“I am a new patient to Dr.Spina’s office and am greatly impressed at the level of professionalism exhibited by everyone in the office. The way the Dr. and his staff take the time to thoroughly answer your questions and offer extra advice to best maintain your teeth truly shows that they care about their patients. ”

5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Dentist

“Dr. Spina is the best. He is very compassionate and really cares about each of his patients. Being a college student, his office is very accommodating with making appointments and the girl who works the desk is super helpful and friendly! I would definitely recommend 🙂 ”

-Katharine Gannon

5 out of 5 stars

Once again

“I can’t stop writing testimonials for Dr. Joe Spina. The Thanksgiving e-mail was so great that I’ve shared it with my friends and relatives. Today the newsletter arrived and I’m more than impressed with the good doctor’s continuing education. Now that he’s able to do all kinds of advanced dentistry, including implants, I can rest easy, secure that any future work to be done in my mouth is in the capable hands of Dr. Spina. It’s a great feeling!”

-Lois Atkins

5 out of 5 stars

There’s More Missing Than a Tooth

Your adult teeth are designed to be permanent. Losing a tooth or teeth in adulthood can lead to dental problems. You have replacement options, including dental implants.

 

Gaps are only the beginning

Naturally, appearance dominates the missing tooth discussion. Your smile and your self-esteem take a hit too.

Missing teeth  impact more than your smile. They also leave gaps in your physical health.

Diet

Food is meant to be enjoyed. Chewing naturally enhances your dining experience.

Imagine what you’ll miss if “gumming” your food is the only option. Don’t limit yourself to soft food choices by avoiding your missing teeth.

Speech

Verbal communication is essential. The position of a missing tooth can affect your speech quality.

Bite

Force affects your jaw when biting and chewing. It also puts stress on your existing teeth when compensating for those you’re missing.

Crooked teeth

Your existing teeth can shift. And you could encounter jaw pain as a result of tooth movement.

Tooth decay

Tooth movement places pressure on your adjoining teeth. Spaces between them can narrow. And those difficult to reach spaces between your teeth are difficult to clean. This can lead to a buildup of dental plaque, cavities, and gum disease.

Bone loss

Your teeth share a partnership with your jawbone. Missing teeth leads to bone deterioration and shrinking gums.

Aged appearance

Tooth loss causes your jaw to shrink. Your face structure can collapse causing your skin to sag.

Close the gap

Missing teeth have a domino-effect on your oral health. The extent of your dental problems is affected by treatment.

You have options including full or partial dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. The most stable treatment plan  for missing teeth is a dental implant.

 

Consult with our office to determine if dental implant treatment is right for you. Replacing your missing tooth or teeth is a priority.

We will offer you the best personal solution. Visit our office regularly to prolong the life of your teeth.

And when your teeth go missing trust our available solutions to maintain full function.

 

Question: What consequence of missing teeth do you fear most? Comment.

Appearance Aside – Why Dental Implants are a Superior Treatment

Vanity is popular. No doubt it’s a deciding factor in the choices you make.

Even so, replacing a missing tooth isn’t only about vanity. Though (keeping it fair) it’s certainly a factor for selecting dental implant treatment.

Dental trends are migrating towards cosmetic dentistry. And you may be among those who want your teeth to look like they did before tooth loss.

Appearance aside

You can fill your missing tooth void a variety of ways. A dental bridge and dentures are options.

There are advantages and disadvantages of each. Primarily weigh the long term wear and replacements costs.

Dental implants are cosmetically superior. They’re also a consistently cost effective, long lasting tooth replacement choice.

Cost considerations

The price point for dental implants can be intimidating. Three thousand dollars is a fair minimum for replacing your tooth with a dental implant.

Keep a long-term perspective when you’re concerned about the expense. Compare the up-front cost to the longevity of the treatment.

For example, dental bridges have an average life span of 10 years. Your dental implant can last a lifetime.

Also…

Superior materials, placement procedures, and professional experience support dental implants’ growing credibility. Surrounding teeth also require less, if any, supportive treatment alongside your implant.

Will it work for you? Maybe.

Dental implants are effective. But they’re not right for everyone.

An honest diagnosis must trump popularity. A professional dental exam can determine if your tooth loss will benefit from a dental implant.

There’s no advantage to a mistaken diagnosis and related treatment. Your overall oral health is the priority.

A dental implant could be the best treatment for your tooth loss. And if it is, you’ll discover that looking good is only the beginning of your treatment satisfaction.

Question: Beyond appearance, why does dental implant treatment appeal to you? Comment.

How to Make an Informed Decision About Your Dental Implant Treatment

An “educated guess.” Ever heard someone say that?

Don’t apply guess-work to your dental implant treatment. You have too much at stake.

It’s more than an appearance issue

The mirror doesn’t lie. But it’s not the only deciding factor for your oral health.

Ceramic (tooth-colored) crowns and ultra-thin veneers deliver results. And dental implants are fast joining the restorative solution mix.

