What is Grinding and Clenching?

Grinding and clenching…. sound like the newest dance craze? Unfortunately, these two oral

habits are responsible for the highest amount of tooth loss throughout life. What’s more, these

words are often commonly associated with the three most dreaded letters in dentistry, “TMJ”.

Grinding is usually associated with sleep time. While our bodies shut down and refresh, we

routinely dream. As you might imagine, some of these dreams can be quite stressful. Grinding

involves squeezing the mouth muscles like you are biting into food and then sliding the teeth

from side to side. Often very loud and obvious to those who are awake, this process causes

premature wear and breakage of teeth that are touching. Jaw muscle and joint stress from this
action can also lead to pain and loud joint noises. Although short periods of grinding are generally
harmless, longer periods can lead to loss of the outside and inside layer of tooth structure, breakage
of previous restorations, as well as jaw pain.

Clenching commonly occurs during waking hours. Described as strong biting without food in

the mouth, the habit can also lead to the above symptoms. If done during daytime hours, this falls
under conscious behavior and is easier to control.

Treatment for both includes focusing on both the cause and result. Night time grinding is generally
caused by unique signals from the brain and is difficult to fully control. Stress can be a contributing
factor, so stress relief treatments are important. Destructive biting forces on your teeth can be five
times the biting forces when awake, so it’s important to limit the damage. A Prosthodontist plays a
large role in helping to protect your teeth from these habits. Worn teeth sometimes need to be
restored and “bite guard” appliances can be made to protect the remaining tooth structure during
susceptible times. This can help save teeth from needing more extensive restorations, and even
tooth loss. It’s important to be professionally evaluated as extensive tooth wear can occur
without any pain or other symptoms.

While some people think seeing a Specialist will be more costly compared to a general dentist,
it’s affordable to see a Prosthodontist. All fees for treatment with Dr. Haas at Prosthodontic
Dental Associates are calculated to be fair and affordable, consistent with the skills and attention
to detail that a Specialist provides. Payment plans and 0% financing are available to help make the finest treatments available to everyone. It takes time and skill to make your mouth
as close to perfect as nature intended.

We are confident you will be very happy with the result - a new healthy smile.

Contact Dr. Ronald Haas at Prosthodontic Dental Associates to consult with a Prosthodontist who is
a specialist in replacing and restoring teeth so you can feel healthy again and smile with confidence.

Click below to schedule an appointment.

Or call us at (631) 243-2929 or visit us at mynewhealthysmile.com to schedule an appointment!

When to See a Prosthodontist Instead of a Dentist and Why

Here’s why you might see a Prosthodontist instead of a dentist for more advanced dental concerns... 

When it’s time for advanced dental treatment many patients seek out or are referred to our office. Most patients aren’t as familiar with Prosthodontists as they are with other dental specialties like an Orthodontist or an Oral Surgeon. Dentists and Prosthodontists are not the same. When treatment is needed for more advanced problems, Cosmetic Dentistry or Dental Rehabilitation, a Prosthodontist is the specialist to see. Let’s get to know when you should visit Dr. Ron Haas at Prosthodontic Dental Associates instead of a general dentist and why.

Prosthodontists treat more complex dental issues. If many, most, or all of your teeth are missing, decayed, broken, worn or shifted teeth, you hesitate to smile because of the condition of your teeth, or you aren’t chewing as well as you would like, you should consult with a Prosthodontist. Among other treatments, a Prosthodontist is specially trained and skilled in Cosmetics, Dental Implants, Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures. A Prosthodontist will concentrate on improving not only the appearance but also the function of each tooth in your mouth, making you healthier while improving your smile.

Prosthodontists are dental specialists with additional training. Prosthodontics is a specialty in the area of dentistry that requires a more advanced degree and rigorous training. Prosthodontists complete at least three additional years of schooling beyond a traditional four-year dental school. Prosthodontics is recognized by the American Dental Association as a specialty within the dental community for the treatment of missing or damaged teeth.

Prosthodontists employ the latest technology and advanced treatments.  A general dentist can treat missing or decayed teeth but a Prosthodontist is dedicated specifically to this type of treatment using state-of-the-art techniques and technology. They have advanced training and often lead a team of dentists and other specialists to develop a treatment plan. Bottom line is that a Prosthodontist is the dental specialist of choice to replace or enhance one or more teeth in your mouth.

It’s affordable to see a Prosthodontist. Some people immediately think seeing a specialist will mean a tremendous expense compared to a general dentist. All fees for treatment with Dr. Haas at Prosthodontic Dental Associates are calculated to be fair and affordable, consistent with the skills and attention to detail that a specialist provides. Payment plans and 0% financing are available to help make the finest treatments available to everyone.  It takes time and skill to make your mouth as close to perfect as nature intended. We are confident you will be very happy with the result - a new healthy smile.

Contact Dr. Ronald Haas at Prosthodontic Dental Associates to consult with a Prosthodontist who is a specialist in replacing and restoring teeth so you can feel healthy again and smile with confidence.

Click below to schedule an appointment or call us at (631) 243-2929 to schedule an appointment!

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Dental Implants 101

Dental implants are one of the most life changing dental health treatments we, as dentists, have available to us. They are drastically improving the way people live, allowing those who had previously lost teeth to rediscover their comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. I’m often asked about dental implants, so following is a brief “Dental Implants 101” outline:

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are essentially anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They become a strong foundation to support and replace a single missing tooth, or many teeth, with natural looking and feeling Crowns and Bridges.

How do Dental Implants work?
They are carefully inserted below the gumline. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which provide stable anchors for your new teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two office procedures. First, the implants are placed under the gumline. For the first three to six months the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. Second, the implants will be uncovered and small healing collars are attached. I can then start making your new teeth! 

Sometimes, for patients who are ideal candidates, permanent feeling provisional teeth can be placed the same day the implants are placed!

The entire procedure usually takes a few months with patients experiencing little to no disruption in their daily life.

Am I a candidate?
Dental implants are an effective and long lasting teeth replacement solution, but not everyone is an ideal candidate for the procedure. I have developed a list of questions to ask that can help you decide if you or someone you know is a candidate for dental implants:

Do you have…

• Good general health?
• Good bone density?
• A strong desire to avoid removable dentures?

There are other factors to consider as well. If you’re a heavy smoker, pregnant, or someone who suffers with chronic diseases like uncontrolled diabetes you may not be a good candidate for dental implants. That’s why it’s important to schedule a consultation to learn more about dental implants and if they’re an appropriate choice for you.

Why should I see a Prosthodontist rather than my regular Dentist?
I often get asked what the difference is between a dentist and a Prosthodontist. The answer comes down to training and experience. A Prosthodontist is a dentist that possesses additional skills and knowledge to provide specialized care beyond what a regular dentist can. While your dentist is there to maintain good tooth and gum health, it’s in your best interest to seek out the services of a Prosthodontist for advanced procedures such as dental implants. A Prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in replacing and restoring teeth so patients can feel healthy again and smile with confidence. I have over 30 years of experience addressing and successfully dealing with advanced dental problems. I look forward to helping you regain your dental health!

Do you think dental implants might be for you? Let us know!
Don’t let missing teeth stop you from living the life you want to live. Here at Prosthodontic Dental Associates, we can help you get your healthy smile back. Click below to schedule an appointment today!

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