COMPREHENSIVE CARE: “People are smarter about dental care today and good oral hygiene. If they are careful about this, they will have a better outcome and better luck with their teeth.” The specialists at Prosthodontics of Princeton include, from left, Alexander S. Drew, DMD, MS; Steven C. Isaacson, DMD; and Suzanne B. Reinhardt, DMD; who are all skilled in helping patients achieve the best oral health.

By Jean Stratton

The first step is to make an appointment. Whether it’s a toothache, missing tooth (or teeth), or just time for a checkup, Prosthodontics of Princeton is there to make sure the treatment is appropriate, timely, and thorough.

Located at 601 Ewing Street, Suite B-4, the practice, owned by Steven C. Isaacson, DMD, was originally founded by his father George Isaacson, DMD.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Steven Isaacson went on to obtain a specialty degree in prosthodontics at Temple University School of Dentistry, with emphasis on reconstructive dentistry, including implants and cosmetic dentistry.

The opportunity to work with his father has continued to inform his practice, and, as he says, has given him a chance “to continue the tradition of integrity, detail, and thoughtfulness that my father instilled in me.”

Complex Procedures

Now, associates Suzanne B. Reinhardt, DMD, and Alexander S. Drew, DMD, MS, have joined the practice.

“Our specialty is dealing with more complex procedures, such as dentures, implants, and full mouth reconstruction, but we also have a general practice, including fillings and cleanings,” explains Dr. Isaacson. “It is all encompassing.”

Prosthodontics is one of nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, and it is the only specialty that deals with the entire mouth. Prosthodontics focuses on the diagnosis, restoration, and replacement of missing teeth. The specialized dentists can restore oral function through the placement of restorations or prostheses (dentures, crowns, implants, etc.).

Becoming a prosthodontist requires an additional three years of specialty training after obtaining a DMD (doctor of dental medicine) or DDS (doctor of dental surgery) degree. Prosthodontists are highly trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating multiple, diverse, and complex dental conditions.

Depending on the severity and complexity of the patient’s condition, Drs. Isaacson, Reinhardt, and Drew may coordinate treatment with other specialists.

As Dr. Isaacson points out, “Advanced deterioration of a patient’s teeth usually creates issues besides loss of tooth or tooth structure. While we serve as the ‘architect’ of a dental treatment plan, we often collaborate with the general dentist and other specialists to ensure the most effective and successful treatment of your condition.”

Ideal Position

Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive and involved process. It can be a case where teeth have been lost, injured, or fractured, also worn down as a result of acid erosion, or perhaps jaw pain due to bite problems.

Full mouth reconstruction may include surgery to reposition the jaw, contouring of the gum tissue, or reduction of natural tooth structure to prepare for crowns, bridges, and veneers. It may also include braces to move teeth into the ideal position for reconstruction, and bone or soft tissue grafting to increase the stability of the teeth for implants.

Titanium implants are a successful and durable means of providing replacement teeth, and can be used instead of dentures or bridges, explains Dr. Isaacson. “When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, our dentists first replace 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. It is important that the patient has enough bone for the implant.”

Dr. Isaacson points out that dental implant placement is a team effort including either a periodontist or an oral surgeon, and a restorative dentist. The surgeon performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extraction, and bone grafting, if necessary. The restorative dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis.

As a maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Drew sees patients with a variety of conditions. In addition to working with implants, crowns, and dentures, he treats patients in need of rehabilitation due to defects of the head and neck from injury, cancer, and other causes. He is accustomed to working with ENTs (ear, nose, and throat specialists), oral surgeons, plastic surgeons, neurologists, oncologists, speech pathologists, and others.

Proper Treatment

“Our goal is to take the necessary steps and create a proper treatment plan,” says Dr. Drew. “Everyone is different. There can be one diagnosis and multiple treatment plans.”

Other treatments and procedures that the dentists at Prosthodontics of Princeton perform are in the areas of porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and teeth whitening.

Veneers are designed to enhance a smile by replacing a portion of the teeth with a new porcelain shell. They can be helpful in correcting the appearance of damaged, misshapen, and stained teeth; and also correcting a space or gap between the teeth, as well as worn enamel and chipped teeth.

Bonding is an alternative to veneers in which a plastic resin is applied to the tooth, and sculpted into the desired shape.

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular, and as Dr. Isaacson reports, “Many people are eager for this today.”

Options include professional whitening in the office or an at-home procedure with a custom-made whitening tray. “Professional whitening in the office is a more powerful and longer-lasting procedure,” he notes.

Common Affliction

A common affliction for many people is bruxism (tooth grinding or jaw clenching). Symptoms can include earaches and headaches, and it may also lead to gum recession, tooth loss, facial pain, and teeth fractures.

In the most severe cases, it can eventually lead to arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints that allow the jaw to open and close smoothly. A typical treatment option is a mouth guard, worn at night while sleeping.

Best Outcome

Helping patients to achieve the best outcome, whether it’s for a simple filling, an implant, full mouth rehabilitation, or the most extensive maxillofacial procedure is the mission of Prosthodontics of Princeton. And, underlying everything is prevention.

“Prevention is so important,” emphasizes Dr. Isaacson. “We stress home care, brushing, and flossing. We want to help you establish good oral hygiene to help maintain your smile.

“What I enjoy most is dealing with the patients and helping them. They know they can count on us. I love my work, and I like the new technology. It is constantly evolving and helps us to help you. Your dental health is important to us!”

Prosthodontics of Princeton is open Monday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (once a month). (609) 924-1975. Website: www.prosthodontics
ofprinceton.com.