Restorative Dentistry

At some point in our life, we can lose a tooth. You may be wondering how you can replace the missing teeth while considering the best options to replace the missing teeth. Whether from an injury, or 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. With the help of restorative and advanced dentistry, you do have options for replacing your teeth on Long Island. 

What happens if missing teeth are not replaced?

Many people prefer not to have their missing teeth replaced at all. They may do this for a variety of reasons, including cost or just because it does not bother them. However, there is more at risk than just how it appears and how it feels when chewing. Failure to replace lost teeth might lead to more significant dental issues in the future.

Is tooth loss an inevitable part of aging?

Even while tooth loss is typical as people age, it does not have to be unavoidable. Maintaining proper oral hygiene routines throughout life can help you keep your teeth and smile in good condition as you age. Brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash are all part of it. Ideally, it would be best if you also went to the dentist every six months for dental cleanings and checkups.

What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?

The first problem connected with unreplaced lost teeth is tooth mobility. When there is a gap or gaps between your teeth, the other teeth may begin to shift. As a result, gaps between teeth may start forming as they move. It harms bone health and can produce pockets where food can become lodged, leading to gum disease.

Then there’s the matter of your bone health. By replacing the tooth, you are putting something in place that can stimulate the roots and keep the bones strong. Without the stimulation of the roots, the bones get weaker, and you may begin to lose bone density. If you put off tooth replacement and then decide to do it later, you may have to deal with bone loss by undergoing a bone graft treatment before replacing the missing teeth.

As a result, getting a tooth replacement done as quickly as possible is usually preferable.

What are the best tooth replacement options on Long Island, NY?

Patients frequently inquire about the best alternatives for repairing lost teeth. But it’s more complicated. The patient’s overall dental and gum health determines the optimum solution. The location and number of missing teeth may also define it. 

What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?

• Dental Implants
• Implant-Supported Dentures
• Partial Dentures
• Implant Crowns and Bridges
• Complete Dentures

Talking with your dentist to establish which choice is best for you is critical. Here’s a breakdown of what each one entails.

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 dental 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 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 97% 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. Kate Brayman

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, this advanced dentistry procedure can sometimes be done in one day. A dental expert 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 dental 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 on Long Island?

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.

Dr. Kate Brayman can also work with you on a payment plan and other options.

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 dental bridge can replace several teeth in a row of 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. Kate Brayman

Before & After

What are the Benefits of Implant Crowns And Bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges have many benefits. Some of the most important include: 

• There is no need to grind down healthy teeth to support a dental 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, 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 an implant dental crown 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 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 be supported by 4 or up to 8 implants. 

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 is 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. Certain things 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, 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, it 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. