People lose teeth all the time and wondering how to replace missing teeth, while considering their best options to replace missing teeth. Whether from an injury, or from periodontal disease, the result is often the same. You are left with a hole in your smile that can damage your quality of life and self-confidence. Smiling becomes something you are very self-conscious about, and social interactions can be awkward. Don’t worry. You do have options for replacing your teeth in NYC.
What happens if missing teeth are not replaced?
Many people choose not to replace their missing teeth at all. They might do this for any number of reasons, such as the cost, or simply because it doesn’t bother them that much. However, there is more at stake than simply how it looks and the discomfort when chewing. Not replacing missing teeth can lead to more serious dental problems in the future.
Is tooth loss an inevitable part of aging?
Even though it is very common for people to lose teeth as they age, it does not have to be inevitable. Practicing good oral habits throughout your life can help you keep your teeth and your smile intact until your older years. This includes proper brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. You should also visit a dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
The first issue associated with unreplaced missing teeth is movement of the remaining teeth. When there is an empty space or spaces, then the other teeth might start to shift. As that happens, gaps can start to appear in between other teeth as they all shift. This is detrimental to bone health and can create pockets where food can get stuck, which can lead to gum disease.
Then, there’s an issue with your bone health. Without stimulation of the roots, the bones will get weaker and you can start to lose some of your bone density. By replacing the tooth, you are putting something in place that can stimulate the roots, and keep the bones strong. If you put off tooth replacement and then decide to do it later on, you may have to contend with bone loss by having a bone graft procedure before getting your tooth replacement.
As you can see, it is always best to get a replacement done as soon as possible. In your situation, you may not be able to immediately after losing the tooth, but do not wait too long.
What are the best tooth replacement options in NYC?
It’s common for patients to want to know what the best options are for replacing missing teeth. However, it’s not that simple. The best option depends on the patient and the overall health of their teeth and gums. It may also depend on the location of the missing teeth, and how many there are.
What Are My Options For a Missing Tooth?
- Dental Implants
- Implant Crowns and Bridges
- Implant-Supported Dentures
- Partial Dentures
- Complete Dentures
It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine which option is right for your situation. Here is a breakdown of what is involved with each one.
Dental Implants
One of the great things about dental implants is that they integrate with the natural bone in your mouth. This makes for a more seamless and powerful teeth replacement option. The implant goes directly into your jaw and acts as a root. It then is used to support the tooth replacement mechanism, such as a bridge, crown, or denture.
An implant is very strong, as it is made of titanium, which is a popular material used for prosthetics. Traditionally once the implant is in place, the jaw must be allowed a period of time to heal before a tooth replacement is attached. Implants are a great option for missing teeth from any cause.
The best reasons for getting dental implants include:
- They are very durable and considered a permanent solution
- They look and feel more natural
- Dentists have a 95% success rate with implants
- Once fully in place, they require no additional maintenance or care
- Because they are so durable, they are cost-efficient in the long-term
- Adjacent teeth are left untouched
Full Mouth Reconstruction By Dr. Viviane Trinh
Before & After
Can you get full dental implants in one day?
While traditionally you would have to have more than one appointment to get full dental implants, that is no longer always the case. With traditional implants, the dentist has to estimate where the implant has to go into the jawbone. If it doesn’t go into the best possible spot, then the healing time can be longer. It’s not uncommon for it to take months between appointments.
However, with the advent of new technologies, the procedure can sometimes be done in one day. The dentist uses CT scanning to create a 3d model of the jaw. They can use that model to pinpoint the exact best spot for the implant. Being more accurate means that the dentist can remove a tooth, insert an implant, and attach a crown, all at the same appointment. To find out if your case can be addressed this quickly, you will need to book a consultation.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Most people are good candidates for dental implants. There are just a few things to watch for. The jaw must be in relatively good health and able to support the implant. In addition, the gums must also display no signs of periodontal disease.
How much do dental implants cost in NYC?
At first blush, dental implants can seem quite high. For instance, it can cost up to $20,000 for four implants with dentures attached. However, many insurance plans will cover all or some of the cost of implants, so be sure to check with your provider. Many patients choose not to go with implants because of the cost, especially if they have to get a bone graft as well. However, it is best to consider the fact that even with the seemingly high cost, implants come with a host of long-term benefits.
Implant Crown and Bridges
Before recently, if you were missing back teeth, the only options were dental bridges or dentures. However, there are now several options from which to choose. They include an implant bridge, implant crown, and implant-supported dentures.
As you can see, two of those options are supported by implants. An implant crown can replace a tooth whether it is in the back or the front. An implant-supported bridge can replace several teeth in a row up to 12 teeth. If you, unfortunately, do not have any teeth, then a dentist can reconstruct your entire mouth with dentures or bridges supported by implants.
Full Mouth Reconstruction By Dr. Viviane Trinh
Before & After
What are the Benefits of Implant Crowns And Bridges?
Crowns and bridges have many benefits. Some of the most important include:
- There is no need to grind down healthy teeth to support a bridge
- They work just like regular teeth
- They look natural
- Maintenance is the same as with regular teeth
- They are durable and will not need to be replaced for a long time.
What are the Drawbacks of Implant Crowns and Bridges?
