Highly Recommended!

“I was referred to Dr. Spina by a coworker, and I was glad I asked for the recommendation! My first visit was great – scheduling was easy, the wait was short, the receptionist was helpful, and I was well taken care of. Dr. Spina and the rest of the staff were incredibly personable, and I left knowing that this will be the dentist I’ll be going to for many years to come. I found myself passing along the recommendation to other friends looking for a dentist in the area just days after my appointment. ”

-Redmond Brubaker

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Dentist!

“Dr. Spina is an excellent dentist who truly cares about his patients. Patients are contacted after major dental work to check on their recovery and to answer additional questions. I would recommend Dr. Spina to anyone seeking a dentist that is honest and well educated.”

-Lora Cipriano

5 out of 5 stars

Can You Handle-the-Truth About Tooth Loss?

“…I want the truth! … You can’t handle the truth!”

If you’re into movie trivia you’ll recognize that court room dialogue between characters played by Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men.

Face the truth. How you hear that statement depends on context.

It implies there’s more to admit. And in some instances there’s more than you care to reveal.

Some truth, on the other hand, reveals itself without any effort on our part. That’s true about tooth loss and your missing teeth.

Your face tells the story.

First, let’s clarify. Losing a tooth affects more than your mouth.

True, the impact starts there. But it’s what happens if you ignore the space left by a missing tooth that can result in more revealing damage.

That single gap can create problems for your entire mouth structure. And that’s only the beginning.

Your teeth help add shape and definition to your face. Even your skin’s texture and structure are supported by your teeth.

When you lose one or more teeth, and do not fill the gap, your face begins to appear sunken. Facial atrophy can add years to your life – making you look older than you are.

A common treatment (for missing teeth) doesn’t solve the problem

The ultimate issue is bone loss. Over time, bone surrounding the missing tooth gap begins to diminish.

Typically, you would choose a dental bridge or dentures to replace missing teeth. These are common tooth replacement options but they do not stop bone loss.

The bone and gum tissue surrounding it requires stimulation to be healthy. A stable structure (like your natural tooth) within the bone tissue stimulates it.

Stronger at the root

Dental implants (unlike dentures or a dental bridge) form a necessary anchor point. An implant is actually fused into your jawbone to support your new teeth and prevent bone loss.

The implant creates a new root. Your bone tissue begins to adapt to it, stimulates its ongoing health, and prevents bone loss.

Dentures and dental bridges allow you to eat, chew effectively, and help maintain the appearance of having teeth.Dental implants function as your natural teeth also, but their stability and bone loss prevention surpasses common tooth replacement options.

Truth is, you lose teeth and you lose more than function. Dental implants can help save-face (literally) by maintaining your necessary facial structure and preventing bone loss.

Question: What tooth loss “truth” do you fear? Appearance? Function? Etc.? Comment.

 

 

The “Big-3” (Non-Clinical) Reasons to Choose Wisely When Replacing Your Missing Teeth

The statistics alone could “tip” your choice. No one is immune.

Tooth loss happens. Here’s what we know…

Statistics reveal that up to 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have experienced tooth loss. At least one permanent tooth has been lost by this age group as result of an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal, or tooth decay.

And even more astounding…

By age 74, 26% of adults have lost not just one, but ALL, of their permanent teeth.

The big question (besides controllable, dental care issues): is there a healthy, attractive “fix” that will enable you to do the big-three following tooth loss?

The Big-3? 

There’s a practical impact that accompanies missing teeth. Most important is the clinical and ongoing oral health impact.

You could live unaware that gum deterioration and bone loss are occurring. The impact your missing tooth or teeth have on surrounding teeth might not present any noticeable evidence for months.

But that’s no reason to ignore the impact.

Practically speaking, you’re most likely to feel the loss in your daily routine. Losing your teeth affects the big-3 dental functions – your ability to eat (chew), speak (clearly), and smile (confidently).

The common “fix”

Typically you would repair the gap caused by missing teeth with a fixed bridge or removable dentures. These are common treatments and could be your best, current option.

Understand that these tooth replacement options are far from perfect. Dentures can slip, make a clicking noise when eating or speaking, and – in some cases – lead to bone loss beneath your gums.

A fixed bridge comes with side-effects too. Dental bridgework can affect adjacent healthy teeth and any existing, recurrent tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease cause more problems for fixed bridges.

And there’s the issue of long-term costs. Fixed bridges and removable dentures require replacement every seven to 15 years, on average.

Another option to keep you eating, speaking, and smiling with ease

Tooth loss is traumatic enough. You want to continue doing the basic things your teeth are designed to do and keep them healthy too.

Keep your gums, adjacent teeth, and jawbone healthy. And continue eating, speaking, and smiling without fear or reduced ability.

How?

Dental implants are solid, long-term, healthy replacements for your missing tooth/teeth. They will not slip, make noise (when speaking or eating), or keep you from confidently smiling.

You can trust your dental implant treatment to provide long-lasting wear. They won’t decay and bone loss is not a problem for your dental implant.

Missing teeth shouldn’t cause more problems than the initial trauma. Guard your dental health and enjoy the practical benefits of your teeth – eating, speaking, and smiling – by choosing dental implants.

Question: Have you considered replacing your missing teeth? Is there a reason/reasons you would choose a dental bridge or removable dentures over dental implants? Comment.

 

A Tooth Loss Problem You Might Not Have Considered

Timing is everything. Or is it?

We’ve shared the importance of treating missing or damaged teeth. The use-it-or-lose-it principle applies here.

Consider weight training.

Fitness training with weights builds and grows muscle. Yet, if training is stopped, muscles can atrophy (shrink) from non-use.

Muscle atrophy will occasionally lead to injury. Your surrounding muscles begin to bear the load and take on more of the stress to compensate for your injured tissue.

A bone can be stressed during weight training too. Bone expands to support adjoining muscles and it can atrophy like muscle.

Teeth perform a type of weight training for your gums and bone tissue. Biting and chewing are common exercises that strengthen and maintain your mouth’s bone and tissue health.

Why tooth loss is risky.

If you lose a tooth there’s reduced chewing and biting in the area of loss. The bone no longer holds your tooth and atrophy can occur.

Over time, the gap left by a missing or damaged tooth will become weaker. Your bone and tissue will shrink.

More specifically, vertical bone loss can occur. This effects the height and supportive build-up required to hold your tooth/teeth in place.

But that’s not all…

Lateral bone loss also occurs. The width of your bone can shrink and provide less of a foundation for tooth replacement.

The height and width of your bone and tissue are essential to preserving your oral health. If you ignore a missing tooth long enough the damage is more difficult to correct.

There’s hope.

Dental implants exercise (stimulate) the bone. And timing is everything when you’re considering dental implant treatment.

In fact, as much as 60% of your bone mass can be lost in the first six months. The rate of bone loss varies person to person.

Dental implants require bone as an anchor – vertically and laterally. Some alternative treatments, such as bone grafting, can precede your dental implant treatment if necessary.

The more time you allow post tooth loss, the riskier (and costlier) the corrective treatment is. It’s important to treat your lost tooth sooner rather than later.

Avoid adding expense to your tooth loss treatment. Consult with us about a dental implant.

Remember timing IS everything.

Question: Have you lost a tooth? What has kept you from replacing it? What question(s) can we answer about treatment and timing? Comment.

Don’t Be a Victim of the World’s Oldest Disease

This disease has the power to change your life. Once it starts, your diet, speech, and overall quality of life could be its next victim.

Before I reveal the culprit you must understand something that many don’t know. Stay with me – knowledge is your ally in this fight.

It’s considered to be the world’s oldest and most widespread of diseases. It comes in second only to the common cold.

This disease begins its assault early. And it has achieved epidemic proportions among young children.

In fact, this disease affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children ages 2 to 15 and half those ages 12 to 15. Untreated, this epidemic can cause school absence, social problems, low weight, and poor appearance.

Children aren’t the only victims.

It’s a problem that also impacts U.S. adults. Ninety percent of those over age 40 encounter this disease.

The good news – it’s preventable. So, what are we talking about?

Ready?

Tooth decay. Dental caries (as it’s also known) is an infectious disease that damages the structure of your teeth.

Tooth loss and tooth pain are common symptoms. But, in extreme cases, the infection can spread even causing life-threatening health issues.

Your mouth is a complex eco-system. It would be mind boggling to see all the organisms that interact in your mouth. Some are good and some are bad.It’s the bad ones that should concern you. Primarily, we’re talking bacteria. Certain types of bacteria cause tooth decay. They attach themselves to the dental plaque (that sticky film) on the surface of your teeth.

Your #1 concern

The bacterial feeding process is intense and somewhat technical. Basically, they join forces to break down your tooth structure layer by layer.

This frontal assault on your tooth surface makes the tooth vulnerable. Once weakened, decay sets in.

More than brushing and flossing

We can recommend steps to determine your risk for tooth decay (dental caries). Effective prevention strategies include sealants, topical fluoride, special toothpaste, and mouth rinses.

Tooth decay (dental caries) is treatable. It can be eliminated once it’s treated as a disease and the individual causes (often unique to your mouth) can be understood.

