Business & Tech

Montclair Dentist Turns Back Clock 25 Years For Local Patient

Barry, a registered respiratory therapist from Wallington, was living with an ill-fitted bridge and struggled with imperfect smile.

(Digital Implant Design)

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Barry W., a registered respiratory therapist from Wallington, NJ, was living with an ill-fitted bridge and struggled with imperfect smile solutions for nearly 25 years. Scarred from prior dentist visits that left him disappointed, he hesitated in searching for yet another dentist that could deliver on their promises to understand his unique needs and restore his smile. There isn’t a day he isn’t grateful he made one last consultation with Dr. Konstantine Trichas of Digital Implant Design, located in Montclair, NJ.

Digital Implant Design offers restorative dental implant procedures, ideal for patients, like Barry, dealing with tooth loss. Barry was dealing with the social stigma of poor dental health, always putting his hand over his mouth, and the dietary restrictions of having poor bite strength.

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“Dentures were not even an option. I wanted a smile that felt real,” said Barry. Fortunately, Dr. Trichas was able to rectify Barry’s mile with what is called the All-on-4 procedure that strategically places four implants on the top and four on the bottom of a patient’s mouth to support a full arch of teeth.

So many others like Barry are still searching for a dental solution. According to the Adults Oral Health & Well Being Survey 85 percent of Americans believe that oral health is very or extremely important to their overall health, but only a quarter (25 percent) of Americans are extremely satisfied with the health of their mouth. What prevents them from seeking out proper care? Costs, lack of time and dental anxiety are highly cited responses. In fact, it is estimated that up to 15 percent of Americans avoid seeing the dentist due to anxiety and fear.

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Dr. Trichas is well aware of the barriers. Bad teeth aren’t just a health problem, they impact the entire spectrum of wellness – physical, emotional, and financial. The physical issues range from the obvious (discomfort and periodontal disease) to the less obvious (periodontal disease leads to increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases). Self-conscious struggles with social appearance erupt into emotional turmoil, impacting patient’s desires to smile and socialize. Again, less obvious, but a very real impact, smile concerns impact job interview confidence. A survey by the American Dental Association revealed that about 1 in 5 respondents said the appearance of their teeth affect their ability to interview for a job.

“It is our mission to restore patients’ hope in their smiles and self-confidence in their day-to-day lifestyle,” said Dr. Trichas. “Patients prolong their frustrations, not knowing there is a minimally invasive, affordable solution, right here in their community.”

Barry is a believer. “I’m as confident in my smile as I was 25 years ago. When I look in the mirror every day, it’s not something I have to worry about anymore. Which is great, because I have enough other things to worry about!”

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