Charles J. Ptak D.D.S

MULTIPLE TOOTH REPLACMENT

If you are missing multiple teeth, then an implant-supported bridge may be the solution for you. Unlike traditional bridgework or removable partial dentures that can slip, come loose, and cause irritation, an implant-supported bridge stays secure and strong, and will not cause problems for your adjacent teeth. So comfortable and natural, they will look and feel just like your own teeth.

Experience new comfort and stability with an implant-supported bridge.

• Speech improves with stable teeth
• Looks, feels and performs like your natural teeth
• Does not compromise adjacent teeth to support a bridge
• Preserves surrounding bone (replaces tooth root)
• Bridge attaches securely to implants
• Prevents bone collapse and jaw line recession
• Restores a more secure biting ability than a removable denture
• Eliminates recurrent wear around prepared teeth
• Improves appearance and self-esteem and vitality.
• Ability to eat what you want yet implant supported teeth feel no different from natural teeth. Speech improves also when teeth are secure compared to talking with loose dentures.

COMPLETE LOWER OR UPPER JAW TOOTH REPLACMENT

If you are missing all of your teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw currently and use a removable full denture, then an implant-supported denture could be the right solution for you. Unlike removable full dentures which can fit poorly, cause gum irritation and pain from exposed nerves, implant-supported bridges or dentures virtually eliminate slipping and movement, so there’s no pain, no embarrassment, and no worries. You’ll be able to laugh and speak with confidence, and enjoy your favorite foods with ease. Your palatal tissue is not covered with denture plastic so everything feels more natural and tastes better.

Experience new freedom with an implant-supported bridge or denture.

• Maintains integrity of facial structure (helps prevent further bone deterioration)
• Can increase facial vertical dimension restoring facial length from collapsed loose dentures. This return to normal facial length provides a slimming and more youthful appearance to the patient. A FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY EFFECT without PLASTIC SURGERY.
• Increases comfort and stability
• Restores a more secure biting ability than a removable denture
• Eliminates need for adhesives
• Improves appearance (lost lip support restored)
• Builds confidence in eating and speaking more clearly
• More natural feeling and improved taste.

ORAL INFECTIONS TRAUMATIC DENTAL INJURIES BIOPSY

Because oral infections can cause tooth loss, bone deterioration, and bleeding gums, it is important to treat them quickly and effectively. These infections and injuries can be treated through a number of different methods including antibiotics, bone surgery, guided tissue reconstruction and bone grafts. These and many other options are available to handle your specific oral needs.

Traumatic injuries to teeth and/or upper and lower jaws can be treated by various methods many times in the office.

• Teeth that are traumatically dislocated from the mouth can be surgically put to place if they are otherwise intact.
• A segment of the upper portion of either jaw bone including one or more teeth can be fractured and surgically returned to their original position.
• Complete fracture of the jaw bone can be reduced to its original alignment and position. Complicated fractures of the jaw require hospital care.
• All above mentioned procedures can be managed with I.V. anesthesia and surgical wiring or braces by your oral surgeon
• These are office based procedure most of time.

Sometimes unusual growths occur in the oral cavity or in the jaws. They are sometimes called cysts, masses, lesions, growths, white patches, nevi, etc. Their abnormal or unusual natures require their removal by your oral surgeon in the office and then analyzed by an oral pathologist under the microscope to determine absolutely the nature of the specimen. Most times removal is all the treatment necessary. However the tissue analysis and diagnosis by the pathologist will guide any further treatment if necessary for more complicated, advanced or dangerous lesions. Early diagnosis of any oral problem, including oral cancer, will in turn allow for early treatment which improves recovery in most cases.

BONE GRAFT: Dental Implant Site Improvement

Bone grafts are used to fill bony defects, provide structural support, and build up deficient areas of the jaw when bone loss occurs. For example, it is sometimes necessary to rebuild the bone by using a bone graft when placing dental implants or dentures because it makes the implant stronger. There are different types of grafting materials available to treat various conditions. Consult your dental implantologist for the options that will be best for treating your case and will determine if you require bone graft before or during implant placement. Many times they can be done together.