Your goal (and ours): implement preventative strategies that keep your teeth free from decay throughout your lifetime.

Question: How did your knowledge increase about tooth decay? Comment.

This Treatment Could End Your Mouth Pain (and Your Insecurities)

Feeling insecure is strong motivation for personal change. Pain is also a factor.

Typically your mouth isn’t the first place you target for change. But mouth pain or the insecurity caused by missing teeth can certainly get your attention.

Full mouth reconstruction is an option to consider. You’ll feel better about your appearance and improve your oral health at the same time.

Missing teeth are just the beginning

Tooth replacement is a top priority. If avoided, missing, damaged, or broken teeth can lead to more serious dental issues and expensive treatment.

It’s the damage you can’t immediately see that should concern you. Your jaw, bone and gum tissue are at risk when you prolong treatment for tooth loss.

A broken tooth can impact your bite and create unnecessary wear on your teeth. Tooth wear can lead to jaw and neck soreness, headaches, even migraines.

Full mouth reconstruction replaces missing or broken teeth. It also strengthens and restores healthy jaw and gum function.

Neglect, injury, even preventative dental care (that needs replacement) can damage your teeth. Restorative dental treatment can help reverse the damage.

You might be a candidate if…

 

  • You have worn, chipped, or broken teeth

 

  • You have missing teeth

 

  • You experience chronic jaw pain, or if your jaw clicks or pops

 

  • You have ongoing headaches, back pain, and muscle tenderness

 

Tooth damage can cause these symptoms and more. We can diagnose and recommend a specific treatment plan for restoring your mouth and help eliminate your symptoms.

Unique and specific treatment

Our recommended full mouth restoration will be unique to you and your dental issues. Your teeth, jaw, and gums will be evaluated first.

It’s important to consider your best treatment options. Full mouth restorations can be complex. Your specific treatment will be determined by our initial diagnosis.

Treatment could include:

 

  • Tooth fillings

 

  • Root canal treatment

 

 

  • An oral appliance to improve your bite

 

  • A mouth guard or a night guard

 

  • Veneers

 

 

  • Tooth bonding

 

  • Orthodontic treatment and braces

 

You should expect a full mouth restoration to involve time. In some cases, your treatment could require a year.

It’s important to have your dental needs evaluated. Treatment specifics and time vary with each full mouth restoration.

The best first step

Speak with our office. Allow us to evaluate your teeth, jaw, gums.

The first step is the most important. It’s a move that can end your insecurities and eliminate your mouth pain.

Question: What have you heard about full mouth restorations? Comment.

 

Why Timing is a Better Ally When Choosing Dental Implant Treatment

Comparison shopping is wise. Even so, timing can be a better ally.

Statistics reveal that it’s best to delay the purchase of certain items. For example, post holiday deals are better on big ticket items such as TVs and electronics.

Bargain shopping fits some purchases well. Others, like dental implants, not so much.

Change your perspective

Products belong in the discount bin. You want the best available deal on an automobile, a television, a gaming system, etc.

But matters of health require a different level of due diligence. Your oral health care is best viewed as a process.

Purchase location matters less than price on retail items. You want a quality product from an honest dealer at a competitive price.

Your dental implant deserves more

The treatment is part of bigger picture. Begin by asking yourself why you want or need an implant.

Certain goals begin to emerge when you start with the right questions.

  • Are you replacing a missing tooth or teeth?
  • How long has/have your tooth/teeth been missing?
  • In what ways do you want to change your appearance?
  • How healthy are your gums and jawbone?

These are essential questions. And they come as result of viewing your dental implant as more than a product.

The big picture

Think process more than product. Implant treatment involves a series of steps.

One step in the procedure builds upon another. Your treatment success depends on expertise and thoroughness.

Premier implant providers see more than the cosmetics of tooth replacement. We look at the entire jaw, bone structure, and surrounding teeth.

Our observations lead to a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan. Each step of your treatment plan will lead to comprehensive oral health – cosmetics are simply one of those steps.

A long-term investment not a one-stop deal

Materials account for only a portion of your total implant treatment. You’re investing in the expertise and long-term benefits to your oral health.

Your appearance might be the catalyst for considering dental implants. Use it as motivation for a thorough exam and consultation.

Smile transformation begins on a solid foundation. And dental implant treatment delivers more than surface benefits.

Question: What dental implant benefits are most important to you? Comment.

 

 

The Impact of Long-Term Thinking on Your Oral Health

What’s on your wish list? Having one helps when it’s your birthday, during the holidays, or when planning your New Year goals.

Some items are perpetual. Yet health related ones – especially missing teeth replacement – should be prioritized.

