Dr. Timothy Kosinski, DDS Claimed

There are many alternative cosmetic solutions such as resin bonding, porcelain veneers and crowns that might apply. Each individual would have to be evaluated to the best course of treatment.

Yes. Replacing missing teeth restores both function and esthetics and will prevent future problems. If a space is left untreated, adjacent or opposing teeth may tip, drift or over erupt leading to bite problems, periodontal disease and/or tooth decay.

There are several alternatives. They may be bleached to reverse discolorations of the enamel (outer layer of tooth crown), bonded with a tooth-colored resin to cover stains or restored with porcelain veneers.

Sensitivity may result in only 10% of all patients who have their teeth bleached. In these instances, there are other agents that can be utilized to desensitize their teeth.

Teeth tend to darken as we age. However what we eat and drink play an important role. Red wine, tea, coffee, various berries, cranberry juice, soy sauce and soda are all contributing factors.

Yes, depending on the type of staining or discoloring. Use commercial products that contain 10%, 16%, or 22% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Laser teeth whitening technology is available in the dental office and utilizes a stronger bleaching agent.

While gold is stronger than porcelain, it is not very cosmetic and cannot be bonded to the tooth. Porcelain can simulate tooth color and by bonding it to a tooth, it becomes strong enough to resist normal chewing forces.

They both refer to the same type of full-coverage restoration. If a tooth is severely broken down, a crown (cap) is fabricated that will cover the entire tooth and restore it to its natural shape and function. When esthetics is important porcelain will be used.

They are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain that are bonded to the front surface and biting edge of your upper or lower teeth. Minimal tooth reduction is necessary, and they can be used to close spaces, straighten teeth, cover stained teeth and/or create better-proportioned teeth.

Yes. There have been revolutionary changes in tooth-colored resins and porcelain materials. There are many alternative restorations that provide both cosmetics and the strength of amalgam fillings, especially in back teeth.

There are several alternative available treatments including resin bonding to reform the tooth, porcelain veneers and/or porcelain crowns. Factors that are important in determining the treatment are the vitality of the tooth, the size of the chip and the patient’s bite.

In many instances, the answer is yes, even if there is a combination of broken, missing, shifted and worn teeth. However, situations like this will need full-mouth reconstruction to restore function, comfort and a your original smile.

Yes. You can have dental implants that will support fixed artificial teeth. The implants are titanium root-like structures that are placed in your jaw and become attached to the bone; these teeth do not have to be removed and will function like your original natural teeth.

Most published studies indicate 90-98% success when the patient has favorable conditions. These include being in good health, a lack of systemic problems such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking, proper implant placement and prosthetic design, appropriate bite adjustments and good maintenance and home care.

Not in itself. More important is the health of the patient. A 70 or 80 year-old patient in good health may be a better candidate than a younger patient with systemic problems, especially a person that is motivated to improve their quality of life and is willing to maintain good oral hygiene.

As a general rule, each missing tooth should be replaced with one implant. However, often due to financial or anatomical limitations, this may not be possible and compromises will have to be made. Before proceeding, proper diagnosis from clinical examination, x-rays and models will help determine the outcome.

Unfortunately, at this point most dental insurance companies do not cover implant treatment. The prosthetic restoration, supported by the implant, may have coverage depending on the company, and sometimes, medical insurance covers part of the surgical placement. Patients must set their own priorities and measure a lack of insurance coverage against an improved quality of life.

There are two basic criteria for people who desire dental implants.

1. You must be relatively healthy, meaning no uncontrolled medical problems, such as uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, or immunosuppressive diseases.
2. You must have enough bone to be able to place something in to it.

Another name would be tooth-replacement therapy. Dental implants are titanium fixtures that take the place of the missing tooth’s root.. They are used to attach a single tooth, multiple teeth or even to stabilize a denture so it does not move around.

Most people relate that the implant placement procedure is similar to a simple or easier extraction. You are slightly sore, but not debilitated. Many state that following the procedure that if they knew what the surgery was going to be like, they would have done it a long time ago. Everyone is different, however, so our patients are provided the proper pain medications, as necessary.