Science and statistics prove success. Add longevity and you can’t go wrong with dental implants.

Get informed

Web searches work. But there’s more to selecting a dental professional than a web presence.

Dental implants have history. Make sure your dental provider has some too.

Education, equipment, experience, and practice environment are worthy investments. Explore your dental professional’s protocol for implant success.

  • How experienced are they?

  • How many implants have they placed?

  • Who are their “raving fans?” (more about this in a moment)

Go with winners

You don’t need to settle. Dental implant products are backed by scientific research.

Count on proven, long term success. New and latest implant technologies may be poor substitutes.

Getting-what-you-pay-for applies. The loss of time, money, and treatment results are difficult to overcome – so choose wisely.

Own your treatment

Ask about your treatment time line. Today’s dental implant technology can deliver results with less appointment time.

Get acquainted with the treatment. Diagnosis, implant preparation and placement are our expertise.

We also involve lab technicians along the way. Give us your input to assure that your appearance satisfies you throughout the treatment.

Listen to what others are saying. Get acquainted with our patient testimonials.

Experience counts. Many are happy to share every step of their implant treatment.

Talk to our team. Scheduling, treatment questions, post-treatment follow up are essential to a successful dental implant treatment.

Remove the “guess-work” from your dental implant procedure. An informed investment assures a successful treatment.

Question: What’s your deciding factor when considering dental implant treatment? Science? Experience? Testimonials? Dental practice team? Comment now.

7 Ways to Protect Your Dental Implant Investment

Attention to detail works both ways. Let me explain.

Precision craftsmanship often defines your purchase decisions. You look for attention to detail in how something is made. And once you make an investment you give equal attention to detail in how you care for it (assuming you understand its value).

Dental implants fit the category of precision craftsmanship. Each detail is uniquely designed to fill the gap created by your missing tooth.

Your dental implant is a premium product.  And your investment requires detailed care to assure it lasts and functions effectively.

How to Protect Your Dental Implant Investment

1-Eat cautiously

A dental implant is strong. But everyday eating habits can cause unnecessary damage.

Bite cautiously into solid food selections – especially those containing bones. And avoid using your teeth to open packages.

2-Cool-it with extra hot drinks

Remember what you learned in science class. Metal conducts heat.

Your dental implant contains metal. Drinking a hot beverage will quickly remind you of this.

Tip: if the cup or beverage is “hot” to the touch – allow it to cool a bit before drinking.

3-Wait to have your ice-cream

What you tell your children or grandchildren applies here. Let your meal settle before you eat dessert – especially following a hot item with a cold one.

The crown (top/visible) portion of your dental implant is crafted of porcelain. It expands – like glass does – with heat and contracts with cold.

Eat or drink something hot but be sure to pause before chasing it with something cold. And vice-versa.

Monitor your tooth sensitivity following dental implant treatment. Reactions to food and drink temps may vary.

4-Watch the vibrations

Your dental implant is complex. It contains a crown (the visible, top portion), a screw (what attaches to the crown and upper post/abutment), the post (secures the implant top to bottom).

Vibrations from a vibrating toothbrush can loosen your implant’s internal screw. This can cause your crown to become loose.

Brush effectively. And avoid a vibrating tooth brush as an option.

5-Watch your floss

Understand that your dental implant is not a tooth. Teeth connect to gums by strong ligaments.

Flossing is good for your teeth because it cleans the pockets of the gums surrounding them. The ligaments are sensitive and warn you when you’re flossing too aggressively.

Your dental implant lacks this natural supportive ligament. An implant is supported by a seal and lacks adequate nerves.

Aggressive flossing can break this seal. Bacteria can invade the pocket and penetrate the bone.

Bone damage can then occur around your dental implant. And the loss of bone can cause the loss of your implant.

Use a Water-Pick or similar device to clean around your implant. A water stream can effectively clean the pockets surrounding it.

6-Communicate with your dental hygienist

Your hygienist should be aware of which teeth are dental implants. Confirm your implant treatment history prior to a teeth cleaning.

The dental hygienist will use different instruments to clean around your implant. This helps prevent damage to your implant and surrounding tissue.

7-Stay current with dental check-ups

Have your dental implants checked at least once per year. And stay current with your teeth cleanings and exams every six months.

Attention to detail will preserve your dental implant. Consider it an investment of your time that assures you’re protecting your oral health in the process.

Question: What maintenance issues cause you concern with dental implant treatment? Any changes you’ll need to make? Comment.

Dental Implant Quality: Often Imitated…Never Duplicated

The benefits of dental implants outweigh most contrary perspectives. Quality tips-the-scale when selecting an implant to replace your missing teeth. No doubt, implant treatment is a significant investment. It’s because dental implants are durable and they provide a stable tooth replacement option.We previously shared that not all implants are the same. It’s important that you know what you’re investing in.

Reputation in check

Dental implant manufacturers are numerous. You will experience the best treatment results by choosing nothing less than those with an excellent track record.