We’ve talked about alternatives for tooth loss. Bridges and dentures come to mind along with dental implants.

It’s time to think long-term

Keep your long-term thinking simple for the moment. Let’s consider the next 12 months.

You could begin to transform your oral health care in a shorter time span. For instance, use the New Year as a springboard basic dental hygiene habits (consistent brushing, flossing, and exams and check-ups every six months).

There’s still the issue of your missing or damaged teeth. This takes a longer view of things. But don’t fret.

There are no “quick” fixes. Especially those that deliver cost effective, lifelong benefits.

Starting now, explore dental implant treatment as the most viable option for missing teeth replacement. You can begin to experience noticeable results in a few months.

Damage “control”

Out-sight-out-of-mind is a common mindset. But it’s not healthy when you have missing or damaged teeth.

What you can’t see could be “hurting” you. The issue is the void left by a missing tooth.

You teeth can shift. This causes a number of dental issues.

One common problem is malocclusion. Your teeth can become misaligned.

Misalignment can cause your teeth to become crowded or crooked. Malocclusion is treatable with orthodontic braces.

It’s important to deal with your missing teeth sooner rather than later. A dental implant provides cost effective, long term damage control.

Look good

Gaps and voids caused by missing teeth are treatable. That said it’s easy to grow accustomed to the damage done.

You’ve discovered that doing so can lead to more significant tooth problems. Besides it’s healthy for your body and your esteem to replace your missing tooth or teeth.

Dental implants provide an attractive tooth replacement solution . Implant treatment restores your smile.

Implants are designed to look like your natural teeth. And they’re a healthier alternative because they actually help restore your jaw’s bone health.

Feel good

Health should improve your confidence. Oral health conditions like tooth loss or tooth damage can lead to reduced confidence.

Increase your self-esteem with a proven treatment for missing teeth. Dental implants restore your oral health and with it your sense of well-being.

The treatment process reveals the benefit of good oral health too. And it affirms the value of taking personal responsibility for it.

Decide now that this will be the year you take control. Fill the gaps caused by your missing teeth.

Introduce yourself to a renewed appearance and sense of well-being. Dental implant treatment is a good, long-term investment in a new you.

Question: What health related goals do you have for the next 12 months? Comment.

 

 

Natural Teeth Are for Life…But It’s Good to Know You Have Options

It’s the holiday season. And you’re faced with numerous decisions.

Think about a Christmas tree, for example. If you have one, did you choose a natural (real) tree? Or did you go with an artificial one?

Many prefer the real-thing. And, like your teeth, there’s maintenance to be considered.

Do you care?

Caring for your natural teeth is the first step to keeping them. It’s why we recommend consistent dental exams and teeth cleanings.

Good oral care preserves the quality of your natural teeth. Avoid it and decay will occur.

Tooth decay threatens your natural tooth function. And decay unchecked can lead to tooth loss.

What next?

Keeping and preserving your natural tooth function should be a priority. When your natural teeth are at risk it’s good to know you have options.

Dental implants are the perfect option for tooth loss. They look, feel, and function in similar ways as your natural teeth. 

But there are important differences too. The big-three: how they attach to your surrounding bone, response to dental disease, and repair and maintenance.

Attachment issues

The periodontal ligament attaches your natural tooth to the surrounding bone in your jaw. Dental implants fuse directly to the bone in your jaw.

Your gum tissue also attaches to your tooth root. Those same tissues only attach to the surface of a dental implant.

Decay and disease

Your natural teeth are at risk to dental decay. It’s a primary reason tooth loss occurs. Root canal therapy is another preliminary alternative to losing your natural teeth as well. Dental implants are titanium and porcelain. That means no decay or root canal treatment.

Gum disease also poses a threat to your natural teeth. The tissue around dental implants can become inflamed as well. It’s important to monitor the bone that surrounds your implant when this occurs.

Care and maintenance

Take care of your natural teeth and they’ll last a lifetime. Even so, they aren’t failsafe.

For the most part, dental implants provide a nearly failsafe alternative to replace your natural teeth. Damage and wear can be addressed without impacting the implant’s attachment to your surrounding bone.

Dental implants are not maintenance free. You must effectively care for them as you would your natural teeth. 

Brushing, flossing, and controlling bacteria are also vital to your dental implants. Regular checkups, exams, and teeth cleanings are important to maintain the success of your implant treatment.

The overall stability of your dental implant depends on consistent follow-up care. Proper function is a priority.

It’s good to know you have a choice. There are advantages to keeping your natural teeth. But if necessary, dental implant treatment can deliver a solid alternative.

 

Question: What dental care habits do you use most consistently? Comment.