What does it take to create smiles that don't just look good on day one — but stay beautiful for decades?

In this episode of All Pulp No Fiction, Dr. Akram Al-Wahabi sits down with Dr. Tadahiko Nakano, award-winning clinician and third-generation dentist, to explore the thinking behind truly predictable aesthetic dentistry.

Dr. Nakano shares how his mentors at Harajuku Dental Office — including SJCD founder Dr. Masao Yamazaki — shaped his interdisciplinary philosophy, and why modern aesthetics is no longer just about white teeth.

From managing "pink aesthetics" and gummy smiles to microsurgical soft-tissue techniques, digital facial scanning, and knowing exactly when to choose indirect ceramic restorations over direct composites, this conversation is a masterclass in comprehensive treatment planning.

In this episode:

- Why Dr. Nakano became a dentist — and the mentors who shaped his career.

- White aesthetics vs. pink aesthetics: why the gum matters as much as the tooth.

- Function first: bite force, oral function testing, and data gathering in an aging society.

- Digital workflow: intraoral scanning, facial scans, and communicating with technicians.

- Direct vs. indirect restorations — the decision-making framework.

- Microsurgery and avoiding scar formation in crown lengthening and root coverage.

- Advice for young dentists entering interdisciplinary dentistry.

See Dr. Nakano live at the 6th GC International Dental Symposium:

Dr. Nakano will be lecturing on "Advantages of Periodontal Microsurgery in the Esthetic Zone" as part of the Next-Generation Dental Leadership session — a program bringing together top-voted speakers from previous NextGen editions, integrating restorative and periodontal excellence.

Saturday, October 3

If today's conversation on interdisciplinary care, white & pink esthetics, and microsurgery sparked your interest, don't miss the chance to see these concepts demonstrated live through his clinical cases.

Register:

https://www.gc.dental/japan/6thsymposium/en/registration

Session details:

https://www.gc.dental/japan/6thsymposium/en/session/sessions33-34

All Pulp No Fiction is presented by GC Corporation, Academic Division – Dental Information Center.