CEREC

Here at Northland Dental Medicine, we utilize advanced technology for many of our procedures, including crowns and other restorations, through the use ofCEREC technology. As opposed to taking messy impressions that can take two to three weeks to be complete, we use the CEREC machine to create crowns in just one appointment.

CEREC combines a machine for processing restorative work and a computer program that turns digital images of the tooth’s structure into a 3D model of the restoration.

The simple steps for getting a CEREC crown or other restorations using this technology include the following:

1. Our dentist Dr. Michael Corsello first removes all decay from the tooth that is to be treated. If tissue from the tooth needs to be removed, a local anesthetic is applied.
2. A dry powder is applied to the tooth prior to taking a high-resolution digital image.
3. This image is then sent to the CEREC computer, where a 3D restoration model is made.
4. Within about 15 minutes, the restoration is ready to be applied using a strong bonding material.

No impressions, temporaries or waiting time is needed to get a CEREC crown at our office. To experience CEREC technology first-hand, visit Dr. Michael Corsello in Pittsburgh, PA.

Bone Grafting

When our Pittsburgh, PA dental patients are looking to get restorative work like dental implants, where the restoration goes into their jawbone, we first have to be sure they have sufficient bone to work with. The bone of the missing tooth must be thick and dense enough, and also healthy enough to support the titanium post used in implants.

If it isn’t, we offer a procedure called bone grafting that helps them grow new bone so they still have the option of a dental implant. Bone grafting is a relatively routine procedure that helps patients get restoration work done, regardless of how much bone they currently have.

The bone for bone grafting procedures either comes from the patient, synthetic materials, or a bone bank where it is harvested from human donors. A combination is often used to create a bone graft.

After completing the bone grafting procedure and the patient has healed properly, our dentist Dr. Michael Corsello proceeds with the implant or restoration procedure. It is a great alternative for our patients who want to replace missing teeth permanently, but due to their missing tooth, have lost some bone density.

To learn more about the bone grafting procedure, visit Northland Dental Medicine in Pittsburgh, PA or give us a call at 412-453-5344 to learn more.

Bridges

Patients visiting Dr. Michael Corsello’s practice here in Pittsburgh, PA often have the problem of missing teeth. While many options are available, many of our patients find that choosing dental bridges is the best way to go. Bridges require natural teeth on either end of the missing tooth to anchor the bridge, with crowns and abutments creating the bridge. It is a semi-permanent solution for anyone with missing teeth.

There are different types of dental bridges available, with fixed bridges being the most common. These last about 10-15 years and are similar to a partial denture. A crown protects the natural teeth on either side of the bridge, and abutments are made to look like the patient’s natural teeth. It is not removable as dentures are.

Patients who fit the following specifications make good candidates for bridges:

1. Healthy teeth adjacent to the missing tooth that can withstand the bridge.

2. Enough bone mass to support an implant if the patient chooses to go this direction.

3. Willing to wear a restoration that isn’t removed.

4. Being dedicated to keeping their teeth and bridge clean and well maintained.

If you are interested in getting a dental bridge, schedule an appointment with us at 412-367-7400. We’re conveniently located on McKnight Road.

 

Screw Retained Dentures

Here at Northland Dental Implant, Dr. Michael Corsello provides a variety of restorative dental procedures, including dentures for missing teeth. Dentures are great because they help our patients restore their smile and confidence, not to mention being able to eat just about anything they want. The problem with traditional dentures is that they can something shift and move before the patient gets used to them. This is often a burden, but we offer a solution in our screw-retained dentures.

Screw-retained dentures allow patients to have more stability and permanence in their dentures. Rather than shifting while eating or talking, the patient knows the patient is going to remain in place. Screw-retained dentures, also called fixed dentures, are attached to the jaw with a metal post and screw that is implanted in the patient’s jaw. This anchors the denture to their jaw, letting it remain there permanently.

Patients find that the additional dental work needed for screw-retained dentures is worth it. It is similar to getting dental implants, except a denture is placed over the implants instead of single abutments and crowns. Patients have a full set of teeth that look and function just like natural teeth, and they take care of them just like they would with their normal teeth.

If you have questions about screw-retained dentures, visit Dr. Michael Corsello in Pittsburgh, PA.