Dr. Notarnicola’s Training
Dental implants require a great deal of precision and planning. To better serve his patients and provide the most advanced treatment, Dr. Notarnicola completed an additional 1 year master clinician course in implant dentistry. Dr. Notarnicola will use a combination of study models, 3-dimensional x-rays and special digital planning software to help provide the best and longest lasting treatment possible.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.
Who would want their appearance and health to deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your dentist and the implant surgeon will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.
Tooth Replacement Options
You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.
A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.
Flipper
A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.
Metal Partial
A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.
Denture
The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
What Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Notarnicola is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant and new tooth can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Notarnicola performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Morris Sussex Oral Surgery Associates, LLC
Patient Review
My first visit. Everything went smooth, from making the appointment to the visit itself. Everyone was very professional and friendly.
- Claudia I
Patient Review
Everyone so friendly and professional. Dr Kurt explained it so I could understand. I would recommend to friends and family.
- Eileen D
Patient Review
As my regular dentist closed because of the Covid-19 Dr Notarnicola took me in without x rays. Examined me took x rays and removed my broken tooth same day. I am so grateful to him and his staff for the care and kindness they showed me during this difficult time. Thank you for healing me and prevnting any further complications this broken tooth could have caused me. God Bless you all.
- Edward D
Patient Review
I have had horrific experiences at the dentist since I was a child. Unfortunately I have a mouth full of caps crowns and partials. Dr. Notarnicola has done 2 extractions for me within the last 2 years and I'm going for my 3rd in December. My mouth is my Achilles heel and I am ALWAYS extremely comfortable and pain free during the procedure. Thank you Dr. Kurt for the stress free feeling when I see you for procedures!! Lets not forget the wonderful professional friendly staff. Thank you everyone!
- Patricia M
Patient Review
I can’t say enough good things about this place. The staff is friendly and the dr is amazing. This is the place to go.
- Marc E
Patient Review
Staff was very professional, and friendly. Enjoyed speaking with Terry, was great discussing our times in the military.
- henry z
Patient Review
I had two extractions today. Doctor Kurt is the best. Work done 3 1/2 hours ago and I have no pain or bleeding. Had to take no drugs. His assistant was also the best.
- Arthur
Patient Review
Five stars all around. Friendly staff put me at ease. Very comforting. Highly recommend to family and friends.
- Samantha M
Patient Review
OUTSTANDING ! EXTREMELY FRIENDLY, COURTEOUS AND PROFESSIONAL. NEVER A BAD EXPERIENCE.
- Catherine A
Patient Review
Could expect no more than what I experienced. A truly friendly, competent, timely and professional office.
- chARLES m