Beware of imitations

Certain dental implant manufacturers have a solid reputation for quality. And you can trust that we select only those products that qualify. Some companies copy the design of an implant. The similarity stops there since quality is lacking.

Compare costs to long-term results

Knock-offs cost significantly less than quality originals. Approach so-called, “discount dental implants,” with caution.

Also, the outcomes are fairly predictable with cheaper implants. Metal fatigue, weak points, and breakage are common with dental implants crafted from substandard materials.

Place a premium on it

Price your dental implant according to the quality. Choosing a premium dental implant will assure long term success for your missing tooth replacement.

The general price for fully restoring a tooth with a dental implant ranges from $3,000 to $5,500. This depends on the type of implant, the abutment, and the final steps required for full restoration.

Ask us about every aspect of your dental implant investment. We are prepared to answer your questions about quality and craftsmanship because we place a premium on the long-term success of your treatment.

Question: What do you want to know about our choice of dental implants? Comment.

Does Your Dental Implant Pass the Test?

“A hammer is a tool. The carpenter determines its use.” Those words remind of the value of proper equipment. They also clarify how essential the user is to the process.

Your need for a dental implant requires both. You trust the confidence of the equipment and the skill of an expert.

Each facet of your implant treatment calls for precision. If you want a healthy, long-term outcome it’s important that you know something about the process and the resources being used.

An implant is an implant is a – not so fast!

Dental implants are about adaptability. And it’s vital to your oral health that you understand how they interact with your body.

More specifically is how your implant adapts to your bone structure. A particular type or grade of implant might not be as easily accepted by your body.

Rejection can occur at your gum line. But it’s vital that you avoid any adverse reaction in the bone.

Not doing so can lead to lengthy and expensive restorative dental treatment. And why would you settle for anything less than a time and/or cost effective solution to missing tooth replacement.

Set yourself up for success

Be assured that a successful dental implant treatment is our goal for you. And a few requirements assure this happens – the first time around.

1. Pre-treatment diagnosis

We will explore your dental and medical health history. This assessment gives us an early indication about whether you are a good candidate for an implant.

Your dental implant treatment takes place over a period of time. On average, plan for four to nine months to completion.

2. Preliminary preparation

Your implant treatment is a surgical procedure. Next to your dental and medical history, we pay close attention to your jaw bone structure.

An implant serves as an anchor of sorts within the gap left by your missing tooth. It’s important that we know how strong your bone is so there’s adequate support for your implant.

3. Premium placement

Confidence in your dental implant treatment will increase with each step of the preparation process. And you’ll feel more confident knowing that we use premium implant technology.

We achieve the most successful outcomes using Zimmer™ dental implants. Though other implant tools are available, we believe your long-term results depend on the best resources.

Missing teeth circumstances differ. And the remaining bone structure is as unique as the tooth loss.

Our tools and expertise are the primary equalizers for your dental implant treatment. It’s why our preparation and placement relies on premium dental implant resources to assure you the best outcome.

Question: What new understanding do you have about dental implants? Comment.

Functionality of Dental Implants

Functionality determines many of your choices. It forces you to compare your options.Missing teeth certainly impacts function, and a dental implant is a good choice for a functional replacement.

It’s normal to compare how a dental implant works alongside your natural tooth. Your natural teeth and dental implants typically look, feel, and function in a similar way.

But there are differences to consider.

Teeth require a supportive environment to remain healthy. Your teeth primarily attach to the surrounding bone beneath your visible gum line.

The periodontal ligament consists of fibers that are actually within the tooth on one side. Your tooth is attached to bone on the opposite side.

Dental implants are attached directly to the bone. The gum tissue attaches to your tooth root via fiber also. Yet gum tissue can only attach to the surface of your dental implant.

Your teeth are vulnerable to dental decay. On occasion, tooth decay can lead to the need for a root canal.

The base ingredient of a dental implant is metal. Because of this, they don’t decay and do not require root canal treatment.

Periodontal (gum) disease can also damage your tooth structure. A dental implant can become inflamed or irritated as the gum tissue adjusts to it.

Occasionally the bone structure surrounding your implant can deteriorate. But the overall impact on your bone structure is less and much different than with your natural teeth.

Maintenance matters.

Dental implants are similar to crowns and other tooth replacement options when it comes to maintenance. It’s trustworthy treatment and can be replaced without impacting the implant’s attachment to the bone.

Your implant requires good dental hygiene like your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing help control bacteria growth for your dental implant too.

Your dental hygienist has special instruments designed to clean your dental implant. The instruments will not damage the metal surface of the implant beneath your gum tissue.

Regular dental check-ups help monitor your implant to confirm that it’s adapting to the bone tissue. It’s also important to assure that your dental implant is functioning appropriately with attached crowns and/or bridgework.

Function follows dental implant treatment. Proper follow-up, treatment monitoring, and routine maintenance help assure your tooth replacement remains healthy and functional.

Question: What function would you/do you miss the most from tooth loss? Comment.