Rutner Dental's Schools

• Georgetown University , Class of 1985 DDS

Rutner Dental's Publications

• Dr. Robert Rutner Explains Dental Implants, Rutner Dental April, 2011 At my practice, Rutner Dental , in Mountain View, California, I provide a wide range of services to my patients, including dental implants, which are essentially artificial tooth roots that support a replacement for a missing tooth. Dental implants can help stop or prevent jawbone loss and preserve the appearance of a healthy mouth. Missing teeth can cause issues ranging from problems eating to embarrassment over smiling or even talking. Dental implants take the place of missing teeth and act just like a person’s other teeth; they provide strength and stability, enabling people to eat all of the foods they would eat with natural teeth. Dental implants also help preserve smiles by preventing other teeth from moving into the empty spaces left by missing teeth. During an initial consultation, I determine whether a patient is a candidate for dental implants through bone density tests and a thorough examination of the teeth and gums. There must be adequate jawbone in which to place the implant, and I have to determine the optimal placement area. Some patients do not have enough bone or gum tissue to support an implant, and they may require bone or soft tissue grafts. Generally, I let people know how long the treatment will take and how many visits will be necessary. Additionally, I advise them on anesthesia options and costs. Most insurance companies do not cover dental implants, since they are technically classified as a cosmetic procedure. Dental implants require a period of osseointegration, which refers to the process in which the implant anchors itself to the jawbone. Implants can take from three to six months to go through this process and heal. Typically, a dental implant consists of a titanium screw and a crown. I have to prepare an area in the jaw where the screw will go and then slowly insert the implant screw. Next, I secure the gum tissue over the implant and place a cover screw on top so the site can heal. After it heals, I uncover the implant and attach a temporary crown, and finally a permanent one, which signals the end of the implant process. Healing involves eating soft foods for five to seven days after the procedure. It is essential to care for dental implants just like other teeth and brush and floss often. Not caring properly for a dental implant and smoking are major reasons for the procedure’s failure. Properly cared for, dental implants can last for 40 years or more. Read more about Dr. Robert Rutner

• An Introduction to Dental Bonding, Rutner Dental May, 2011 By Dr. Robert Rutner Bonding involves applying a resin, usually made out of a durable plastic, to the teeth and hardening it with a specialized light to improve appearance and durability. Most often, dentists use bonding to repair chipped or cracked teeth, renew discolored teeth, close gaps, and make teeth more uniform. Also, dentists use bonding to protect a tooth’s root, should gum recession expose it. Unless the dentist desires to perform a bonding procedure to fill a decaying tooth, the process usually does not require any anesthesia. The patient does not need to prepare for the procedure. First, the dentists scores and then conditions the tooth, which encourages adhesion. Dentists then apply the resin directly to the tooth. The resin resembles a sort of putty that the dentist molds, shapes, and smoothes until he or she achieves the desired effect. After hardening the putty with an ultraviolet light, he further trims the tooth and polishes it so that it matches the other teeth in the patient’s mouth. The entire process requires only about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Bonded teeth require no care beyond general good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily. Patients with bonded teeth must avoid chewing on ice, pens, fingernails, and other hard objects, as the bonding material may chip. Should the patient feel or notice sharp edges, he or she should call the dentist immediately for repair. Bonding does not last as long as other cosmetic procedures. The typical span ranges from 3 to 10 years, depending on the amount of bonding and the care taken by the patient. Bonding, however, does not demand nearly as much time as crowns or veneers, which must be individually designed and manufactured. Also, the process does not require the removal of enamel to the extent of these other procedures. Unfortunately, the bonding material tends to be prone to stains, so those with bonded teeth may want to avoid red wine, coffee, tea, and similar foods. About the Author Robert Rutner, DDS, holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from the University of California, Davis, in addition to his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University. At present, he practices at Rutner Dental in Mountain View, California. With more than 20 years of dental experience, Dr. Robert Rutner performs a full spectrum of general and cosmetic procedures, including bonding, veneers, and crowning.

• A Brief Overview: Dental Crowns October, 2011 From Robert Rutner, DDS, and the Rutner Dental Team Dental crowns are used to restore a weakened or disfigured tooth, leading to an improved overall appearance and feel. Considered a type of dental restoration, dental crowns involve the placement of a cap, which encases the damaged tooth and stops near the gum line. Most often, dentists use a dental impression to fabricate a crown. The crowns are made with a number of materials, which require intense heat and shaping. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain, gold, or other materials such as platinum and copper. Before a crown is placed, the dentist removes all enamel. Next, depending upon the current condition of the tooth, build-up material may be placed on the tooth in order to properly place the crown. The build-up material is usually made of composite resin or amalgam. With continually improving technology, crown creation has become more precise, as computer software now allows for a high level of accuracy in terms of size and measurements. In fact, the CAD/CAM method employs electronic images, which produce 3D designs within a computerized model. The dentist can then send such specifications directly to a crown production facility. Today, over 90 percent of CAD/CAM restorations still remain fully functional after 10 years. About Rutner Dental: Established by Robert Rutner, DDS, in 1985, Rutner Dental provides quality dental care. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Dr. Rutner focuses on patient health and state-of-the-art techniques. Rutner Dental offers a wide array of dental services, including extractions, implants, porcelain veneers, whitening, oral surgery, and hygiene dentistry, among many others.

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