Artistry In Dentistry PC

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Arlene Kubit has been practicing as a prosthodontist and dentist since 1985. After finishing her residency at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, she began practicing at Artistry in Dentistry PC in Erie, PA, in 1991 and has worked in the community ever since. Trained by some of the best dentists in her field, Dr. Kubit offers a patient-focused, family-oriented approach in all of her care. She also works as part of the larger dental community as a member of Erie County Dental Association and the Erie County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

Implant-supported restorations are the only treatment option that can halt bone loss. Since implants are inserted directly into the jaw, the body reacts by treating them just like tooth roots. Titanium fuses with the jaw, causing the posts to be permanent once the healing phase is complete. Implant-supported restorations can be cared for just like your original teeth. Many restorative options are fixed, meaning there is no daily cleaning required other than brushing and flossing. Dental implant treatment generally consists of two phases: placing the implant and attaching the restoration. Once Dr. Kubit determines you are a good candidate, she can refer you to a trusted oral surgeon. During dental implant surgery, incisions will be made in the gums and one or more posts will be placed into the jaw. The soft tissue may be sutured closed or a temporary restoration may be attached.

Dr. Kubit will begin your appointment by examining your teeth and discussing any symptoms you are experiencing. Dental crowns may be recommended for several reasons including root canal therapy, correcting wear & misalignment, and concealing structural damage. In order to place a traditional crown, Dr. Kubit will first need to remove a small amount of enamel from the treated tooth. This will ensure that your bite is not affected and that the crown blends seamlessly with your smile. We use an extremely precise, computer-assisted anesthesia system and also offer oral conscious sedation for patients who feel especially anxious. Next, we will take impressions to send to an offsite laboratory, where your permanent crown will be fabricated.

Traditional partial dentures rely on nearby teeth for support and often have metal clasps. Full dentures are designed to replace an entire upper or lower dental arch. Traditional full dentures rely on a combination of special adhesive and suction to remain in place. To begin fabricating a traditional restoration, Dr. Kubit will first make impressions. Work will begin in our dental laboratory, taking into consideration detailed instructions regarding the appearance of your denture. Your denture will be customized to provide a natural look and comfortable, snug fit. It will take four to six weeks to receive your permanent restoration. We will typically provide you with a provisional denture while you heal from extractions.

Traditional dentures only replace the portion of the teeth visible above the gumline. While this can improve your appearance and function, it fails to address an important aspect of our natural teeth. Dental roots provide stimulation to the jaw and when teeth are lost or extracted, the nearby bone will atrophy. Surgically placed implants duplicate this function and help maintain a dense, healthy jawbone. Implant-supported dentures usually require fewer adjustments than traditional restorations. Traditional dentures can wear on the underlying soft tissue, and change a patient's face shape over time. This requires periodic adjustments to ensure a proper fit, which can be frustrating and also contribute to the overall treatment cost.

Dental bridges are often recommended for patients missing one to three teeth in a row. Although they can be made from a variety of materials, such as porcelain fused to metal, Dr. Arlene Kubit frequently recommends all-porcelain restorations. This dental grade ceramic is virtually indistinguishable from your original teeth. At Artistry in Dentistry in Erie, PA, we offer both traditional and implant-supported bridges and strive to personalize each patient's treatment based on their unique needs. Dr. Kubit has been practicing restorative dentistry for over 33 years. Patients can rest assured that she has the experience necessary to provide the best possible results.