Education is never an add-on, it’s part of our connection and we are always happy to partner with you. Want to read more about it? Click here.

What Do Music Teachers and Oral Surgeons Have in Common?

Meet Dr. Ricketson, the newest surgeon at JawFixers, whose path to oral surgery started in a music classroom!

Dr. Ricketson completed his dental degree at Case Western University and a six-year residency at the University of Michigan. Originally from New Mexico and raised in Oklahoma, Dr. Ricketson was once a music teacher and accompanist! He enjoys playing the piano and traveling. Read more about Dr. Ricketson here.

Story of Impact

“Thank you for making these potentially awful dental appointments much easier to bear.”

Not tolerable.

Easier to bear.

This is an issue we all face: patients with dental anxiety. Patients arrive with expectations shaped by media, early childhood experiences, or word-of-mouth, and often those expectations are negative.

Here’s our common thread: how do we not only beat these expectations but completely reshape them?

 What’s the first thing to remember before walking into that new patient consult? Dental procedures aren’t just clinical, they’re emotional. Here’s what arises:

• Loss of control
• Fear of pain
• Anticipatory shame

Let’s get equipped. Here’s our anxious patient protocol:

Pre-Visit Preparation: Meet the Patient Where They Are. We set clear expectations by discussing medical and anxiety history before the visit. This positions dental procedures as team-work. The power is in the verbiage and it begins with the first phone call.

Control & Predictability: Here’s where we overcome the feeling of lost control. A step-by-step explanation might seem combative, but it can actually make the patient feel more in control. (Pro tip: An agreed upon pause signal can help the patient feel even more in control)

Calm pacing; Never rushed: Every patient should feel like the only patient. Having ample time for new patients helps each and every one feel that the team is dedicated to working alongside them and only them.

The Power of Post-Op Instructions: Letting patients know they have direct access for questions or an emergency is often an overlooked but integral piece of the puzzle. The patient leaves with more knowledge and a feeling of security they can take home.

When trust improves, procedures run quicker and, more importantly, so does healing (physically and mentally).

There are levels to this: pediatric care, trauma-informed care- we’ve got you covered. There is much knowledge to share regarding anxiety in patients. We’ll be sure to share everything as we build upon our connection here.

JOIN US

What’s in our head?

 An overview of orthodontic-surgical collaboration, referrals, treatment planning, and coordinated care for dentofacial conditions. Join Dr. Adam Daniels & Dr. Ryaz Ansari for practical insights on strengthening partnerships between orthodontics and oral surgery.

Date and Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Location: Maneeley’s Banquet & Catering, South Windsor, CT

Access + Alignment= Partnership

We want to thank you for entrusting us with your patients’ care. We know that dentistry is so much more than an end result; it is a journey we all take together. Our goal: extend your standard of care with surgical precision and a patient-centered experience.

Next month: trauma informed care, implant stability, & improving outcomes in medically compromised patients.

Need a case reviewed, a consult scheduled, or even a second opinion? We’re here for you. Just one call or message away.

Here’s to better outcomes, smoother journeys, and aligned expectations together- every step of the way.