The main consideration when it comes to implant crowns and bridges is how many appointments you might need with your dentist to go through the process. There is the appointment for the initial extraction, and then the placement of the implant itself, and the final restoration. In many cases, this process can take up to 6 months.
Who is a Good Candidate for Implant Crowns and Bridges?
If you need durable teeth that are not removable, then implant crowns may be the best choice for you. As long as your bones and gums can support an implant, then you are a good candidate.
Which is Better a Bridge or an Implant?
It always depends on the situation of the patient. Implants require a surgery, which might turn some people off, while a non-implant bridge is not invasive. However, since an implant is surgical, it will last longer than a bridge. Implants also offer the best possible aesthetics between the two options.
Is a Bridge Cheaper Than An Implant?
In most cases, a bridge is cheaper than an implant, but it’s not as simple as that. One dental implant costs approximately $4500. The most expensive type of bridge will cost as much as $4500, but there are other lower-cost options. Bridges are more likely to be covered by your insurance provider as well.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Dentures can be supported by implants as well. Traditional dentures rest on your gums, but implant dentures are more secure because they are attached snugly to an implant. They can also be called denture implants, snap-in dentures, and full denture implants.
Implant dentures require two or sometimes more implants inserted into the jaw. These will provide support for the dentures and keep them firmly in place. There are two types of implant dentures. One is removable and one is fixed.
A removable implant-supported denture is taken out while you are sleeping. This is to maintain good hygiene of your mouth and for the denture. They can be either ball-retained or bar-retained. The dentures are made with acrylic that looks like real gums, and then porcelain teeth are added to the acrylic base. In most cases, the dentures are supported by just two implants, but they can also be supported by 4 or up to 8 implants as well.
A fixed denture stays in the mouth at all times. They do not have to be taken out while sleeping. They do require very good oral health to keep them viable. Flossing, brushing and using a waterpik are essential.
Is a Bridge Better Than a Denture?
Bridges and dentures are both options for replacing many teeth at once. You might be wondering if there is a difference between the two, and which of them is the best option. There are certain things that must be considered when deciding between the two.
The first factor is how healthy your bone is. As long as your bone is healthy, then either option could be right for you. However, if you have major bone loss, then an implant denture would be your best option. That could be either a fixed or removable type. The acrylic of the denture will substitute for the bone and provide you with a kind of facelift when the denture is put in place.
Another factor is comfort. Many patients find that implant bridges are the most comfortable option since they feel like natural teeth. Also, they require less maintenance than dentures when it comes to oral health.
Budget is also important. Removable implant dentures are the most cost-effective since they require fewer implants. Fixed implant dentures and implant bridges require six or more implants, which is more expensive.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are for cases where the patient wants to replace teeth quickly and keep the remaining healthy teeth. Your dentist will make a mold of your mouth to make sure that the denture is custom-fitting. Just like full dentures, the acrylic imitates the gums and supports the denture. Since the denture is custom made, the new “teeth” will go perfectly into the spaces left by the missing teeth. In some cases, a partial denture has a clasp or other attachment to help keep it firmly in place.
What are the Benefits of a Partial Denture?
Partial dentures have several benefits, including:
- Being cost-effective
- They are non-invasive
- Partial dentures help with eating since they fill in gaps
What are the Drawbacks of a Partial Denture?
There are some drawbacks as well with partial dentures, including:
- Not looking as natural as other options
- Needing several adjustments before they are fully comfortable
- They need to be replaced often
- Must be removed every night for cleaning
- Delicate and can break
- Can affect the sense of taste
Who is a Good Candidate for Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are a great option for people who might find dental implants too expensive. They must also have enough healthy bone to support the denture. Many patients who are getting implants will use partial dentures as a temporary measure during the implant process.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are similar to partial dentures, but they replace an entire row of teeth on the top or the bottom.
What are the Advantages of Complete Dentures?
The advantages of complete dentures include:
- Provide a big boost to the appearance of the smile
- Support the lip and cheek muscles, which makes the face look younger
- They help with more comfortable eating
- They are affordable
- There is a wide variety of styles, colors, and shapes from which to choose to better match the gums
- They are easily adjusted
What are the Drawbacks of Complete Dentures?
The drawbacks of complete dentures include:
- As the jawbone changes shape with age, they will start to be ill-fitting
- Must be cleaned and removed overnight
- Require multiple adjustments for comfort
- May need special adhesives to support them
- They can be delicate
Who is a Candidate for Complete Dentures?
Complete dentures are for replacing entire arches of teeth. They are a low-cost option so they are appropriate for fitting in tight budgets and for people who do not want or are not candidates for implants.
Are Dentures Better Than Implants?
The biggest drawback to dentures is that they are not permanent, and they have to be removed at night for special cleaning. Implants are permanent, and they do not need special cleaning or maintenance to look and feel great for a long time.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Missing Tooth?
As you can imagine, with so many options, there is a wide range of possible costs for tooth replacement. We’ve already discussed that dental implants can cost up to $4,500 per implant. That means that you could spend as much as $40,000 for a full set of implants if the damage is extensive. Dentures are much more affordable, costing around $2,500 for a set. Of course, the overall cost out of your pocket may depend on what your insurance provider covers.
If you have lost a tooth or you think you might need a tooth extracted and replaced, contact Dr. Viviane Trinh, one of the best implant dentists for tooth replacement in NYC.
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