The Connections Bernards Ridge Edition June, July & August 2021

theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 20 For patients with missing or heavily diseased teeth, dental implants can be a life-changing treatment. Because they look and function like natural teeth, dental implants help patients regain their con dence to eat, smile, and laugh again. Dental implants also help preserve a patient’s fa- cial structure because they pre- vent bone deterioration that can occur when teeth are missing. In traditional implant surgery, tiny titanium posts are placed into the jawbone (called an im- plant). Once the jaw and gums have healed from placing the posts (which can take several weeks to months), the posts are then topped with a tooth-like crown. As a result of dental im- plant surgery, a patient’s new per- manent teeth will greatly improve their quality of life. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville, we offer our implant patients Guid- ed Implant Surgery. By using ad- vanced machinery and imaging technology to “guide” us, we can manufacture and place implants more ef ciently and accurately. As a result, guided implant sur- gery is signi cantly quicker than traditional implant surgery and patients are oftentimes able to leave our of ce with new teeth and a new renewed smile within a single of ce visit. If you’re a candidate for den- tal implants, here is what you can expect leading up to your guided implant procedure. • To begin with, we will eval- uate your complete medical history. • Then, we will take a CT scan and then create your individ- ualized surgery treatment. • We will next use 3D imaging and CAD digital design soft- ware to fabricate models of the crowns to be placed. • We send these models to our dental lab who digital- ly designs the crowns using CAM software. • Once we receive the crowns, our team will use advanced computer technology to place the implant and crowns. • Finally, we will take digi- tal x-rays to ensure proper placement and dimensions of the implants and crowns. Computer-guided dental implant surgery is one of the many advances in the dental industry that makes for more effective treatment and a more enjoyable patient experience. Due to the accuracy, minimal invasiveness with less post-sur- gical pain and complications, combined with better tting, aesthetically pleasing teeth, we are very proud to be able to offer this treatment to our patients. If you’re interested in learning more about guided implant treatment or want to see if you’re a candidate, our team would be happy to an- swer all of your questions. We are here for you and looking forward to speaking with you. Dr. Patti Swaintek-Lamb, Aesthetic Dentistry of Ber- nardsville – Dr. Swaintek- Lamb isn’t like ordinary dentists – she uses her knowledge gained from her education and expe- rience to work to ensure that her patients have both dental and whole-body health. She welcomes all patients in and around Somerset County. By Dr. Patti Swaintek-Lamb, Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville WHAT IS GUIDED IMPLANT SURGERY? Computer-guided dental implant surgery is one of the many advances in the dental industry that makes for more effective treatment and a more enjoyable patient experience. In traditional implant surgery, tiny titanium posts are placed into the jawbone (called an implant). Once the jaw and gums have healed from placing the posts (which can take several weeks to months), the posts are then topped with a tooth-like crown. THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 60 NOV 2020 - JAN 2021 theconnectionsnj.com VALLEY AVTOMOTIVE I believe that everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a life- time. For more than 25 years, my philosophy has been that having a nice smile that is also fully functional and healthy, is essential for a good quality of life. Our enjoyment in life is tied to how our mouth, teeth and gums feel and look every time we eat, talk, laugh, or kiss a loved one. No matter who you are, regular dental care is important for maintain- ing a healthy smile and protecting your immune system. Regular dental appointments are criti- cal for the optimal oral health you deserve. Studies show that gum disease affects 75% of people and that 90% of all systemic diseases develop in the mouth. Research has linked oral infections that spread throughout the body to dementia, heart disease and other life-threatening health challenges. Our team may identify an issue with your gums, teeth, or mouth that could be symptoms of a bigger health issue. Addressing it could save your life. Furthermore, we have seen an unfortunate rise in the number of patients com- ing to us with stress-related oral health issues such as cracked teeth and chipped teeth since the onset of the pandemic. If not treat- ed early, these can become bigger and more expensive problems in just a few short weeks or months. We want you to understand that it is critically important to not delay dental vis- its due to COVID-19. A recent American Dental Association (ADA) article noted that th CDC has not reported any documented cases of COVID-19 transmission in a clinical dental setting. At our office, we are safely seeing pa- tients using CDC recommendations. Our caring, professional, compassionate team has always strived to keep our workspace clean and sterile for our patients’ safety. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking additional protocols as recommend- ed by the CDC to keep our patients and team members safe and healthy! • Physical Distancing – We are schedul- ing appointments in such a way to mini- mize the number of people in the office at any given time. We are also leaving time in between patients to effectively clean and disinfect operatory between patients. We ask that our patients call our office when they arrive and use their car as a “waiting room” until it’s safe to enter the offic . • Taking Temperatures – One of the key ways we are keeping patients safe and healthy is by taking the temperature of every person who walks through our doors. When you come in for a visit, ex- pect to have your temperature taken. • Keeping Sick Patients at Home – It is our duty to protect not just the health of our patients, but the health of our e tire community! In other words, we are obli- gated to send sick patients home. Prior to anyone’s appointment, we will do a screening via phone or email. We have all had our lives and routines upended by the pandemic. But remember that dental care is essential and safe. Your personal health and our public health de- pend on it. Dr. Patti Swaintek-Lamb, Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville – Dr. Swaintek- Lamb isn’t like ordinary dentists – she uses her knowledge gained from her education and experience to work to ensure that her patients have both dental and whole- body health. She welcomes all patients in and around Somerset County. Furthermore, we have seen an unfortunat rise in the number of patients coming to us with stress-related oral health issues such as cracked teeth and chipped teeth since the onset of the pandemic. Research has linked oral infections that spread throughout the body to dementia, heart disease and other life-threatening health challe ges. CONTINUED DENTAL CARE IS CRITICAL NOW MORE THAN EVER