Houston Prosthodontic Associates http://blog.hpadoctors.com Just another WordPress site Tue, 01 May 2012 20:41:13 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 Do I Need Dental Implants? http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2012/05/do-i-need-dental-implants/ http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2012/05/do-i-need-dental-implants/#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 20:41:13 +0000 admin http://blog.hpadoctors.com/?p=178 If you’ve been asking yourself this question lately, there’s only one way to know for sure: call Houston Prosthodontic Associates today to schedule a consultation visit with Dr. Gittleman.

Why is a consultation visit so important?

Because not every patient is a candidate for dental implants. And even if you are a candidate, you’ll still need quality care from a prosthodontist like Dr. Gittleman to ensure that your smile receives the care it needs and deserves.

How Can Dental Implants Help Me?

Implants can be used to treat a range of issues. Whether you need to replace just a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire row of teeth, dental implants can help qualified patients restore their smile’s appearance and functionality.

How?

By replacing a patient’s missing tooth and his or her missing root. The root is an essential part of any smile. Without it, the jawbone will begin to atrophy. But because dental implants act like prosthetic roots, mimicking what natural roots do, patients with dental implants can look forward to a smile that feels naturally strong and functional.

Are you ready to find out if dental implants are right for you? Dr. Gittleman is ready to help. Call Houston Prosthodontic Associates today to set up your appointment. We serve patients from Houston, River Oaks, Spring Branch, Tanglewood, Sugarland, Katy, and beyond. We look forward to helping you!

]]> http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2012/05/do-i-need-dental-implants/feed/ 0 The 27th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2012/04/the-27th-annual-meeting-of-the-academy-of-osseointegration/ http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2012/04/the-27th-annual-meeting-of-the-academy-of-osseointegration/#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:46:29 +0000 admin http://blog.hpadoctors.com/?p=175 Dr. Gittleman of Houston Prosthodontic Associates recently attended the 27th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration in Phoenix, Arizona. While there, Dr. Gittleman met with several past presidents of the society, as well as several biomedical engineers. During his stay, Dr. Gittleman also attended many lectures on force distribution and some of the newer surgical techniques that have recently been introduced to the profession. And in addition to his recent trip, Dr. Gittleman has recently applied to the U.S. Patent office for a new impression technique, hoping to add to his 17 existing U.S. patents.

If you’d like to learn more about our latest innovations, you can learn more here. And if it’s time for your next appointment, give us a call. We love helping our patients from Houston and surrounding areas improve their smiles, their health, and their confidence.

Call us today!

]]> http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2012/04/the-27th-annual-meeting-of-the-academy-of-osseointegration/feed/ 0 Protecting Yourself from Zinc Poisoning, Part 2 http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/12/protecting-yourself-from-zinc-poisoning-part-2/ http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/12/protecting-yourself-from-zinc-poisoning-part-2/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:28:37 +0000 admin http://blog.hpadoctors.com/?p=167 In our October 17th post, we mentioned that popular denture creams like Fixodent and Poligrip had been linked in the past to cases of zinc poisoning, and that one way to avoid zinc poisoning, if you need dentures, is to rely on Houston Prosthodontic Associates. Dr. Gittleman’s West Houston office is dedicated to providing patients with custom-made dentures that fit snugly, making adhesive creams practically unnecessary.

But we also mentioned that there’s another way to avoid zinc poisoning, one that’s even better than custom-made dentures—implant supported dentures.

Restore What Your Smile’s Been Missing

Implant-supported dentures completely eliminate the need for adhesive creams by restoring what your smile’s been missing: your natural tooth roots.

As a result, you can look forward to improved functionality and a smile that feels completely natural. That’s because your dental implants will actually stimulate bone growth in the jaw, leading to new bone tissue and a stronger, healthier jaw.

Want to Know If You’re a Candidate for Dental Implants?

All it takes to know for sure is a thorough oral exam. Call our West Houston office today to schedule a consultation visit with Dr. Gittleman.

Once we know for sure that you’re an ideal candidate, Dr. Gittleman can begin discussing further options with you, such as whether you’ll need full or partial implant-supported dentures.

Get in touch with us today. Our office serves patients from Houston, River Oaks, Spring Branch, Tanglewood, Sugarland, Katy, and the Houston Galleria area.

]]> http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/12/protecting-yourself-from-zinc-poisoning-part-2/feed/ 0 Come See Our Remodeled Office! http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/11/come-see-our-remodeled-office/ http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/11/come-see-our-remodeled-office/#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:39:16 +0000 admin http://blog.hpadoctors.com/?p=162 At Houston Prothodontic Associates we’re pleased to announce the completion of the remodeling of our office.   Not only has a “facelift “ been completed to the existing equipment, but we have also added two new treatment rooms.  With our patients’ comfort in mind, state-of-the-art devices including  a digital panoramic X-ray machine and a CEREC machine (that enables ceramic restorations to be prepared and delivered the same day) have been added to our working environment.   Amenities available include television and Wi-Fi connections, as well as nitrous oxide and intravenous sedation (I.V.) to relieve patients with anxiety.  The treatment rooms are equipped in such a way as to provide optimal dental care in a light and airy atmosphere.  Our objective is to provide a pleasing, inviting “dental home” with a high standard of patient care.  We welcome our existing patients to visit and most certainly invite new patients to come by and see our facility which includes a-one-of-a-kind in-house dental laboratory.

]]> http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/11/come-see-our-remodeled-office/feed/ 0 Dr. Gittleman Attends the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/11/dr-gittleman-attends-the-60th-annual-meeting-of-the-american-academy-of-implant-dentistry/ http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/11/dr-gittleman-attends-the-60th-annual-meeting-of-the-american-academy-of-implant-dentistry/#comments Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:17:50 +0000 admin http://blog.hpadoctors.com/?p=151 I recently attended the 60th annual meeting of  the American Academy of Implant Dentistry which was held October 19th through October 22nd in Las Vegas Nevada.  Sixty years ago, a small cadre of dental pioneers braved a firestorm of professional criticism and met in Chicago to share ideas to stimulate research and training in implant dentistry.  This was the beginning of the practice of implant dentistry and paved the way for eventual public and professional acceptance of the procedure. That meeting led to another meeting held February 4, 1952, also in Chicago, with 14 dentists and four laboratory technicians.  It was the inaugural conclave of the American Academy of Implant Dentures, which today is AAID.  During my stay in Las Vegas, I attended several lectures concerning the “All-On–Four” technique, as well as the more traditional approaches to help restore the edentulous (missing all teeth) patient.  I also spent time with two past presidents of this prestigious organization:  Dr. Francis J. DuCoin & Dr. Richard A. Guaccio.

It is estimated that 69 percent of Americans age 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth and one in four over the age of 74 have lost all of their natural teeth.  Aging Baby Boomers are fueling high demand for dental implants, but the aggressive advertising aimed at them does not provide information they need about the procedure and qualifications required to perform it.  Therefore, AAID’s message in commemorating 60 years of dental implants is that implants promote good oral health and restore self confidence, but successful outcomes are best assured by careful and informed selection of a highly trained and skilled implant dentist.

]]> http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/11/dr-gittleman-attends-the-60th-annual-meeting-of-the-american-academy-of-implant-dentistry/feed/ 0 Protecting Yourself from Zinc Poisoning, Part 1 http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/10/protecting-yourself-from-zinc-poisoning-part-1/ http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/10/protecting-yourself-from-zinc-poisoning-part-1/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:26:57 +0000 admin http://blog.hpadoctors.com/?p=142 This past February, WebMD reported that popular denture products, like Fixodent and older version of Poligrip, had been linked to cases of zinc poisoning.

Zinc is an important mineral for the human body, but high levels of it can cause bone marrow suppression, spinal cord degeneration, nerve damage, and even death. Conversely, patients with high zinc levels have low levels of copper, another mineral the body needs to stay healthy.

So, if you have dentures, the question on your mind might be, “How can I protect myself?”

One answer is to visit Houston Prosthodontic Associates. At Dr. Gittleman’s Houston office, we pride ourselves on crafting dentures that fit so well you may not need an adhesive. And by not needing an adhesive cream, or very little, you’re greatly reducing your chance of ever overdosing on zinc.

What’s more, it doesn’t matter if you need a full denture or only a partial denture. Our office can help you either way. With our in-house lab we can control every step of the design and creation process, making it possible for us to deliver truly custom-made results.

But custom-fitted dentures aren’t the only way we’re helping patients improve their smiles and protect themselves from zinc poisoning. For our next post, we’ll discuss one more way we’re improving patients’ lives.

In the meantime, though, if you have any questions or you want to schedule a consultation visit with Dr. Gittleman, just give our Houston office a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions about zinc poisoning and tell you how our dentures can help you.

We serve patients from Houston, River Oaks, Spring Branch, Tanglewood, Sugarland, Katy, the Houston Galleria Area, and beyond.

]]> http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/10/protecting-yourself-from-zinc-poisoning-part-1/feed/ 0 The Solid Smile You Deserve with All-on-Four Dental Implants from Dr. Gittleman http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/09/the-solid-smile-you-deserve-with-all-on-four-dental-implants-from-dr-gittleman/ http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/09/the-solid-smile-you-deserve-with-all-on-four-dental-implants-from-dr-gittleman/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:45:06 +0000 admin http://blog.hpadoctors.com/?p=122 Have you been told you don’t have enough bone density for traditional dental implants? Are you having trouble keeping your dentures in with adhesive creams or natural suction?

All-on-Four dental implants from Dr. Gittleman’s Houston office may be able to help.

With this revolutionary implant technique, many patients are finally able to have a more stable and functional smile than they ever thought possible. And the best part is an All-on-Four procedure can be finished in just one visit. You may even be able to enjoy a light meal with your new smile that same night.

Before.

After.

So How Do All-on-Four Dental Implants Work?

All-on-Four dental implants use four implant posts to anchor a new denture, two of which are angled to give you the maximum amount of support possible. Your set of replacement teeth will then be fitted with snaps and attached to all four implants. In some cases, we may be able to modify your existing dentures, but often a new custom denture is necessary.