How does a bone graft heal in your body?

A bone graft will act as a support or scaffold for normal bone growth. Over time, your own living bone cells will begin to grow into the graft. As your body undergoes its natural healing process the graft gradually becomes replaced by your own healthy new bone.

Millions of patients have been successfully treated with bone graft tissues over the past 30 years with no cases of disease transmission. Every batch of material undergoes strict, quality-controlled processing and sterilization and is individually registered with a unique registration number for each.

IMPACTED TEETH WISDOM TEETH DENTAL EXTRACTION

When teeth are trapped either by the jawbone, gums or even other teeth, they are called impacted teeth. This is very common with “Wisdom Teeth”. These are the last teeth to come in and the ones least needed for good oral health. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause severe pain and can even shift your teeth out of place. Therefore, it is important to diagnose any problem with them early to avoid more complicated ( and expensive) problems later. Often wisdom teeth need to be surgically extracted. General anesthesia is available for this and other surgical procedures in our office, making the experience as painless, calm and efficient as possible.

ROOT CANAL AND APICOECTOMY ( ROOT-END RESECTION)

A root canal is the removal of damaged nerve tissue from inside a tooth. This is done by creating a small opening in the crown of the tooth and removing the bad tissue from the actual canals of the tooth. A special sealant is injected to prevent bacteria from reaching your bone, then the outside of the tooth is restored to allow for functionality and appearance. In some instances, resection of the root end ( apex) to remove diseased soft tissue and bone around the root tip is necessary in conjunction with root canal therapy. This is called an apicoectomy. This procedure greatly increases the chances of saving teeth not salvageable by root canal alone. Under general anesthesia or with I.V. sedation, this procedure can be a comfortable, beneficial alternative to the extraction of a tooth.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

TMJ is not just one disorder, but several disorders that affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing. The pain can be as minor as slight clicking to popping sensations when the mouth is opened or closed, or as serious as chronic pain extending into the face, neck and shoulders. As a rule, discomfort from TMJ is occasional and not permanent, sometimes occurring in cycles. The pain may go away with little or no treatment but not always. Although no one knows for sure how many people have TMJ, the disorders seem to affect more women than men.

Diagnosing TMJ

At your oral surgeon’s office, X-rays of your teeth and jaw can help determine if your problem is dental in nature. If it is, procedures can be done to improve the alignment of your bite. This may include the addition of crowns or a reforming of tooth surfaces by your general dentist. If your problem is not dental in nature, your oral surgeon may refer you to an orthodontist, medical doctor, physical therapist or even a mental health professional. Because other types of pain have been known to mimic a TMJ disorder, complete dental and medical exams are important steps in getting an accurate diagnosis.

Early detection is the key to elimination the symptoms of TMJ. Many health-care professionals, especially oral surgeons, keep up with the latest research and techniques for alleviating TMJ symptoms. If you suspect you may have TMJ, your first stop should be your oral surgeon’s office. In most TMJ cases, surgery can be avoided.

PEDIATRIC ORAL SURGERY AND GENERAL ANESTHESIA

We can provide general anesthesia for kids with painful emergencies such as infected abscessed teeth and trauma.

Children have unique oral, facial and dental characteristics as well as behavioral and emotional needs. They can not be treated as small adults. When the dental needs of children treated with expertise, care, compassion and gentleness are professionally met, they will grow healthier, eat better and not avoid oral care nor fear dental treatment visits.

Visiting the Dentist

Your child’s first dental visit should be when the first tooth erupts, or by age 1. The first non-emergency visit usually involves meeting your child, doing a thorough exam, cleaning (prophy) and fluoride treatment and x-rays if need be. Avoiding more complex treatment such as restorations on the first visit helps develop trust and establish rapport with your child.

Sweet air (nitrous oxide) and behavior management techniques are used to avoid or minimize any fear. When more complex treatment is required patience, compassion and good care all are liberally applied to make your child’s experience a positive one.