Your Smile Deserves a Specialist – Here’s Why

Prosthodontics – The Specialty of Oral Rehabilitation

Prosthodontics is an advanced specialization in dentistry, undertaken after earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

This field focuses on the planning and execution of comprehensive dental rehabilitation for patients with severe tooth damage or loss, utilizing:

• Crowns

• Bridges

• Dental implants

• Dentures and more

You are welcome to explore my case portfolio, showcasing various treatments that may be of interest to you..

The Ultimate Goal of Dental Treatment

The final and absolute objective of any dental treatment is to achieve a stable, healthy, functional, and aesthetic dentition. By definition, this is a restorative goal.

Crowns, bridges, implants, periodontal surgeries, and other procedures are merely tools to reach this final outcome.

A specialist in restorative dentistry possesses the expertise and skills required to perform complex dental rehabilitation, as well as the knowledge to anticipate challenges and refer patients to other specialists when necessary.

In many ways, a restorative specialist acts as a project coordinator, ensuring that different professionals work together efficiently to achieve the best possible treatment outcome.

Precision and Long-Term Maintenance in Dental Care

In such a health condition, the treatment plan may appear simple, but even in straightforward procedures, maximum precision and meticulous execution are essential. Each individual tooth should be treated to achieve optimal health.

Our clinic follows structured working methods, including scheduled follow-up appointments and collaboration with the dental hygienist, ensuring that monitoring and maintenance are carried out effectively and consistently.

בInitial Examination and Treatment Process

A new patient arriving at our clinic undergoes a comprehensive examination to assess their dental condition. The scope and duration of this evaluation vary depending on the complexity of the case and may take multiple appointments.

This examination also includes a discussion of the patient’s expectations and treatment goals. Once the assessment is complete, a follow-up appointment is scheduled to present the diagnosis and proposed treatment plan, tailored to the patient's dental condition and personal preferences.

During this meeting, we review the treatment plan, costs, and expected timeline. Once the patient agrees to proceed, the treatment begins, following this general sequence:

1. Achieving optimal oral hygiene – Ensuring a clean mouth and healthy gums (including professional cleaning and oral hygiene instructions if necessary).

2. Placement of temporary restorations, if needed (see explanation on the purpose of temporary restorations).

3. Intermediate treatments, if required – This may include dental implants, gum surgery, or orthodontic adjustments.

4. Second phase of temporary restorations – Verifying that both functional and aesthetic goals are met.

5. Final restorations – Transitioning to permanent crowns, bridges, or other restorations.

This structured approach ensures effective, predictable, and high-quality dental care tailored to each patient.

The Importance of Temporary Restorations

During dental treatment, a temporary restoration (crown or bridge) must be placed before taking impressions for the final restorations. This step serves several key purposes:

• Gum Tissue Healing & Contouring: The temporary restoration supports healthy gum formation in preparation for the final restoration.

• Stability & Alignment: It maintains the position of adjacent and opposing teeth, preventing unwanted shifts.

• Aesthetic Preview: It allows both the patient and dentist to assess the appearance and make necessary adjustments before finalizing the permanent restoration, avoiding unexpected outcomes.

• Multiple Temporary Stages: In some cases, several temporary restorations may be needed due to factors such as gum health, periodontal surgery, or orthodontic treatments.

The temporary restoration acts as a prototype for the permanent one, ensuring the best possible final result.

Sterilization and Hygiene Protocols

Many components used in treatment are single-use, including saliva ejectors, cups, bibs, surgical blades, and similar items.

Other delicate instruments undergo cold sterilization in a disinfectant solution between uses.

All other dental instruments are sterilized using steam autoclave (high-pressure steam sterilization) between each use, ensuring maximum hygiene and patient safety.

Types of Errors in Dental Treatment – Prevention and Correction

In principle, errors can be divided into two types: planning errors and execution errors. Planning errors can be avoided through education, knowledge, and careful consideration of each case. Treatment planning is typically conducted without the patient’s presence, and when necessary, includes consultation with other specialists from different fields. Execution errors can primarily be prevented through proper planning, ensuring that if an error occurs at one stage, it will be identified and corrected in the following stage.

Assessing Your Dental Treatment – A Practical Approach

For most patients, this question does not arise, as they come to treatment based on recommendations from other dentists or long-term patients. However, if you are uncertain about the quality of care you are receiving, a suggested approach is to complete about a quarter of the treatment and then seek a second opinion.

To do so, visit one of the recommended dentists for an evaluation—without disclosing the name of your treating dentist—and simply ask:"I am currently undergoing treatment. Am I receiving good care?" An honest and professional dentist (and all those on the recommended list meet these standards) will provide a truthful and accurate response.

Follow their advice!

Lifetime Commitment to Quality

Like any skilled professional who takes pride in their work, Dr. Tagari provides a warranty for treatments, within the existing biological limitations, which are often difficult to predict.

Our guiding principle is:

• Lifetime warranty on the quality of work (planning and execution).

• One-year warranty on materials (such as metals, porcelain, and similar components).

This reflects our commitment to precision, durability, and patient satisfaction.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium screw or cylinder surgically placed into the jawbone.

The process includes several stages:

1. Planning & Assessment – A detailed examination and treatment plan are conducted by the restorative dentist, determining the precise implant placement.

2. Surgical Placement – The oral surgeon inserts the implants into the jawbone under local anesthesia.

3. Healing & Integration – Over time, the implant fuses with the bone (osseointegration), ensuring stability.

4. Final Restoration – Once healing is complete, the implant is uncovered, and the final crown, bridge, or denture is placed by the restorative dentist.

