Garry J. Bloch

Strong. Esthetically pleasing. Preserves bone. Durable. Versatile. Comfortable. Low maintenance. There has been a long list of claims supporting dental implants over the last 30 years. Together, these claims present a very accurate picture of the advantages of implant dentistry. In fact, these terms describe the many ways in which dental implants can improve your overall quality of life.

As an option for tooth replacement, dental implants have stood the test of time as an effective and high performing prosthetic solution. Your implant dentist can customize dental implants to suit your needs in virtually every situation. Whether you are missing an individual natural tooth or are completely edentulous, dental implants are the ideal solution for most every patient.

To define a term such as “quality of life” as it relates to prosthetic dentistry, it is important to visualize how your tooth replacement choice will affect your daily life. Dental implants are designed to enhance your normal routine rather than interrupt it. Implants will not shift or move in the mouth as you speak, eat, and smile. There are no removable components to contend with each day. And there are no special homecare products to purchase for maintenance.

The overwhelming majority of patients who choose dental implants have noticed that the implants have increased the stability of their bite, provided balance to their smile, and restored their confidence in dentistry. It is possible to have replacement teeth that are comfortable, natural, and dependable.

The long-term advantages of implant dentistry are also very impressive. By virtue of the relationship between the dental implant and the jaw bone, bone loss is prevented and the neighboring teeth are supported. This preserves the integrity of the bone structure and the appearance of the facial profile. These advantages can be observed over the lifetime of the dental implant, since the implant does not need to be replaced periodically like traditional dentures and partials.

For more information about how dental implants can improve the quality of your life, contact the office of Dr. Garry J. Bloch, serving Pittsburgh PA, and schedule your consultation today.

Patients in need of a tooth replacement often want a device that is indistinguishable from the biological teeth right next to it.

Working with an implant dentist can help patients achieve that goal. Dental implants offer superior appearance and performance when compared to alternatives for tooth replacements like bridges and dentures.

The prosthetic crowns or arches that are anchored in place by the dental implant can be crafted to blend in with the rest of a patient’s smile. When an implant is well-done, it can be nearly impossible for an observer to detect the artificial tooth.

Although many patients initially turn to dental implants for aesthetic reasons, the real value of the devices lies in the structure that is hidden from view, embedded in the jawbone.

When placing dental implants, the implant dentist inserts the titanium screw-like structures directly into the jawbone. As the patient heals from that procedure, the implants fuse with the bone and become a fixture in the jaw.

That osseointegration process helps dental implants to stabilize the jaw, which can atrophy in the absence of the tooth roots that usually serve as anchors. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement method that fills in for the entire structure, not just the visible crown portion of the tooth.

Consequently, dental implants have the kind of stability that is unmatched by alternatives. When cared for properly, dental implants can last for decades.

At the same time, dental implants stand alone and do not need support from surrounding teeth. Bridges, on the other hand, require that crowns be placed on the adjacent teeth, sacrificing healthy tooth enamel.

Because dental implants are not connected to other teeth, it’s easier to care for them, too. Patients can brush and floss dental implants just as they do with their natural teeth. It’s important for these patients to maintain a good oral hygiene routine to reduce the oral bacteria that may compromise the dental implants.

Patients who are in need of tooth replacement should explore dental implants as a solution. Call our Pittsburgh office at 412-391-3003 or our Moon Township office at 412-262-1001 to schedule your consultation.

Patients should be aware of the symptoms of periodontal disease so that they’ll know when it’s time to seek treatment from a periodontist.

Gum disease occurs when toxins released by plaque, the sticky film that builds up on the teeth and along the gumline, irritate the gum tissue.

The first warning sign of gum disease is red, swollen gums, which typically indicate the mildest form of gum disease, gingivitis. Patients who have gingivitis usually respond well to standard prophylaxis, which is the formal name for a professional dental cleaning.

Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing are also problematic. Gingivitis can result in minor bleeding, but if it’s a major issue, the disease may be advancing.

Other indicators of more advanced gum disease, such as periodontitis, warrant a trip to the periodontist. When the gums have begun to recede, making the teeth appear longer, a more intensive intervention may be needed. Similarly, when pockets begin to develop in the gums, a specialized treatment is appropriate.

A periodontist may be able to treat periodontal disease with a deep cleaning technique known as scaling and root planing. In some cases, the gums can recede so extensively that gum graft surgery may be required to address the situation.

Ultimately, periodontal disease can result in tooth and bone loss if action is not taken. Certain people may be more prone to developing periodontal disease, including diabetics and pregnant women. People from those groups should be hypervigilant in monitoring themselves for signs of gum disease.

If you have periodontal disease and get effective treatment for it, you will still need to work to prevent a relapse. Maintain a strict oral hygiene routine at home, brushing for a full two minutes twice each day and flossing each day using proper technique.

Because of all of the negative consequences that can arise from periodontal disease, it’s important to know what symptoms indicate that you have the condition and when to seek care for it.

To learn more and to schedule your consultation, contact the Pittsburgh office of Dr. Garry J. Bloch today.

Tooth loss is never easy to accept. But if you are able to replace one or more lost teeth with something that looks and feels like your own teeth, you might be able to embrace dental implants as the solution you didn’t know existed until now.

A dental implant is a small screw like device usually made from titanium that is surgically placed in the gum tissue where tooth loss has occurred. The implant is intended to fuse to your bone during the healing period, usually about six months. At the conclusion of the healing process, once your implant dentist is satisfied that the fusion has been successful, a final restoration will be placed permanently over the implant.

Before embarking on implant surgery, your dental provider will review your overall general health to make sure you are a good candidate for this procedure. A thorough dental exam is also conducted often including x-rays to determine that the bone structure needed to support the implant is sufficient.

Patients who smoke are strongly encouraged to quit before entering into dental implant treatment as smoking is a big contributor to implant failure.

Once an implant is placed and during the healing process, a temporary restoration will be placed over the implant to protect the area. This time is critical so daily flossing and brushing twice per day are important to prevent risk from infection. For patients faced with the probability of grinding or clenching, your implant dentist might fit you with a mouth guard to make sure the implant is not in danger of moving.

A dental implant becomes part of your permanent dental anatomy and is intended to perform the similar functions as the root of your tooth. The final restoration will be placed over the implant, and you will realize the similar strength and stability you once enjoyed prior to tooth loss. Your dentist will be able to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth, and once permanently placed your “replacement teeth” are virtually undetectable.

The aesthetics of your final restoration will provide you with natural looking teeth plus the functionality once enjoyed before tooth loss and the implant procedure. A consultation is the first step to realizing how you can benefit from dental implants. Contact the Pittsburgh office at 412-391-3003 or the Moon Township office at 412-262-1001 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Garry J. Bloch.