IN Peters Township October/November 2019

INDUSTRY INSIGHT DENTAL HEALTH SPONSORED CONTENT A Solution for Mi ss ing T EE th N ow 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 implant-to-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 tight-fitting 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. 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 long- term success. South Hills Dental Arts does it right the first time-saving you time, money, pain and, most importantly, your teeth. • All-On-4 Fixed Prosthesis • Cosmetic & Restorative Procedures • One Day Cerec Crowns • Root Canals • Bone Grafting • Dentures • Snap-In Dentures • Implants • Periodontal Therapy • In-office Whitening • Invisalign Steven R. Crandall, DMD Karen L. Johnson, DDS Kathy L. Lopez, DMD Hadil F. Yousef, DDS Daniel D. Finnegan, DMD Kimberly D. Janusz, DDS 3 Convenient Locations | 70 FORT COUCH RD., UPPER ST CLAIR, PA 15241 | 412.833.6166 | 2725 CENTER ST., PITTSBURGH, PA 15205 | 412.922.9292 | 201 OHIO RIVER BLVD., SEWICKLEY, PA 15143 | 412.741.6350 www.southhillsdentalarts.com PETERS TOWNSHIP ❘ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 31

IN Peters Township October/November 2019 | Page 33