This process results in a strong, functional, and aesthetic tooth replacement.

Why Replace a Temporary Crown with a Permanent One?

Many patients ask: "If the temporary crown looks good and feels stable, why do I need a permanent one?"

The answer lies in the material and longevity of the restoration.

A temporary crown is designed to be aesthetic and supportive, allowing for healing and stability in the area. In the short term, it may appear similar to the final restoration, but over time, its limitations become evident.

• Material Composition: Temporary crowns are made of acrylic, a type of plastic. Unlike permanent materials, acrylic changes color within 6–8 months.

• Porous Structure: Acrylic is slightly absorbent, meaning it can trap oral fluids and bacteria, potentially affecting gum health over time.

• Durability: Acrylic is softer than natural tooth structure, leading to wear and loss of stability. Over time, this can cause shifting of surrounding teeth, affecting the overall alignment.

For long-term function, health, and aesthetics, replacing a temporary crown with a permanent one is essential.

White Fillings vs. Amalgam – Which is Better?

Many patients ask: "Dr., I know white fillings are more aesthetic, but I heard that amalgam fillings are stronger and last longer. Is that true?"

The longevity of a dental restoration is not determined by strength alone. Several factors come into play, including:

• Bonding to the tooth structure

• Reinforcement of remaining tooth material

• Resistance to margin leakage

• Sensitivity to moisture during placement

Amalgam fillings wear down slightly less than composite (white) fillings, but they do not bond to the tooth and do not strengthen the overall tooth structure. Both materials have similar compressive strength, though amalgam generally provides better marginal sealing.

Composite fillings (white fillings) bond directly to the tooth, reinforcing its structure. However, they are more sensitive to moisture during placement, and there is a higher risk of marginal leakage if oral hygiene is not maintained.

The Bottom Line

There is no single "best" material—each case should be evaluated individually to determine the most suitable option for the patient's needs.טוב יותר מהאחר.

The Cost of Dental Treatment – A Comparative Perspective

Dental treatment is indeed expensive, but when compared to similar professional services per unit of time, its cost is often comparable or even lower.

For example:

• A private doctor’s visit costs approximately 300–600 ILS.

• An attorney’s hourly rate ranges from 80 to 200 USD.

• IT engineers and consultants charge fees within a similar range.

When considering the expertise, precision, and long-term impact of dental care, its value is clear.

Payment Options for Treatment

There are several ways to cover the cost of treatment:

• Per Session Payment: Payment is made at the end of each appointment based on the treatment performed.

• Planned Monthly Payments: At the beginning of treatment, an estimated duration and total cost are determined. The total cost can then be divided into monthly payments according to the treatment timeline. If there are changes in the duration, the balance is adjusted at the end of treatment.

Why Do Root Canal-Treated Teeth Need a Crown?

During a root canal treatment, an opening is made in the tooth’s crown to access the root canals. This process, combined with the existing decay or damage, often results in a tooth that is weakened and prone to fractures.

Clinical experience shows that placing a crown on such teeth significantly improves their durability, reducing the risk of cracks, fractures, and future complications, and ensuring their long-term functionality.

Laser Technology in Dentistry – Progress and Limitations

In recent years, there has been significant advancement in the use of laser technology in medicine, including dentistry. However, dental lasers are primarily suited for soft tissue procedures, such as tumor removal, tissue cutting, and certain gum surgeries.

Despite these advancements, lasers are still not effective for:

• Drilling cavities in hard tooth structures

• Removing decay in areas between teeth

• Extracting old fillings

• Preparing teeth for crowns and bridges

At this stage, laser technology is not yet a full replacement for traditional dental tools in restorative dentistry, and further development is needed before it becomes a standard part of complex dental rehabilitation.

Additional Information and Resources

As a first step, you are welcome to review the patient explanation files available in our clinic. These materials contain more detailed questions and answers, along with images, which may address any concerns you have.

For further research, you can explore a wide range of reliable online resources:

• http://www.healthanswers.com

• http://www.medsite.co.il

• http://www.doctors.co.il

• http://www.dentalinfo.co.il

If you still have unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to reach out—we are here to help.

The Final Stage – Maintaining Your Dental Investment

The long-awaited day has arrived—the active phase of treatment is complete. Whether your treatment included white fillings, a few crowns, or extensive rehabilitation with multiple crowns, bridges, surgeries, and implants, the goal remains the same: preserving your dental health and investment for years to come.

A common concern among patients is: How can I maintain the results?

Three Essential Steps for Long-Term Oral Health

1. Daily Oral HygieneFollow the brushing and flossing routine recommended by Dr. Tagari and the hygienist:

• Brush three times a day

• Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental sticks

1. Regular Check-Ups

• Routine dental check-ups every 3 to 6 months are critical.

• Even if everything feels fine, dental issues can develop silently.

• Early detection prevents complications and costly treatments.

1. Monitoring for Changes

• Be aware of any persistent pain, loose teeth or bridges, or unusual sensations lasting more than a few days.

• Contact us immediately—don’t wait for your next scheduled visit.

• Preventive care is far easier and cheaper than fixing damage later.

Warranty & Responsibility for Treatment

Patients often ask: What warranty is provided for my dental work?

Medical procedures are complex and individualized—no two cases are identical, even if the same type of restoration (crowns, bridges, implants) is used.

However, statistical data provides an estimated lifespan for restorations.

Dr. Tagari's policy:

• Lifetime warranty on treatment planning and execution

• One-year warranty on materials (including restorations, metals, and porcelain crowns)

By following these guidelines, you can maximize the longevity of your dental work and protect your oral health for years to come.