Smoking and Pulpitis

Smoking creates all sorts of oral health and aesthetic problems. That’s probably not news to you, but we at Elite Dental Arts in Midtown are interested in new research that shows smoking has other dental effects that were not previously understood. One of those effects is the suppression of the immune system in dental pulp, which could put patients at risk for recurring toothaches.

Dental pulp is highly sensitive and can become inflamed in response to injuries or infections. When tissue is inflamed, it becomes more permeable to antimicrobial peptides. These tiny acids latch onto invading bacteria and kill them, making them a crucial part of the immune system. But new research has shown that smokers lack antimicrobial peptides in their pulp, meaning that infections are able to last longer and are harder to treat. If left untreated long enough, a pulp infection could develop into a facial abscess and cause sepsis.

Root canals are the standard treatment for pulp infections, but there’s a possibility that some bacteria could be overlooked and cause the infection to return. An infected tooth may ultimately have to be pulled and replaced with an implant or partial denture. Although we provide high-quality prosthetics at Elite Dental Arts, we hope our patients will take this research as additional inspiration to avoid smoking.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

Retained Baby Teeth

Doctors Nick Mobilia and Harvey Grossman of Elite Dental Arts in Midtown are experienced providers of oral surgery. This makes our practice one of the most suitable for patients who need to have teeth replaced. Although it is our goal to save natural teeth whenever possible, there is one situation in which extraction is usually the best choice: when adults retain baby teeth.

Normally, the roots of baby teeth dissolve as adult teeth erupt. The baby tooth falls out and is replaced by the adult crown, possibly with some overcrowding. But the baby tooth may never fall out if no adult tooth ever develops. This is rare, nut most often occurs in the upper lateral incisors. There are also cases in which the incoming tooth never pushes out the baby tooth because one of them is misaligned, as sometimes happens in the lower central incisors.

“Retained deciduous teeth,” as baby teeth in adults are scientifically known, can create a health hazard in addition to looking displeasing. They are often misaligned in a way that makes them difficult to clean or chew comfortably with. Extracting them is usually a simple process, but orthodontic work or false replacements may be necessary to finish a patient’s treatment.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Causes of Bad Breath

As cosmetic and prosthodontic specialists, we at Elite Dental Arts in Midtown have provided lots of patients with assistance cleaning their removable oral appliances. Keeping dentures clean is good for your health as well as your breath, and advances in denture retention have allowed more people to get by without the odor-causing denture gel that led people to avoid prosthetic teeth in past decades. But there are other sources of bad breath that patients should know about, too.

Halitosis is caused by the odor of decay-causing bacteria. These bacteria not only live between the teeth and in the gum pockets, but also on the tongue and in the spaces between the gums and removable dentures. As they metabolize sugar, they secrete acid, imperiling natural and artificial oral structures alike. Bacteria on the tongue can be controlled with daily use of a tongue scraper, as well as by brushing the tongue and using mouthwash. Gums also require brushing before dentures are put in, and the undersides of dentures need to be brushed as well as the toothy parts.

Dry mouth puts patients at higher risk for oral infections, and therefore at higher risk for halitosis. Drinking plenty of water, as opposed to sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages can mitigate this risk. Garlic and onions can cause bad breath because the gases they carry are transmitted to the lungs, but they can also trigger acid reflux, which would leave the odor of stomach acid on the tongue. Chewing gum is a strategy for combatting dietary risks, as long as the gum is sugar-free.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

Peri-Implantitis

As specialists in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, we at Elite Dental Arts in Midtown have successfully placed hundreds of implants. These restorative devices can be designed to carry a load of a single artificial crown or to help support a denture. Lots of peoples’ lives have been significantly improved by them, but like natural teeth, it is important to care for them or they may be damaged. In this week’s blog post, we wanted to ensure patients understand the danger of peri-implantitis.

Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is an unfortunately common ailment. It is usually the result of bacterial infections in the gum pocket, where bacteria consume food debris and produce acid that sticks to teeth. “Peri-implantitis” is the term dentists use to describe inflammation around implants, and while inflammation could be due to leaking dental cement or a rheumatic disorder, it is also usually caused by bacteria.

When infections become severe enough, they can cause gum recession and bone tissue loss. After patients get implants, dentists carefully monitor their bone mass, and if too much jaw tissue is lost, the implant has to be removed. However, despite the frequency of gum inflammation, implants are overwhelmingly successful. If patients come to us quickly after noticing signs of gum disease such as bleeding and redness, we can almost always save their implants.

To schedule an appointment, call 212-681-0939.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017

How to Care for Dentures

As a clinic specializing in restorations, Elite Dental Arts provides care to many patients with dentures. To ensure that they get the best preventive care possible, we’re providing this guide to oral hygiene following a full-mouth restoration with removable prosthetics.

Regardless of whether or not a patient’s dentures are retained with implants, they’ll need to be removed every night. This provides the patient’s gums with a chance to rest and the patient with a chance for brushing. It is best to keep two soft-bristled toothbrushes, one of which can be used in the mouth, and one for use on the dentures.  Because they do not produce a protective film like natural teeth, dentures are easily scratched by gritty minerals and require specially-made toothpaste.

Keeping dentures moist is as important as keeping them clean. They may be kept overnight in cleaning solution or water, but the water should be at room-temperature. Dentures are made of flexible plastic, so they easily warp. If they break or need to be refitted, they should be brought to a dental professional.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS, owns and operates Elite Dental Arts, at 9 East 45^th St, 6^th Floor, New York, New York, 10017. To set up an appointment, call 212-681-0939, or visit EliteDentalArts.com.



Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE  DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017                                                                                         (212)681-0939

Implant-Retained Dentures

Dentures are a popular tooth replacement option, but many patients are unhappy with how their dentures look or fit. Dentures can be loose and they do not stop bone degeneration on their own. Here at Elite Dental Arts in New York, NY, we have implant-retained dentures for the best stability and retention.

Implant-retained dentures create a strong and stable base for dentures. Many dentures are able to be made to fit them, so a patient will most likely be able to keep their current dentures. We create this base by inserting four to six thin dental implants. Because these implants are smaller than traditional implants, they do not require nearly as much time to heal. In fact, the whole process, including setting your new dentures in place, usually takes place within an hour.

The dentures will easily clip into place for a comfortable and firm fit. You will no longer have to worry about your dentures moving around when you talk, eat, smile, or laugh. Bone degeneration will also slow down, so your dentures will stay comfortable and stable for a very long time.

If you are tired of hiding your smile and dealing with uncomfortable dentures, implant-retained dentures may be just what you are looking for. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nick Mobilia, DDS of Elite Dental Arts here in New York, NY, call our office at (212) 681-0939 or visit our website, www.elitedentalarts.com.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE  DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 681-0939
drmobilia@EliteDentalArts.com
BE SURE TO CONNECT WITH ELITE DENTAL ARTS
  

Dental Implants – the Right Solution for Missing Teeth

Fig 1. Before: Missing tooth #7

Fig 2. After: Implant Restoration on tooth #7

Whether missing one tooth or all teeth, more and more patients are replacing the loss with dental implants. Having a more natural feel than traditional bridges or dentures, most implant procedures involve placing titanium post-like anchors into the jaw bone.  These anchors serve to support the prosthetic teeth as the roots support natural teeth.  After undergoing this multi-step process, many patients find they have a better feeling, better looking and more stable solution to their tooth loss than more traditional dental replacements.  At Elite Dental Arts, we provide optimal health and well being to our patients through customized quality care and professional excellence.  Dental Implants may be the right solution for you if you have any missing teeth.



The Most Common Benefits of Dental Implants

Replacing a lost tooth is vital to maintaining the overall health and function of the surrounding teeth. Dental implants help avoid tooth migration, loss of bone and overall loss of structure. Implants are also very strong and provide a feel as close to a natural tooth as can be currently achieved.  Dental implants, unlike the alternative prosthetic bridge replacements, do not require tooth reduction (filing down) of the two adjacent.  Also, it is impossible for titanium implants to get cavities like natural teeth often do.

Implants, when replacing dentures, provide even more benefits. Dentures are notorious for being non-retentive. Poorly fitting dentures can even affect diet, restricting food selections to easily chewed soft foods. Implants eliminate the possibility of slipping or pinching, and allow food of almost all types to be eaten. Dental implants are the closest way to surgically restore a natural tooth to its original condition.


The Initial Consultation

At the first appointment we will examine your teeth, take models of your teeth and take the necessary x-rays. This information can be used to determine if implants are the proper solution to your particular situation.


The Procedures Involved

Fig 3. Dental Implant Components

The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant.  Under regular dental anesthetic, the dentist places the implant into the jawbone.  There is not often significant discomfort with this procedure.  This process can take a couple of hours to complete depending on the number of implants being placed.

Under normal circumstances, this implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration.  A removable crown may be utilized during this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance.

The next step in the process is to attach an abutment to the tooth.  This is achieved by exposing the top of the implant and placing the abutment.  This is the part of the implant that will support the final crown.

Finally, an impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted.  This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing.  Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities as soon as possible. 


The Recovery Period

Many people have minimal soreness, bleeding, or swelling.  Patients often return to work the day after surgery.

In between the first and second surgical procedure, there is a recovery period of normally three to six months while the implants integrate with the bone.

It is very important during your recovery to practice meticulous oral hygiene. Poor care, resulting in chronic swelling of gum tissue, is a major contributor to implant failure. Initially, it might be advised to see your dentist about four times a year to keep track of the implant and your overall dental health.


Immediate Loaded Implants

If the implant site has solid bone, sometimes immediate loaded implants can be placed.  Under certain circumstances, you may have your prosthetic bridge or crown the very same day or within a week or two.  Be sure to ask our office about immediate loaded implants by calling (212) 681-0939 when scheduling your appointment.  Immediate loaded implants can reduce treatment time and cost substantially.   


Long-Term Prognosis

For most people, implants last approximately twenty-five years. Approximately 5% of implants fail, but they often can be replaced with another implant attempt.  Elite Dental Arts is proud to have the first patients that had implants placed in the United States.  We have records of successful dental implants and restorations that have served our patients for over 50 years.


Most Important – Experience Trumps “Bargain Priced Fees”!!!
Experience is the most important factor in selecting your dental team.  Beware of the “bargain priced fees” as you will quickly find out you get what you pay for.  At Elite Dental Arts, the surgical aspect is coordinated with the restorative aspect of the case with highly qualified doctors.  Dr Ronald Biondo is an Oral Surgeon with over 21 years of experience and Dr. Nick M Mobilia is the Restorative Dentist with over 23 years of experience.  Both doctors along with the dental laboratory form the implant specialty team second to none!!!


Call Elite Dental Arts today at (212) 681-0939 or you may conveniently schedule online to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants!



Nick M. Mobilia, DDS

ELITE  DENTAL ARTS

9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 681-0939
drmobilia@EliteDentalArts.com

BE SURE TO CONNECT WITH ELITE DENTAL ARTS