James A. Oshetski, DDS, Implant and Restorative Dentistry

Products And Services

• Dental Implants

  Dental implants are anchors that are implanted into a jawbone that help hold replacement teeth in place. The root of an implant sits beneath the gum line and the tooth (crown) is attached to the root. Implants function and feel very similar to natural teeth. They can be used to replace individual teeth as well as for bridges and dentures. Looking for an experienced Implant Surgeon you can trust? Look no further. Dr. Oshetski is a credentialed expert in both the surgical placement and restoration of dental implants. He has placed and restored thousands of dental implants. With his experience and use of advanced diagnostics and sedation, he is able to deliver comprehensive treatment comfortably in his office. Dr. Oshetski’s hygienists and assistants have specialized training in the delivery of implant rehabilitation and they are focused on treating each patient with compassion and individualized attention. Dental implants let you eat the foods you love. Dental Implants are the only proven way to prevent bone loss after the loss of natural teeth. Research shows that implant-supported prostheses increase patient comfort. 70% of the U.S. population is missing at least one tooth. Losing one or more of your teeth creates a gap in your smile, affects your ability to chew properly, and can alter your diet and nutrition. While these are all serious issues, many people do not know that tooth loss also leads to bone loss.

  Link: Dental Implants

• TeethXpress

  Natural Replacement Teeth in One Day! Many people who are about to lose teeth, function or their smile don’t need to experience the debilitating function and psychological trauma from getting traditional dentures. As we know from TV commercials, dentures have difficulty stay in place. However they also only function at about 20% of natural teeth and cause the jawbone to resorb indefinitely. TeethXpress is an immediate replacement option for a full-arch of teeth that is fixed in place and prevents the need for a full denture. Dr. Oshetski is the only a certified provider of TeethXpress in Maine and leads New England in experience and expertise.

  Link: TeethXpress

• Teeth Whitening

  Introduction Teeth whitening or bleaching products brighten teeth that have been stained or darkened by food, tobacco use, age or injury. There are a variety of in-office and take-home teeth whitening products to reduce or eliminate such stains. Teeth Whitening Products Take-Home Teeth Whitening Products Take-home bleaching solutions can help improve the color and overall brightness of teeth. These kits are simpler and less expensive than, and can be just as effective as, in-office treatments. Dentists provide patients with customized impression trays and whitening gel, the use of which improves the appearance of teeth over just a few days. Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Various over-the-counter products, such as whitening toothpastes and bleaching strips, are advertised as being effective teeth-whiteners. However, although based on the same science as professional bleaching, the concentration of effective ingredients tends to be much lower, lengthening treatment time and often not providing the level of whitening desired. Also, custom trays enable the bleach to be applied in the most efficient manner. Whitening procedures are effective but not permanent. Depending on the procedure used, whitening may fade over time. Patients are advised to avoid food and drinks that may stain or darken teeth.

  Link: Teeth Whitening

• Porcelain Veneers

  Introduction Porcelain veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells of ceramic that are custom-fit and bonded to the front of the teeth. They are hand crafted by a master ceramist and are highly esthetic. Veneers can address a variety of issues, including chipped, yellow, stained, misshapen or crooked teeth, or teeth with spaces between them. A veneer placed on top of a tooth can quickly and easily improve the look of a smile. Benefits of Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory to look exactly like the patient’s natural teeth. They are among the best of the restorative options when it comes to replicating the look of healthy tooth enamel. They are also resistant to staining from coffee or tea, or smoking cigarettes. And, because veneers are so thin, light shines through them, helping them blend in naturally with the other teeth. Durability of Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers are strong and durable and, with proper care, will often last for 10 to 15 years. Veneers are manufactured from the highest quality porcelain, fitted with precision, and bonded with the most advanced adhesive materials available. The Porcelain Veneer Procedure The placement of porcelain veneers requires three appointments for the following: 1. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning This initial appointment provides the patient with the opportunity to take an active role in designing and discussing the restorative veneer process. The dentist will discuss the corrective abilities and limitations of this procedure with the patient. 2. Preparation At the second appointment, the teeth being veneered are lightly buffed to compensate for the added thickness the veneers will create. The teeth are typically reduced by approximately one half of a millimeter. Some veneers require no tooth reduction at all. Next, an impression is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for the creation of veneers. Temporary veneers can be placed if the patient is uncomfortable with the appearance of the natural teeth. The final veneers are usually ready within a few weeks. 3. Bonding At the third appointment, the dentist will initially hold the veneers in place on the teeth with water or glycerin to determine whether they are perfect in fit and color. The color of the veneers can still be adjusted by altering the shade of the cement used to adhere them. Once the color is finalized, chemicals are applied to the teeth to optimize the bonding. Dental cement is then applied between the teeth and the veneers, and a special light is used to quickly harden the cement.

  Link: Porcelain Veneers

• TMJ/TMD Treatment

  Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD, refers to a group of disorders that stem from problems with the jaw, jaw joint, or facial muscles involved in jaw movement. This disorder can cause constant or intermittent discomfort and pain in the areas connected to the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly referred to as TMJ, which refers only to the temporomandibular joint itself. The temporomandibular joint is a small joint in front of the ear where the skull meets the lower jaw. This joint is one of the most frequently used joints and enables the jaw to move and function including talking, yawning, chewing and swallowing. For the temporomandibular joint to function properly, all of the muscles, ligaments, and bones involved in its movement must be working properly. Conditions that prevent them it doing so may cause temporomandibular joint disorder.

  Link: TMJ/TMD Treatment