Category: Restorative Dentistry

Missing teeth can significantly impact your confidence, smile, oral health, and overall well-being. Fortunately, restorative dentistry offers various solutions to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics. Whether you lost a tooth due to decay, trauma, or other reasons, seeking timely treatment is essential to prevent further complications. But what are some effective solutions to replace missing teeth? 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered the most advanced and reliable option for replacing missing teeth, especially when multiple teeth are affected. This innovative solution involves surgically placing a titanium post directly into the jawbone, effectively acting as a synthetic tooth root. After a healing period, during which the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, a prosthetic tooth is attached to the implant.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Stability and Durability

Dental implants provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth, ensuring stability and longevity. They offer a level of strength and functionality comparable to natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

• Dental Implants Preserve Bone Health

Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure. This prevents the sunken appearance that often accompanies long-term tooth loss.

• They’re Aesthetically Pleasing

Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, ensuring a natural and beautiful appearance.

Fixed Dental Bridges

Fixed dental bridges are an effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, particularly when dental implants are not suitable for the patient. A dental bridge consists of a pontic (artificial tooth) held in place by dental crowns placed over the adjacent healthy teeth.

Benefits of fixed dental bridges include:

• Bridges Restore Dental Function

Dental bridges restore the ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper oral hygiene. They distribute the force evenly across adjacent teeth, preventing undue strain on individual teeth.

• Faster Treatment Time

 Compared to dental implants, fixed bridges require a shorter treatment period. The procedure typically involves two or three dental visits, making it a quicker option for tooth replacement.

• Cost-Effective Solution

 Fixed dental bridges are generally more affordable than dental implants, making them an accessible solution for many patients.

Removable Dentures

Removable dentures have been a traditional option for replacing missing teeth for centuries, although the equipment and materials have drastically improved (this is a good thing!). They consist of a gum-colored base with artificial teeth attached and are held in place either by suction against the gums or with the assistance of dental adhesives.

Benefits of removable dentures include:

• Versatility

Dentures can replace multiple missing teeth in the upper or lower arch, or both. They are a suitable option for patients with multiple missing teeth or those with insufficient bone density for implants.

•  They’re Non-Invasive

Removable dentures do not require surgical procedures, making them an attractive option for patients who prefer a less invasive solution.

• Improved Aesthetics and Confidence

Dentures can significantly improve the appearance of your smile and restore your confidence when interacting with others.

Restorative dentistry offers several effective ways to replace missing teeth, ranging from the advanced stability of dental implants to the traditional versatility of removable dentures. Each method has its unique benefits and considerations, and the most suitable option depends on factors such as bone health, overall oral condition, and personal preferences. Be sure to contact us to connect with your Chandler restorative dentist when you’re ready to determine the ideal solution for your specific needs and regain your beautiful smile.

Although there are approximately 200,000 working dentists nationwide and the majority of adults admit proper oral care is an essential part of overall health, most Americans don’t bother getting the dental care they need. A lot of this is due to simply not knowing what’s covered versus by insurance plans or what’s elective or considered a cosmetic cure. While cosmetic dentistry focuses on aesthetic solutions to dental issues, restorative dentistry repairs dental issues due to missing teeth and loss of dental-related function. Many restorative dentistry procedures are at least partially covered by modern dental plans, and your Red Bank New Jersey Dentist can help with special financing for some others that may challenge or not fit the coverage requirements. But what are some of the most common restorative dentistry solutions?

Porcelain Veneers

Few people are fortunate enough to be born with perfect teeth, and that includes celebrities. But they have a secret to hiding even some of the biggest dental flaws: porcelain veneers. This procedure is considered a cosmetic one in most cases since it simply conceals most issues. But when missing teeth, decay, or other restorative issues are involved it can be performed under restorative dentistry as well. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells about the width of a contact lens that affix directly to existing teeth. If your teeth are strong and healthy enough, you could potentially have a brand new smile within about two office visits.

Dental Implants

Dental implants have been around since about 600 AD, and while the basic concept is the same, fortunately, the methods and materials used have drastically evolved. Dental implants are permanent solutions for those dealing with moderate-to-severe tooth loss, and who want an option other than dentures or removable bridges to restore dental function. This surgical procedure involved implanting an abutment (or root) and topping it with a prosthetic tooth (crown). When taken care of correctly, dental implants can last over two decades or an entire lifetime. But your Red Bank New Jersey Dentist does need to analyze jaw strength first. Give us a call to discover which restorative dentistry options are right for you.  

