When a person is missing a few or many teeth, it can really impact their quality of life. Chewing can be next to impossible, requiring the person to miss out on a wide assortment of foods. Speech can be difficult, particularly if front teeth are missing. Smiling can be embarrassing.
Prosthodontics is a specialty area of overall dentistry that involves dental implants, crowns, bridgework, dentures, TMJ function, and esthetics. EMA Dental has two board-certified prosthodontists: Dr. Vincent Mariano DMD and Dr. Thomas Vergo DDS. Replacement options for missing teeth is a specialty for both doctors.
Dental implants
Dental implants play a key role if EMA’s prosthodontic treatment. Implants are titanium screws that are placed in the hole formerly occupied by the tooth root. The jawbone then grows around the implant, fully integrating it into the jaw just like a regular tooth. Once this has happened, a post, called an abutment is attached to the implant, with a crown (false tooth) atop the abutment. Now the implant functions just like a normal tooth.
Implants are our preferred option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth because they allow the patient to eat any foods and returns quality of life. Implants also serve as excellent anchors for partial dentures and bridges.
Removable prostheses
If a series of implants is not financially feasible, Drs. Mariano and Vergo will design and place prostheses. This is usually the case if a person is missing at least three teeth in a row. Removable dentures can either be full or partial, and we also specialize in implant-supported dentures. In these cases implants are strategically placed to serve as anchors for non-removable partial or full dentures. Implants provide a superior degree of anchoring to the prosthetic device.
If you’re missing one or a few teeth, call us at EMA Dental. For April, we’re offering complimentary prosthodontic consultations with Dr. Mariano and Dr. Vergo. Call us for an appointment at either our Longmeadow or Northhampton offices.