Restorative & Implant Dentistry by Dr. James Stein
People lose teeth prematurely for a variety of reasons, including trauma, excessive tooth wear, or even an eating disorder. Whatever the cause, losing a tooth can be very distressing. Missing teeth can affect eating, speech, self-confidence, and appearance. The gap resulting from a missing tooth may prompt adjacent teeth to shift and destabilize the bite. With modern dental techniques available today, there's no excuse to go through life with missing teeth. When treated by an experienced prosthodontist such as Dr. James Stein, dental implants, crowns, and bridges can achieve exceptional results. Learn more about Dr. Stein's restorative and implant dentistry treatments below, or contact our office to schedule an appointment.
- Dental Implants
- Dr. Stein's Implant Experience
- The Dental Implant Process
- Dental Implant Restorations
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Inlays and Onlays
- Dentures
- Full Mouth Restorations
Dental Implants
Clinical studies show that implant dentistry is an effective, permanent way to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone to function as artificial tooth roots. Once in place, the implants are completed with a dental restoration, such as a crown or bridge. The implantation process routinely takes three to six months, resulting in a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. Providing the most support of cosmetic and restorative solutions, dental implants are an excellent choice to replace missing teeth and create a durable and esthetic smile.
[ back to top ]
Dr. Stein's Implant Experience
Dr. Stein is a respected prosthodontist with extensive clinical, treatment planning, and teaching experience. Dr. Stein has received formal surgical and restorative training in three different implant systems, including Nobel Biocare, Straumann and 3i. His team has been providing dental implant solutions to patients from around the world since 1988. Dr. Stein has published and taught dentists worldwide on the restorative phases of implant dentistry.
[ back to top ]
The Dental Implant Process
After determining that you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, Dr. Stein can recommend the periodontist or oral surgeon most appropriate for your needs. The surgeon places the implant into your jawbone during a brief procedure. The jawbone and gum tissue then heals around the implant for approximately three to six months, creating a durable foundation for the dental implant. Drawing from his extensive clinical experience and training, Dr. Stein plans and designs a restoration customized to your functional and esthetic requirements. Dr. Stein's office houses a laboratory and he works with the finest dental technologists to custom design your restoration.
[ back to top ]
Dental Implant Restorations
There are several restorations that can be placed on top of dental implants, including bridges, partial or full dentures, and porcelain crowns. The implant provides excellent support for each of these restorations. A beautifully created restoration will maintain the integrity and aesthetics of your smile for many years. Contact our office today to find out if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
[ back to top ]
Dental Crowns
Usually made of porcelain and ceramics, crowns are used to treat teeth that have been damaged by trauma, decay, or general wear. Also known as "caps," crowns cover teeth that are chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged in order to protect the damaged tooth and support the existing tooth structure. Dental crowns can also serve as anchors on either side of a dental bridge.
[ back to top ]
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are placed to fill in the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge consists of two crowns which attach to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap, and one or more artificial teeth in between. Bridging this space aids in chewing and speaking, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the smile. A bridge will also prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting around in the mouth to fill in the gap.
[ back to top ]
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by cavities or decay. Made of porcelain and ceramics that blend in with the surrounding teeth, inlays and onlays fit into the tooth cavity as an alternative to metal fillings. Inlays are placed within the cusps of the tooth to repair damage; onlays are placed on the surface of the tooth, covering one or more of the cusps. Generally, placing an onlay is a more extensive procedure since the surface is larger.
[ back to top ]
Dentures
Dentures are a removable, comfortable, and attractive option for replacing missing teeth, and are available in full or partial sets. Full dentures cover the entire top or bottom jaw, and partial dentures fit comfortably into gaps between the existing teeth. Once patients adjust to wearing their new set of dentures, their ability to speak and chew improves remarkably. In some cases, Dr. Stein might suggest and place implant-supported dentures, meaning the dentures are anchored to dental implants. With proper cleaning and maintenance, dentures can last for many years.
[ back to top ]
Full Mouth Restorations
Full mouth restorations may be ideal for patients who need multiple dental procedures to achieve their goals. Dr. Stein can combine dental options including dental implants, bridges, inlays, onlays, and teeth whitening treatment for dramatic results that can last a lifetime. Patients who are interested in a full mouth restoration are urged to contact our office and set up a consultation with Dr. Stein. He can examine your teeth and provide a recommendation about the procedures that would be most beneficial.
[ back to top ]
Contact Us for Restorative & Implant Dentistry
If you're interested in dental implants, bridges, dentures, or another restorative and implant dentistry option, contact the practice of Dr. James Stein.
James M. Stein, DMD
50 Staniford St., 10th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 877.225.7855
