Serenity Smile Designs

Are missing teeth causing you to miss out on life?

Missing teeth and loose dentures make too many people sit on the sidelines and let life pass them by. However, today’s modern dentistry can replace everything from a single missing tooth to a completely missing arch. Dr. Erik Mendelsohn has had extensive training in this filed and can help you to find an implant option that is best fit for you. He has the credentials to place and restore you dental implants. So don’t let another day go by without taking this important first step to restoring your confidence and your smile!

Our teeth were designed to last us a lifetime. However gum disease, cavities or other conditions may progress to a point at which your dentist can no longer save a tooth. In those cases, an implant is a beautiful replacement. Made of medical grade titanium, an implant looks, feels and functions like your own tooth by replacing the tooth root you have lost. The implant procedure is done right in the office, with the use of novacaine. Patients generally describe the procedure and healing process as quick and painless. To see if you are a candidate for implants, contact our office for a consultation. Centrally located in Egg Harbor Township we  proudly provide these services to many  South Jersey residents. Visit our testimonials page to see how happy our patients are with their final results.

Read Jim’s story in the Smile Gallery.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

Most likely you are a candidate for dental implants. In order to be sure that implants are for you,  a consultation with  Dr. Erik to review the quality of your bone, your medical history will determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Did you know that losing teeth consequences that affect your smile and can even  make you look older ?

The loss of even one tooth can has has significant changes to your health. The most obvious result is the gap that is created after you lose a tooth. Other consequences include the loss chewing which can contribute to inability to eat a healthy diet that due to the tooth loss. While these are serous concerns , the biggest  problem is the melting away of the bones in your jawbone that support your face.

All bones in the body follow the old saying use it or lose it. So if your jawbone is normally stimulated by chewing and the pressure the teeth put on the jawbone.So the fact that you are no longer using your teeth  in the same manner that the unused muscles beneath a cast supporting a broken bone get smaller. Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face will begin to look prematurely aged. The good news is that tooth replacement with dental implants offers a solution to help prevent bone loss.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is designed to mimick your natural tooth roots. A dental implant acts much like your own tooth roots to support your teeth or other implant supported tooth replacement options such as a denture. Most importantly chewing with dental implants will  stimulate your jawbone helping to prevent premature aging caused by the loss of your jawbone as seen above.

Replacement of a Single Tooth

Proven to outlast other replacement options, an implant is considered the standard of care to replace a single missing tooth. The implant will serve as a root where a new tooth can anchor. It also will look, function, and feel like a natural tooth.

Other treatment options for tooth replacement such as bridges, full or partial dentures do replace missing teeth, but do nothing to stop the  bone loss.  Bridge also requires that two or more healthy teeth must be shaved  down to serve as the posts to support the bridge. This reshaping of these teeth can lead to future problems which may warrant the need for root canal treatment, replacement of the bridge, and even lead to a complete loss and failure of the bridge. If the original abutment teeth fail, more healthy teeth must be sacrificed to serve as posts, while you continue to lose bone beneath the bridge.

With implants, however, the healthy teeth are left alone. They also transmit chewing forces to the jawbone, which reduces bone loss. This is why dental implants are now considered the standard of care for tooth replacement.

Implants can make your Denture tighter

At Serenity Smile Designs, we have had great success in pairing implants that contain snap on buttons with dentures to help stabilize them. If you already have a denture or need a denture, as few as two implants may be very effective in stabilizing your denture. This very affordable implant option will make your denture remarkably tighter, improving chewing ability and increasing self-confidence. You no longer have to worry about your denture falling out when you eat or speak, nor will you need excess pastes and powders to hold your denture in place.

Replacement of Several Missing Teeth

In cases where a person does not want to wear false teeth or dentures that must come out at night, implants are very effective at replacing several missing teeth. Several implants can be placed to provide support for the  custom made tooth replacement option that best fits your particular case.

Traditional treatment options for tooth replacement, Crown & Bridge and full or partial dentures, address the  cosmetic problems of missing teeth, but do not stop bone loss.  Bridges also require that two or more healthy teeth must be prepared to serve as posts for a bridge. This can  leaving them at a higher risk for cavities, and the need for root canal treatment. If the original abutment teeth fail, more healthy teeth must prepared  to serve as posts, putting other healthy teeth at risk.

With implants, however, the healthy teeth are left alone. Dental implants, like natural teeth, also transmit chewing forces to the jawbone, which reduces bone loss that can lead to premature aging and weakening of the jawbone and the loss of chewing ability.

Replacement of All Missing Teeth

Dental implants can be an  excellent option for the person who cannot function properly with a full denture. Implants can be used to fully rehabilitate a person’s smile while restoring both chewing capabilities – and confidence. There is a wide variety of options to choose from when rehabilitating your teeth. The best option for you will be determined during a  consultation between you and your dentist to give you the best treatment option that meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Do implants hurt?
A: No, it is usually done under local anesthesia. Most procedures can be done in your dentist’s office.

Q: How much pain will I feel after implant placement?
A: The discomfort you may feel should be minor. Your dentist may prescribe medication to alleviate any pain you may have.

Q: How long does it take to place dental implants?
A: Usually 30-60 minutes, depending on the location and the number of implants.

Q: What can I eat after having an implant placed?
A: For about the first week your doctor will tell you what you can and can’t eat. Normally you will be on a soft diet or be instructed to  chew on the opposite side until the sutures are removed.

Q: How long does placement take?
A: The implant placement usually takes forty five minutes to an hour, depending on the location and the number of implants.

Q: How do I care for my implant?
A: Home care for your implants consists of brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are required for long-term health and success.

Q: How long does an implant last?
A: If your body accepts the implant, it should last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.

Q: If my body rejects an implant, what happens?
A: The implant is removed and the site is allowed to heal. Another implant can usually be placed after healing.

Q: Are dental implants covered by insurance?
A: May insurance companies now do cover dental implants, however some insurance companies still consider implants an elective procedure. Serenity Smile Designs will do everything in our power to get your dental insurance to cover all of your procedures. You may contact your  insurance to inquire,  or we can send a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company to verify coverage. We also offer payment plan options to make your treatment more affordable.