Our Patients Are The Reason We’re Here

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About Our Practice

As specialists in treating periodontal disease, TMD, and much more, in the communities of Warwick and Narragansett, RI, Drs. Pierce, Crabtree, and Deshmukh are passionate about maintaining your periodontal health. Our team believes in a personalized approach, ensuring each patient receives the care they need. Whether it’s periodontal treatment or any of our other specialized services, our mission is to provide outstanding dental care in a welcoming environment.

Periodontal Disease Treatments
Dental Implants

Mission Statement

Our practice is dedicated to improving our patient’s quality of life, advancing their well-being, and exceeding all of their clinical and personal needs. Our goal is to treat all patients with kindness, respect, integrity, and compassion.

Vision Statement

We believe that the success of treatment often relies on the doctor-patient relationship just as much as the treatment itself. Our goal is to treat patients like family. Our patients are the heart of our practice and the reason we’re here.

We Will:
  • Respect your time by being on time for your appointments.
  • Maintain a highly trained and educated staff.
  • Give all reasonable treatment alternatives.
  • Help you with the financial part of your treatment.
  • Always be available to listen and answer questions.

Meet the Doctors

Our doctors have been top Periodontics specialists in Rhode Island for several years running.

Periodontal Disease in Warwick & Narragansett, RI

Dr. Brenda Pierce, DDS

Dr. Pierce began her dental career as a hygienist, graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996 with a certificate in Dental Hygiene. She worked for 4 years as a full-time hygienist while also attending Pennsylvania State University before pursuing a Doctorate in Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland at Baltimore, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1994 and was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon and Gamma Pi Honor Societies. Her Certificate in Periodontics was also obtained at the University of Maryland in 1996. Dr. Pierce has been voted by her peers as one of the top periodontists in Rhode Island’s Top Dentist magazine for the past decade.

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Dr. Pierce has been in full-time private practice in Warwick and Narragansett, Rhode Island, since 1996. During her years in private practice, she has taught dental hygiene at the Community College of Rhode Island.

Dr. Pierce is the only Board-Certified member of the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine in Rhode Island.

She is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Pierre Fauchard Honors Academy, and has served as President of her local Dental Society. As of 2013, she is a diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Pierce is married to a general dentist who practices in Massachusetts. They live with their two children in Mansfield, Massachusetts, where Dr. Pierce is active in her community and school system. She enjoys traveling, skiing, and trips to the beach with her family.

Periodontal Disease in Warwick & Narragansett, RI

Dr. Danika Crabtree, DMD

Dr. Danika Crabtree was born and raised in Warwick, Rhode Island, she graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. She also received a research-focused Masters of Science in Microbiology from the University of Rhode Island in 2000.
She is also Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology. She completed a surgical residency at Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, FL) as well as a DMD degree from Nova Southeastern in 2005. Dr. Crabtree is also a member of the Chi Psi chapter of the Omicron Kappa Epsilon National Dental Honor Society.

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Dr. Crabtree’s extensive training provides our patients with specialized periodontal services including the surgical placement of dental implants and other complex procedures including osteotome and lateral sinus wall lifts. In addition to other non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy, Dr. Crabtree performs third molar (wisdom teeth) extractions. When Dr. Crabtree is not working what she enjoys most is spending time with her twins, Jack and Addison.

Periodontal Disease in Warwick & Narragansett, RI

Dr. Anu Deshmukh, DDS

Dr. Deshmukh, also known as Dr. Anu, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and brings over a decade of experience. Dr. Anu is very passionate about enhancing the quality of patients’ oral health, which, in turn, can change their lives through the power of dentistry. Dr. Anu says, “What motivates me the most is to see a change in my patient’s raised self-esteem as a result of a little contribution that I have made through my work.”

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Dr. Anu holds a Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) (2004), a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Periodontology and Dental Implantology (2010), and a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Boston University (2017). She is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Rhode Island Dental Association.

Dr. Anu has been voted by her peers as one of the “Top Dentists” from 2018 through 2024 and has been featured in Boston Magazine and Rhode Island Monthly Magazine. Prior to joining our team, Dr. Anu had been practicing as a periodontist in private practices in Massachusetts. She has also worked at Boston University Dental Health Center and was a Clinical Assistant Professor at Boston University for many years. As a periodontist and educator, she performed numerous complex procedures and instructed pre-doctoral students and postdoctoral residents on several aspects of periodontal diseases and their treatment. She is particularly interested in applying innovative techniques in periodontology and implantology that result in improved outcomes.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their dog, “Spice.” She also enjoys socializing with her multitude of friends, reading, listening to music, dancing, and traveling.

Periodontal Disease in Warwick & Narragansett, RI

Dr. Martin Nager, DMD, FICD

Retirement Letter
Dear Patient,

In 1987, I graduated from a periodontal program at Boston University and started my first (and only) job. At that time, the practice’s name was Drs. Rubenstein, Ross and Nager. Over the years, Drs. Rubinstein and Ross retired, and we welcomed Drs. Pierce, Deshmukh, and Crabtree. We have been proud to be chosen by our dental colleagues as a “Top Periodontist” practice every year that Rhode Island Magazine has had its “Top Dentist” issue.

