Often lumped into “tooth replacement options,” dental implants do not actually replace missing teeth in the same way as a set of dentures or a dental bridge. Instead, dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth, providing an anchor for many different types of restorations.
Which type of replacement tooth or teeth will work best for you can best be determined during your evaluation with one of our experienced NYC cosmetic dentists. Give us a call at 212-452-3344 to schedule yours today.
Crown, Bridge, or Dentures?
Individual dental implants traditionally hold dental crowns. At NYC Smile Design, our crowns are crafted from the highest quality porcelain, allowing them to be shaded, shaped, and sized for a precise fit into your smile. What’s more, porcelain dental crowns are resistant to staining and remarkably durable, making them ideal for the replacement of individual teeth regardless of their location and function within the mouth.
If you are missing two to four teeth, our Manhattan cosmetic dentists may recommend a dental bridge instead of individual crowns. A bridge can be anchored to one or two dental implants depending on the structure, strength, and availability of adjacent teeth. Anchoring a bridge with one or more dental implants will provide a more reliable hold than plastic framework or adjacent teeth.
For patients who are missing longer sections or an entire arch of teeth, implant supported dentures may be best. Unlike traditional dentures that rely on adhesives to secure to the gums, dentures secured by implants will not come loose or fall out while you are eating or talking. Implant supported dentures are more reliable, more comfortable, and more natural-looking than alternative options and they are still easily removable, making them a better choice for patients who require more extensive tooth replacement.
Why Dental Implants?
A dental bridge can be supported by adjacent teeth. Dentures can be secured with adhesives. Why would someone choose to undergo oral surgery to have these things held in place? The answer is simple: dental implants are superior in almost every way to all other tooth replacement options.
Because they are inserted directly into the jaw, dental implants are able to replace the roots of missing teeth. Tooth roots serve several important functions, not the least of which is indicating to your body where bone is needed in the jaw. When a tooth is lost, so too is its root, a factor that results in jaw shrinkage and collapse. This consequence of tooth loss is unavoidable unless you replace those missing teeth with dental implants.
Dental implants not only continue to send signals to the body that bone is needed in certain parts of the jaw, they actually integrate into your jawbone. Through a process called osseointegration, dental implants are held fast in place with osteoblasts and connective tissue, giving them another advantage over other tooth replacement options: permanence. Once accepted by the jaw, dental implants will stay in place without the help of glue and without reliance on healthy adjacent teeth.
There are multiple advantages offered by dental implants when used to replace one or more teeth. If you would like more information about these advantages or if you are ready to start the process of restoring your smile, please call 212-452-3344 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramin Tabib or Dr. Elisa Mello today. Located in Manhattan, NYC Smile Design serves all five boroughs and surrounding areas of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
Topics:
