Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Why Dentists Prefer Titanium for Dental Implants


An experienced oral healthcare professional and educator, James A. Vito, DMD, teaches courses at the Misch International Implant Institute and at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. In his private practice, James A. Vito concentrates on implant dentistry, among other areas, and he has trained to perform predictable procedures for his patients.

Implant dentistry involves the substitution of natural teeth roots with artificial ones typically made of titanium. Once positioned in the jawbone, the implant undergoes a process called osseointegration. This happens as the artificial root successfully attaches to the bone and creates a lasting connection.

Dentists utilize titanium because it has the greatest potential for integrating with the bone, or ossifying. Because of this favorable biocompatibility, the immune system permits the presence of the implant, rather than targeting it as a pathogen.

The titanium also serves as a long-lasting solution that is lightweight and feels natural. In addition, should the patient need further dental work, such as the insertion of a crown or bridges, the implant helps facilitate these procedures.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Waterpik Water Flosser Earns ADA Seal of Acceptance


James A. Vito, DMD, has practiced dentistry for more than three decades and currently manages his own practice in Wayne, Pennsylvania, specializing in restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. Also a specialist trained in the diagnosis, treatment and management of gum disease, he received his specialty training in Periodontics and Periodontal Prosthesis-Fixed Prosthodontics from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. In addition to his day-to-day practice, James A. Vito, DMD, maintains membership in the American Dental Association.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recently awarded its Seal of Acceptance to the Waterpik Water Flosser. This marks the first time that the ADA has given such approval to a powered interdental cleaner. In order to earn the Seal of Acceptance, a product must meet certain safety and efficacy benchmarks.

ADA Council on Scientific Affairs’ Seal Subcommittee chair Dr. John Dmytryk said that the device has proven to be successful at lowering plaque levels in between teeth and reducing the incidence of gum disease. He further stated that the ADA Seal of Acceptance shows this device to be safe and effective in standard oral care. To learn more about the program, visit ADA.org/seal.

Friday, January 20, 2017

The ADA's Position on Dental Amalgam


A dentist with more than three decades of experience, James A. Vito, DMD, has managed a practice in Wayne, Pennsylvania, for the past 15 years, where he offers restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. In addition to his practice, James A. Vito, DMD, is a member of the American Dental Association.

The American Dental Association (ADA) continues to maintain that amalgam fillings pose no risk to patients. Rigorous studies by the ADA over the years, in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have shown that this composition of metals is more than adequate for use as a tooth filling material and been proven to be safe and effective.

Nearly 20 years ago, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs first undertook a serious study of all the existing information on amalgam. After much research, the group came to conclusions supporting amalgam’s safety and said there was “no justification” to stop using it in fillings. 

In terms of classification, the FDA ruled in 2009 that amalgam is a Class II medical device, meaning that it is in the same category as other dental restoratives such as composite materials. Concurrent with its classification, the FDA supported the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' conclusion that amalgam continues to be safe and effective.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Using Bone Grafts to Prepare the Mouth for Implants


A dentist with more than 30 years of experience, James A. Vito, DMD, has managed a practice in Wayne, Pennsylvania since 2001. His second private practice since receiving his certificate in periodontics in 1987, Dr. James A. Vito’s office offers restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry, and the DMD is a recognized expert in the latter.

Dental implants are installed to fill the gaps left by missing teeth with false teeth, creating a natural transition. While a bridge is often used to fill the space of a single tooth, implants may be needed when the gap is too wide to support the former method.

If an implant is not placed as soon as the tooth is removed or lost, the jaw bone can shrink due to natural bone resorption. In these cases, a bone graft is required prior to installing the implant, so the jaw has enough supportive bone. Bone grafts are a safe option for preparing the jaw for a new tooth.

Socket grafting may be carried out as soon as the tooth is removed. Bone grafting material is placed in the socket of the missing tooth, holding the space for the required four months of healing. When healed, the implant can be screwed into the grafting material, and the new tooth can be attached.

If nothing was done when the tooth was lost, a block of bone may be added to build up the jawbone again. Titanium screws hold the graft in place until it heals (typically four or five months), then the screws are removed and the implant installed. Alternately, a soft mix of “bone substitute” may be placed in the hole and covered with a membrane that helps regrow the bone needed for the implant.