Dr. LaPorta performed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University where he received his bachelor's degree in nutritional sciences. He then went on to graduate from the University of Connecticut, School of Dental Medicine, where he graduated with special recognition for his proficiency in periodontics. He completed his post-graduate periodontics residency at the University of Maryland and has been practicing for over 15 years.

In addition to private practice, Dr. LaPorta serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Connecticut, School of Dental Medicine where he lectures and provides clinical instruction to the periodontal residents. This affords him the opportunity to work closely with the dental education community and helps him maintain his high standards of providing continuing education.

Dr. LaPorta is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of both the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association. In addition, he was the past president of both the Manchester Dental Society and the Connecticut Society of Periodontists. He has experience in dental research and has been published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology on the topic of pathologic lesions of the gingiva. Dr. LaPorta has volunteered his dental services locally by participating in Connecticut's Mission of Mercy Events. He has also traveled to Amazonian Peru as a member of a health care team to provide dental treatment for under-served areas. He plans to continue to contribute his services as an advocate for those in need and he is eager to begin his next venture soon.

Dr. Thacker performed her undergraduate studies at Nair Hospital Dental College in Mumbai, India, where she received her bachelors degree in Dental Surgery. She then went on to graduate from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where she graduated with special recognition for Divisional Excellence in Periodontics. She completed her post-graduate periodontics residency at the University of Connecticut, as well as receiving her Masters of Science. She has been practicing periodontics for over seven years.

In addition to private practice, Dr. Thacker serves as the Assistant Post-Graduate Periodontics Program Director at the University of Connecticut, School of Dental Medicine, where she provides lectures and clinical instruction to the periodontal residents. This has afforded her the opportunity to develop close relationships with the dental education community and to help mentor many students who have gone on to successful practice in Connecticut and beyond. In addition, Dr. Thacker was recently awarded the American Academy of Periodontologys Educator Award in recognition of outstanding teaching and mentoring in periodontics.

Dr. Thacker is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, and the American Dental Association. In addition, she has served as the President of the Connecticut Society of Periodontists. She has experience in dental research on the topics of immediate load of implants, three-dimensional imaging in dentistry, and dental implant materials. She has been published in the International Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Implants and in Imaging Science in Dentistry.

In her spare time, Dr. Thacker enjoys spending time with her husband Ajay and her two young children, Krish (age 5) and Meera (age 2). In addition, she is an avid cooker and can often be found hiking the countryside of Connecticut.

Dr. Thacker strives at all times to provide high quality periodontics in a caring and comfortable environment. She is very excited about the opportunity to provide your patients with the best possible care and looks forward to meeting you soon.

Having been part of this practice for almost 37 years, it has become my home away from home. Many of my longtime patients have become old friends. Having camaraderie with such an upbeat, friendly staff makes the detailed hygiene work enjoyable. Dr. LaPortas sense of humor and great bedside manner make the patients and staff very comfortable.

I have been with Dr. LaPorta since 2012 and in periodontics since 1988. I have years of experience assisting patients with understanding their treatment and providing financial solutions to achieve their goals within their budget.

When outside the office you can find me spending time with my family, either watching a soccer game or a dance performance with my daughters. I enjoy volunteering at the Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic and at our local dance studio.

The thing I like most at the practice is the teamwork: The teamwork between the staff, the teamwork between the staff and patients, and the teamwork between our office and the general dentists office.

I enjoy working in an office that is not only an interesting place to learn, but also allows me to be a part of an exceptional team. Also, I really love to meet and get to know all the amazing patients that come to our office.

I have the opportunity to help people improve their dental health and maintain their general overall health. As an educator and a motivator in the office that cares about so much about its patients, I look forward to coming to work each day.

Hello future patients! I graduated from Porter and Chester Institute in 2011 with a 4.0 GPA. Most of my years as a dental assistant has been in periodontics, but I am also knowledgeable in all aspects of dentistry. I can answer any of your questions from general dentistry to surgical. Outside of working with CT Periodontal Specialists, I have another job - being a mom! I have two daughters that share the same birthday, but they are not twins . . . crazy, right! I love cooking (and eating), going for walks, and watching movies with my two girls and my teacup Chihuahua Yoda.

Hola!!!! My name is Isabel. I have been a certified dental assistant for over seven years. In my journey I have seen and met patients of all walks of life. I enjoy meeting all of our patients and enjoy watching their smiles transform through their treatment here at CT Periodontal Specialists. Working along side Dr. LaPorta and Dr. Thacker continues to amaze me. I love learning something new everyday! I am a member of a great team that strives to help all patients to be informed and comfortable. I speak English and Spanish and I can assist you with any questions from cosmetics to general dentisty and of course, periodontics. My time away from the office is well spent with my husband, our two beautiful daughters, and 16 pound little furry dog. We enjoy hiking, swimming, and watching movies. I look forward to seeing you in our office. Adios!!!

A periodontist specializes in services that prevent, diagnose, and treat disease of the tissues supporting the teeth. They also provide periodontal care services to help patients maintain healthy gums, teeth and bone.

Dr. Vincent LaPorta and Dr. SejalThacker has extensive experience treating gum disease, placing dental implants, and performing periodontal aesthetic procedures. They work hard to ensure patients maintain healthy gums for life and use advanced technologies and digital equipment, including dental lasers, to generate optimal results.

Gum disease is a bacterial infection in the mouth that can cause irreversible bone damage and tooth loss if left untreated. Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of gum disease. Advanced periodontics treatments are designed to improve unhealthy gum tissue and restore the mouth to a healthier state.

If you notice your gums are bleeding when you brush and floss or you have swollen, tender gums, you may have gum disease. Other symptoms include persistent bad breath and loose or shifting teeth. The early stages of gum disease are fairly easy to address with non-surgical treatment. If the condition progresses to later stages, you may need more aggressive treatment with laser therapy and other techniques.

We recommend taking children to see their general dentist for the first time between 18 and 24 months. However, if at any time you notice issues or have concerns with the gums or new teeth growing in, it is important to see a dentist immediately.

You need to visit your dentist for a teeth cleaning at least twice a year and at least once a year to monitor your oral health with a comprehensive exam. You may need more frequent visits if you have gum disease or other oral health problems.