At the end of this year, I will be retiring from the private practice where I worked for 37 years. Retiring at this time in my life will allow me more time to volunteer at the Rhode Island Free Clinic, continue to teach the dental residents at the Samuels-Sinclair Dental Clinic, and continue to manage the Dental Lifeline Network Donated Dental Services program (DDS). This program has now surpassed $ 8.6 Million in free dental care to elderly, disabled, and medically fragile people, as well as our veterans, in private dental offices in Rhode Island.

As I leave now, 52 years after the practice began, I leave you in the very competent and caring hands of Drs. Pierce, Crabtree, and Deshmukh. They will continue to earn your trust and confidence in treating your periodontal, implant, sleep apnea, and TMJ needs. Our all-male periodontal practice is now the only all-female periodontal practice in Rhode Island!

I also want to thank all of the staff we have had over these many years. They have enabled our practice to run smoothly, allowed our doctors to perform at their best, and made each patient experience in our office the best it could be.

Thank you for allowing me to treat you and for your trust and confidence in me over the many years. It has been a pleasure, a privilege, and an honor to have worked with you.

Reference Articles

Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums Is a Wise Investment
Reducing stress can greatly benefit both oral health and finances. The economic crisis has led over 80% of Americans to feel significant stress related to money and the economy, according to the American Psychological Association. Chronic stress can lead to poor oral hygiene, higher cortisol levels, and harmful habits like tobacco or alcohol use, all contributing to periodontal disease. This can cause more severe health issues and increase overall healthcare costs. A 2009 study found that 56% of participants neglected regular brushing and flossing due to stress. Focusing on healthy lifestyle choices can help maintain oral health and reduce costs.
Healthy Gums and a Healthy Heart: The Perio-Cardio Connection
New clinical recommendations advise cardiologists to examine patients’ oral health and periodontists to inquire about heart health. Cardiovascular disease, causing 2,400 deaths daily in the U.S., and periodontal disease, affecting 75% of Americans, are both major health concerns. Research suggests managing one disease may reduce the risk of the other. The recommendations developed through collaboration between cardiologists and periodontists highlight inflammation as a common link. Patients may now receive unconventional advice from their doctors, such as periodontists assessing heart disease risk and cardiologists checking for periodontal symptoms, aiming to reduce disease progression and improve overall health.
Dispelling Myths about Gum Disease: The Truth Behind Healthy Teeth and Gums
The low treatment rates for gum disease, despite its prevalence, are likely due to a lack of understanding of its impact on overall health. About three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease, yet only about three percent seek treatment. Gum disease is linked to other serious health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Misconceptions include underestimating the importance of bleeding gums, neglecting daily flossing, fearing periodontist visits, believing lost teeth to gum disease are permanent, and thinking poor oral hygiene is the only risk factor. Addressing these misconceptions can encourage better oral health management.
Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Individuals with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing periodontal disease due to their increased vulnerability to infections. Consequently, periodontal disease is often seen as a complication associated with diabetes, particularly for those who struggle to manage their condition. Research indicates a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, where periodontal disease can hinder blood sugar control in diabetic individuals. Severe periodontal disease can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, resulting in prolonged periods of high blood sugar, which raises the risk of complications for those with diabetes.

Inflammation: Connecting the Mouth and Body?
Research suggests chronic inflammation may link gum disease to other diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. While dentists stress oral care—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits—physicians also emphasize its importance for overall health. Inflammation, the body’s response to infection or injury, can become chronic, leading to severe health issues. Gum disease symptoms, such as swollen, bleeding gums and bone loss, may stem from chronic inflammation rather than bacteria alone. Many related diseases are systemic inflammatory disorders. Therefore, maintaining oral health is crucial to reducing the risk of these conditions and achieving overall health.
Placement of Dental Implants Results in Minimal Bone Loss
Research indicates that most bone remodeling occurs between dental implant placement and prosthesis placement. Dental implants are used to restore tooth function and appearance and disrupt host tissue, prompting practitioners to focus on preserving bone and gum tissue. After the initial placement, minimal bone change is observed over the next five years, making dental implants a reliable option for tooth replacement. This stability allows dental professionals to concentrate on periodic assessments and treatment of other areas in the mouth, knowing that the implant remains an effective substitute for natural teeth.
Go Green for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Green tea, with a history spanning over 4,000 years, is increasingly popular in the United States. Ancient medicinal practices in China and Japan credited green tea with healing properties. Modern research suggests green tea boosts weight loss, heart health, and cancer prevention. It also promotes healthy teeth and gums. Analysis showed men who drank green tea regularly had better periodontal health. Green tea’s antioxidants, such as catechins, may reduce inflammation linked to periodontal disease, improving gum and bone health. These findings highlight the importance of green tea in maintaining both periodontal and overall health.
Prioritize your health — call today!

Call Warwick Location

401-781-2742

Call Narragansett Location

401-783-8464