Tooth Replacement Options: Dental Implants, Bridges and Dentures

Several individuals have lost one or more of their teeth as a result of cavities and gum disease. Missing teeth can cause problems with your speech, make chewing a difficult task and also have an adverse effect on your self-esteem. Seeing a dentist about tooth replacement options, which include dental implants, bridges and dentures is a vital part of maintaining your dental health.

Tooth Replacement: Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots inserted into your jaw by a dentist to replace your teeth. A metal post is surgically placed into the bone underneath your gums. Thereafter, a replacement tooth, referred to as a crown is attached creating the appearance of a natural looking tooth. If you are missing multiple teeth, dental implants can be used with dentures and bridges for more secure tooth replacement.

Often times dental implants are the preferred tooth replacement options simply because they do not have an effect on adjacent teeth like a bridge does. Furthermore, they also feel and look like natural teeth. However, not everyone is eligible for dental implants. You have to be in good overall health, your gum tissue should be healthy and free of disease, and your jawbone must be able to sustain the implants in place.

Tooth Replacement: Dental Bridges

A fixed partial denture, also known as a dental bridge, is a tooth replacement option for individuals who are missing one or more teeth. They literally “bridge” the gap between your surround teeth and missing teeth. Your dentist bonds the bridge onto the teeth surrounding your gap.

In addition to fixed dental bridges, there are implant bridges and removable bridges.

Implant Bridges: An implant bridge is a tooth replacement option in which the bridge is attached to a dental implant.

Removable Bridges: Removable bridges allow you remove the bridge, clean it by yourself and place it back.

Dental implants are made from a wide array of materials including alloys, gold and porcelain. Not only can they help maintain the shape of your face, but they can also enable you to chew, speak and smile with confidence.

Tooth Replacement: Dentures

Dentures are most suited for people who have lost most of their teeth. The two types of dentures include:

Complete Dentures: These dentures are used on individuals who have no teeth or whose remaining teeth need to be removed. In the case where you have to have all your teeth removed, your dentist will usually give you temporary dentures until you gums have recovered and dentures can be custom made for you.

Over Dentures: These are removable dentures that are used when there is still some remaining natural teeth or dental implants.

Just like dental bridges, dentures can help maintain the shape of your face and your self-confidence.

If you are missing teeth, speak to Evelina Tolchinsky, DDS and Inna Trogan, DDS about your options. Our dentists have served the residents of Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Dumbo, and all of our other surrounding communities for years.

Our offices are located in the heart of beautiful Brooklyn Heights at 100 Pineapple Walk, Brooklyn, NY 11201