“I was done with the PAIN!”

By Dr. Hetienne Macedo

Joe Massaro spent his working years creating and building a Fortune 500 IT sales and service company. The daily grind of managing employees and customer needs drove Joe to success and happiness. But a double root canal gone bad drove Joe to his knees in daily pain. “I would wake up every day with this immense pain in my mouth, but I would tell myself I had too much to do today to get to a new dentist. Finally, enough was enough. I was done with the pain!!”

Who better to recommend a new dentist than your beautiful wife? “Carol was a patient at Park Dental already. She made me an appointment and said GO! So I went. And I am so glad I did. My previous dentist had botched two root canals. The daily pain was unbearable. When Dr. Macedo looked inside my mouth, she knew right away what needed to be done. Dr. Macedo is excellent. Her repair of my two previous root canals and a third one that needed to be done changed my life. Dr. Macedo’s work didn’t just improve my life; it changed my life. This was not an easy procedure, and she told me that up front too. But I no longer wake up in pain every day. I smile, and I’m glad to have so many things to smile about.”

Emergency Dental Care and Sedation
In dental emergencies, such as severe toothaches or infections, conscious sedation can provide the necessary comfort to address urgent issues promptly. If you are experiencing dental pain or an emergency, please get in touch with us immediately. Our emergency dental services are designed to provide rapid relief and appropriate treatment. Sedation can make the treatment process much more manageable for conditions like root canal infections, which may cause significant discomfort. Visit our Emergency Dentist and Root Canal Treatment pages for more detailed information on handling dental emergencies and what to expect from specific treatments.

At Park Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we are dedicated to ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of care in a comfortable and supportive environment. If you experience dental anxiety, know that we have the tools and expertise to help you overcome it.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety with Sedation at Park Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental anxiety is a common concern that prevents many individuals from seeking the care they need. At Park Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand dental anxiety’s challenges. Our goal is to make dental care accessible and comfortable for every patient, regardless of their level of anxiety. With each step you take towards maintaining your dental health, we are committed to providing you with the tools and support needed for a stress-free experience.

One of the most effective ways we enhance patient comfort is through sedation dentistry. We offer several sedation options, including nitrous oxide, to ensure that even the most anxious patients can receive the required dental care.

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative administered through a face mask. This inhaled gas induces relaxation while keeping you aware of your surroundings. It is particularly beneficial for patients with difficulty achieving complete numbness with local anesthetics like novocaine, as it enhances and maintains the numbing effect for longer periods. Nitrous oxide also helps patients feel calm and carefree during their dental procedures.

After your appointment, we will provide pure oxygen to breathe, which quickly reverses the effects of the nitrous oxide, allowing you to return to your normal state immediately. This means you can drive yourself home and resume your daily activities without delay.

Now offering metal-free dental implants
Dr. Macedo is excited to announce that metal-free implants are now being offered at Park Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. These advanced ceramic implants provide a natural-looking, biocompatible solution for tooth replacement when a tooth cannot be saved, ensuring optimal aesthetics and health. With metal-free implants, patients can enjoy the benefits of a strong, durable implant without concerns related to metal sensitivities or aesthetic compromises. Dr. Macedo’s commitment to staying at the forefront of dental innovation allows us to provide the best possible care for our patient’s unique needs.

Biological Compatibility
One of the primary advantages of metal-free dental implants is their superior biological compatibility. Zirconia is inert, meaning it does not trigger any immune response or allergic reactions in the body. This is particularly beneficial for patients allergic to metals such as nickel or titanium. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, zirconia implants demonstrate excellent biocompatibility, showing no adverse effects on surrounding tissues and integrating well with the jawbone.

Benefits for Patients with Metal Allergies
For patients with known metal allergies, zirconia implants offer a safe and effective alternative. Metal allergies can manifest in various ways, from mild irritation to severe systemic reactions. Patients can avoid these adverse reactions by choosing zirconia and enjoy the benefits of dental implants without compromising their health. A study in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants found that patients with metal sensitivities experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after switching to zirconia implants.

Aesthetic Advantages
Unlike metal implants, which can sometimes cause a grayish tint to the gums, zirconia implants are white and closely resemble the natural color of teeth. This makes them an excellent choice for patients concerned about the visual aspects of their dental restorations. The high translucency of zirconia also contributes to a more natural appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic outcome of the implant procedure.

Reduced Risk of Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues around dental implants, is a significant concern with titanium implants. This condition can lead to bone loss and implant failure. Zirconia implants, however, have shown a reduced risk of peri-implantitis. The surface of zirconia implants is smooth and less prone to bacterial adhesion. This reduces the likelihood of bacterial colonization, which is a major in the development of peri-implantitis. Another consideration is that, unlike metal implants, zirconia does not corrode. Corrosion can lead to the release of metal ions, which can irritate surrounding tissues and contribute to inflammation and peri-implantitis.

Strength and Durability
Zirconia implants are biocompatible, aesthetically pleasing, and incredibly strong and durable. They have high fracture resistance and can effectively withstand the forces of chewing and biting. Research indicates that zirconia implants have comparable success rates to titanium implants, with long-term studies showing survival rates exceeding 90% over ten years. This durability makes them a reliable option for patients seeking a permanent solution to tooth loss.

Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile.

Meet Dr. Hetienne Macedo
Originally from Brazil, Dr. Hetienne Macedo spent the first 15 years of her professional journey managing her own practice in the bustling city of Fortaleza. But in time, she and her husband, seeking to broaden their family’s horizons and provide their children a unique cultural and linguistic immersion opportunity, decided to uproot their lives and relocate to the United States. Dr. Macedo then pursued a dual DDS/AEGD Residency at the University of Rochester in New York to facilitate her integration into the American dental landscape. She was presented with the Gerald N. Graser Award by the Eastman Institute for Oral Health for outstanding work on a clinical case report.

Dr. Macedo is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, which helps her to serve our diverse patient community. She values her relationships with her patients, striving to establish open and transparent communication so they are well-informed and actively involved in their treatment decisions. The most rewarding part of her job is positively impacting the lives of her patients, whether in resolving their pain or boosting their self-confidence through better oral care.

In her free time, Dr. Macedo enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys and staying active through gym workouts, yoga, and outdoor running.

Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

690 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N.
239-330-4208
myparkdental.com

References:
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry. (Year). “Biocompatibility of zirconia dental implants.”
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants. (Year). “Long-term success rates of zirconia versus titanium dental implants.”
Clinical Oral Implants Research. (Year). “Comparison of peri-implantitis incidence in zirconia and titanium implants.”
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants. (Year). “Impact of zirconia implants on patients with metal allergies.”