Upon entering the historic space that is Advanced Dentistry of Wilton you immediately feel the grandeur and history of the Old Cannon House located on Route 7 in Wilton. Each room has been updated to accommodate state-of-the-art dental technologies while maintaining significant, historic architectural details.
Meeting Dr. Aris and his wife, Pamela is an absolute pleasure. The warmth that radiates from this couple is a tribute to their close partnership and the trusted practice that they have built together. We sat down with both of them to talk about the importance of oral health and how they create a unique patient experience at their revered dental practice.
CL: How did you decide to become a dentist? Where did you study?
ARIS: “I was inspired at an early age by my love of the sciences and fine art,” says Dr. Aris, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine who has since logged over 2,000 hours of continuing education. His extraordinary commitment to education allows him to perform sophisticated procedures including full-mouth reconstructions, root canals, implants and bone grafts. He is among the top one percent of general dentists in this country who have earned a Mastership from the Academy of General Dentistry.
“Our foundation is preventative care.” Dr. Aris stresses, “Maintaining your oral health is key to a healthy immune system and enhanced overall health. Your mouth truly is a window to your overall health, and we are gratified to help people live healthier lives.” The mission of Advanced Dentistry of Wilton is to create a partnership with each and every patient to achieve and maintain their optimal oral health.
CL: In 2017 you moved your practice into this gorgeous historic home. Tell us about this house and how it feels to welcome your patients here.
ARIS: “I can honestly say I love coming to work every day because of the patients I’m blessed to serve and the professional team of extraordinary dentists, registered dental hygienists, certified dental assistants, and front-office business team.” Welcoming patients to our modern dental office with state-of-the-art technology and hospital-grade sterilization, in the historic Cannon House, is a dream come true.
Pamela Aris adds, “We had the opportunity to create a space that enhances the patient experience, from installing the latest in dental chair design to how the private operatories (patient rooms) are organized and cabinets are positioned.”
Mary Cannon (granddaughter of John Cannon, who founded the Cannon Store at the start of the 1800s) was left 3.75 acres in 1835 (valued at $470.34). She and her husband built the five-bedroom Greek revival at 436 Danbury Road. The historic Cannon House, where Advanced Dentistry of Wilton is housed, was originally a 167-acre dairy farm. We are proud to preserve part of Wilton’s legacy.
CL: You have a very passionate, connected team working here. How would you describe the patient experience at your practice?
ARIS: “Patients come first,” Dr. Aris explains, “It’s true, the most important person in the world is the person in front of you. Focus is critical in dentistry, and listening and understanding our patients’ goals is our team’s priority.
“Each member of our team is passionate about providing the highest quality of care.” Dr. Aris continues, “That’s what drives us to seek out world-class educators to bring back world-class dental knowledge for the benefit of our patients.”
Dr. Aris and his team offer compassionate care and are determined to make all patients feel comfortable from the minute they walk into the immaculate and relaxing reception area. The modern dental office with state-of-the-art technology is at home in the magnificent gabled-roof Greek Revival.
CL: Tell us about how dentistry has evolved in recent years. What new technologies do you offer your patients?
ARIS: “Innovation and research in dental medicine is enhanced every day, making dentistry less invasive and more comfortable for the patient. For example, the merging of computer technology with healthcare has had a tremendous impact on the practice of dentistry. Our Planmeca chairs are software-driven with CAD/CAM technology built into the chair.” CAD/CAM technology with 3-D digital scanners have revolutionized restorative dentistry, paving the way for the one-day crown, while creating a better fit, form and function “Today, digital x-rays and a paperless office are the norm,” states Dr. Aris. At Advanced Dentistry of Wilton digital scanners like the Planmeca Emerald and the Itero are used instead of traditional impressions, and enhance patient comfort. The scanners digitally capture the structure of your teeth and gums capturing every small intricacy for improved accuracy.
CL: You give back to your community in a number of ways. Tell us about how your practice gives back to the area and a cause that you champion?
ARIS: Education.
“I’m inspired on a daily basis by the patients I’m fortunate to serve,” Dr. Aris emphasizes. “One of our patients organized earlier this year, a Head and Neck Cancer Awareness lecture at The Wilton Playshop. I lectured on oral cancer prevention with an oncologist from Yale University. I hope this becomes an annual event, because early detection saves lives. My wife is a cancer survivor.”
“Another way I love to get involved in the community is by organizing study clubs with our local dentists and specialists. Last month Oral Surgeon Dr. Steven Smullin (Ridgefield) spoke to our group on maxillofacial trauma, and next month Periodontist Dr. DeLibero (Norwalk) will talk about gum health.”
“Our foundation is preventative care. Maintaining your oral health is key to a healthy immune system and enhanced overall health."
In addition to attending and speaking at dental seminars, Dr. Aris loves to sing. You will often hear him singing in his dental practice, but he has also appeared at The Wilton Playshop in productions including Chicago and Evita. “It is a town treasure, and the arts are critical to any community,” echo Dr. Aris and his wife Pamela. Since 1937, The Wilton Playshop, a volunteer organization, has been providing quality live theater to the greater Wilton area.