Almost 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and over 40 million suffer from total endentulism, or toothlessness. It can be a scary thought to lose a tooth, but once tooth decay hits that often occurs. The weakening of facial bone structure caused by decay and gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss although facial trauma also can be a serious concern. Once avulsion occurs, there are a few solutions for repairing the issue. While each solution definitely has its merits, dental implants are the only permanent solution. Your Midtown Manhattan dentist can help you decide if that’s the best solution for your needs. But before that occurs, there are some things you need to know about dental implants.

Not Everyone’s Eligible for Dental Implants
Most people are instantly eligible for bridges or dentures, but that’s not the case with dental implants. Untreated decay and advanced gum disease weaken the facial bone structure. Dental implantation is a surgical procedure, so multiple factors apply prior to being approved. Primarily, a strong, healthy jawbone is essential to be eligible for the treatment. Otherwise, proper osseointegration won’t occur. So if your mandible or surrounding tissue are weakened or destroyed, another option will likely be recommended.

There Are Two Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal implants are the most commonly known and used dental implants. That’s the typical kind that has a titanium or zirconium fixture that screws into the jawbone and an abutment that attaches at the gum line and attaches to the prosthetic tooth. Subperiosteal implants, however, are created from a metal frame and usually used for people who can’t use dentures for some reason. This procedure is implanted below the gum tissue but above the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants still require a strong bone structure, but they are especially beneficial to patients with significantly shorter mandibles.

Dental Implants Are Strong and Durable
Dental implants are an investment to be sure because they’re built to replace your original teeth. Each implant is carefully customized and constructed to fit the patient. They’re meant to be strong enough to handle life without a hitch and in most cases, they last a lifetime. That means they should never “go bad” or need to be replaced. Of course, they do still need to be taken care of properly. But as long as the care requirements are followed, your dental implants should be a permanent fixture in your life.

Proper Oral Hygiene Is Still Essential
Prosthetic teeth tend to resist bacteria and decay far better than natural teeth, so it’s common to think you’re off the hook for ongoing dental care or treatment with dental implants. But that’s never the case with any type of dental procedure. Surrounding tissue and bones can still become diseased and weaken when oral hygiene and care are ignored or neglected. But brushing and flossing are still just as important as they ever were. Seeing your Midtown Manhattan dentist regularly is also essential to ensure potential infection and damage are kept at bay. But when the rules are followed, dental implants can be just as good, if not better, then your original teeth. Give us a call when you’re ready to permanently improve your life.

Losing a tooth can seem like the end of the world at first. Almost a third of the almost 178 million Americans suffering from tooth loss ignore the problem until it spreads to their entire mouth causing complete edentulism. No one starts or ends their life wanting to lose their teeth, but the loss of confidence, premature aging, and health issues involved with such a situation can make life seem unbearable. Of course, that can’t be further from the truth. Modern dentistry provides effective corrections and cures for missing teeth so you can get your life right back. But what are the best dental restoration solutions available?

Fixed Bridges

A fixed bridge is an appliance that replaces the missing space of one or more missing teeth. Unlike removable bridges that can be attached to retainers, a fixed bridge is cemented in place between the surrounding teeth. While this is a relatively simple procedure, it does take more than one appointment. During the first visit, the dentist takes a mold of the patient’s teeth and sends them to the lab. The bridge is created from a combination of materials such as metal and glass-ceramic. The patient will wear a temporary bridge while awaiting the permanent structure. And during the follow-up visit, the permanent bridge will be cemented in place.

Removable Partial Dentures

There are a few different types of dentures, but removable partial dentures are usually the easiest and most efficient denture solution for partial or full edentulism. These dentures are easily removed for cleaning but stay in with the aid of a plastic base that’s often connected to a metal frame. They essentially snap into the mouth by connecting to existing teeth. At first, this option can feel tight and be difficult to get used to. But just be patient. Like any other removable dentures, these should be removed at night. Your dentist can adjust them during a follow-up appointment in the event they’re too snug or leave mouth sores. There’s almost always a break-in period with dentures.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most advanced and invasive treatment for a missing tooth or teeth, but this is also the most effective option in many cases. Tooth loss weakens the jawbone and leads to multiple health issues, including difficulty eating, speech issues, and breathing problems. Since the facial base is gone, eyes and skin inward creating, in many cases, extreme premature aging. This all works together to fuel existing confidence issues brought upon by the tooth loss. But dental implants correct all of those problems permanently.

Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and topped with a strong replacement tooth that looks, feels, and acts like the original but tends to be quite stronger. This procedure takes several visits to complete, but the results are worth it if you want to eat your favorite foods again, breath easily, and look years younger without worrying about removing an appliance or damaging your expensive dental work due to simple life demands. When you’re ready to repair that missing tooth once and for all, give your Fort Lauderdale dentist a call to discuss the best dental restoration solutions for your needs.