INDUSTRY INSIGHT
DENTAL HEALTH
A Solution for
MI SSING
SPONSORED CONTENT
T EETH
Now with the advances and breakthroughs in dentistry , losing one tooth or multiple teeth doesn ’ t mean you need to suffer from inadequate appearance or functionality . Through the use of dental implants patients have the option of fully restoring their mouths , replacing all missing teeth , and restoring their confidence and the smile of their youth .
There are three main reasons for tooth loss . The first , and most obvious , is due to decay . When repairing a first-time decaying tooth a dentist will normally place a tooth-colored composite filling in the decayed area . This maintains the natural look of the tooth and will restore it to its proper function . When a filling gets too large a crown will be placed on the tooth protecting what is left . When a patient waits too long to crown a tooth he / she runs the risk of that tooth being non-restorable . If there is insufficient tooth structure remaining then the tooth may need to be extracted . The second reason for tooth loss is periodontal disease . Periodontal disease is mainly seen in adults . This type of disease refers to a bacterial infection in the gums that disrupts the harmony between the tooth , supporting bone structure and periodontal ligament ( which holds our teeth in place ). If this type of bacterial infection goes untreated a patient will notice loosening of teeth and eventually will experience the loss of one or several teeth . Thirdly and less commonly diagnosed is occlusal disease . Occlusal disease is the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth . Over time , grinding and clenching can occur , disrupting the equilibrium of our teeth and jaw , causing tooth fractures and tooth loss .
The loss of one or two teeth may not seem very detrimental to an individual ’ s function and appearance , especially if the teeth are in the back . But , once these teeth are gone the patient will experience bone loss where the tooth once was . This will cause surrounding teeth to drift , creating spaces ; opposing teeth will begin to super-erupt , loosen and eventually will fall out . There is no doubt that it is very important to replace missing teeth . When deciding what replacement solution is best for particular patients , they must decide what fits their needs best . In addition they must think about what type of lifespan they would like to see out of their replacement solution .
Dental implants have been around for over 50 years and serve as the best solutions for replacing missing teeth . A dental implant serves as a prosthetic root that adheres to upper or lower jaw bone in the area of the missing tooth . This is what creates a structurally integrated fixture where a crown can then be placed . The implant and the crown on top serve as the replacement tooth ; the implant mimicking the root of a real tooth and the crown mimicking the tooth area that is visible above the gum line .
If you are missing one of your teeth , a large section of your teeth or all of your teeth , dental implants may be the longest
lasting and best solution for you . With dental implants it is possible to replace a single tooth , create implantto-implant bridges for larger tooth loss areas , and even restore full arches . Another option for the use of implants is to place them strategically and conservatively , creating a platform for denture support . Implant supported dentures create a tightfitting denture and eliminate the need for messy adhesives and allow you to smile with confidence .
For more information on what can be done for your smile using dental implants visit www . southhillsdentalarts . com and select “ Patient Resources ” to see educational videos that help explain the dental implant steps and procedures .
• All-On-4 Fixed Prosthesis
• Cosmetic & Restorative Procedures
• One Day Cerec Crowns
4 Convenient Locations UPPER ST CLAIR 70 FORT COUCH ROAD
PITTSBURGH 2725 CENTER STREET
SEWICKLEY 201 OHIO RIVER BLVD .
McMURRAY 807 E . McMURRAY ROAD
412.924.7432
• Root Canals
• Bone Grafting
• Dentures
• Snap-In Dentures
Steven R . Crandall , DMD Karen L . Johnson , DDS Hadil F . Yousef , DDS
Smile ! You can keep your teeth for life
No one likes to repeat dental work – not even a dentist .
That ’ s why we take the time to help you plan for longterm success . South Hills Dental Arts does it right the first time-saving you time , money , pain and , most importantly , your teeth .
• Implants
• Mini Implants
• In-office Whitening
• Invisalign
Kimberly D . Janusz , DDS Samir Gupta , DMD Amber Brancolini , DMD
www . southhillsdentalarts . com
PETERS TOWNSHIP | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2023 33