Regardless, with All-on-Four dental implants you can look forward to a higher quality of life. Finally, you’ll be able to enjoy those nutritious foods that were just impossible to eat with traditional dentures. Speaking will be easier too. And because your All-on-Four dentures aren’t removable, your smile will look just as natural as it feels.

Find out how you can have the strong, solid smile you deserve. Contact our Houston office today to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Gittleman. He’ll be happy to address all the questions and concerns you may have about All-on-Fours, in addition to helping you choose a treatment that’s right for you.

Give us a call today. We serve patients from Houston, River Oaks, Spring Branch, Tanglewood, Sugarland, Katy, and the Houston Galleria area.

]]> http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/09/the-solid-smile-you-deserve-with-all-on-four-dental-implants-from-dr-gittleman/feed/ 0 Why You Need a Prosthodontist: Part 4 http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/07/why-you-need-a-prosthodontist-part-4/ http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/07/why-you-need-a-prosthodontist-part-4/#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:25:03 +0000 admin http://blog.hpadoctors.com/?p=117 In the final installment of our Why You Need a Prosthodontist series (click to read Part 1, Part 2, or Part 3), we’ll be discussing how Dr. Gittleman can help you improve the esthetics of your smile.

The issue of esthetic is about more than just having bright, natural-looking teeth, although that’s definitely a large part of it. Improving the esthetics of your smile is also about giving your entire face a “dental facelift.”

Boost Your Appearance with a Brand New Smile

If you have missing teeth or you’ve experience bone loss in your jaw, your lips can appear to lose volume and even begin to droop, almost like a frown. This “collapse” can make you look years older.

But with dental implants, you can not only look forward to enjoying a more functional bite, you can also enjoy a more youthful facial profile, with fuller lips and fewer less wrinkles.

Beyond a “dental facelift,” though, a prosthodontist can help you design just the smile you’ve been dreaming of. With careful planning, detailed measurements, and an artistic eye, Dr. Gittleman can help you craft new teeth that will compliment the rest of your appearance, taking into account aspects like the shape of your face, body, and individuals features, among others. This is a must when it comes to designing exactly the smile you need to enjoy improved function and appearance.

Call our Houston office today to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Gittleman. We serve patients from River Oaks, Spring Branch, Tanglewood, Sugarland, Katy, the Houston Galleria area, and beyond.

]]> http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/07/why-you-need-a-prosthodontist-part-4/feed/ 0 Why You Need a Prosthodontist: Part Three http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/07/why-you-need-a-prosthodontist-part-three/ http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/07/why-you-need-a-prosthodontist-part-three/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:38:03 +0000 admin http://blog.hpadoctors.com/?p=107 In part one and part two of our Why You Need a Prosthodontist series, we talked about what a prosthodontist is, why it’s important to replace missing teeth, and the benefits of dental implants. But let’s say you’re not a candidate for dental implants—and not everyone is. Can a prosthodontist still help you fix your smile?

Absolutely.

With full and partial dentures, it’s still possible to enjoy a natural-looking smile again. And because of advances in how your dentures are made, they’re more comfortable and practical than they’ve ever been.

But maybe you’re reluctant to find out more about dentures because you weren’t sure how to get started. Well, it starts very simply, with a consultation visit to Dr. Gittleman’s Houston office. After talking to you about your smile and taking a close look at your teeth and gums, Dr. Gittleman can recommend a course of action that will work best for you.

But regardless of whether you’ll be receiving traditional or implant-retained dentures, your replacement teeth will be made from quality materials right in our office by trained technicians.

Traditional vs. Implant-Retained Dentures

But besides wondering about how to get started, you may also want to know what the difference is between traditional and implant-retained dentures.

The primary difference is that traditional dentures are held in place by suction or adhesive creams while implant-retained dentures are anchored in your jaw by titanium implants. Both can improve the appearance of your smile and last for years to come, in the process leading to increased confidence.

A similar difference exists in the way traditional and implant-retained partials are supported. Implant-retained partials are, of course, anchored by implants, while traditional partials are held in place by a clasp or clip.

Get Started On Your New Smile Today

To find out which of these options is more right for you, call our Houston office today to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Gittleman.

]]> http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/07/why-you-need-a-prosthodontist-part-three/feed/ 0 Testing Out a Popular Theory http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/07/testing-out-a-popular-theory/ http://blog.hpadoctors.com/2011/07/testing-out-a-popular-theory/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:04:40 +0000 admin http://blog.hpadoctors.com/?p=94 June 21 marked the beginning of summer. But that’s not all that was significant about that Tuesday. It was also, according to a well-known theory, one of the few days of the year when it’s possible to stand an egg upright on its end.

This year, Dr. Gittleman and his team decided to take a little time out of their day to put this theory to the test.It wasn’t easy, but after a few wobbly starts they actually succeeded, at approximately 12:16 pm.

But was it because of the alignment of the Earth and the sun’s gravity, as some claim, or is it possible to balance an egg on any day of the year? That’ll just have to be an experiment for another day!

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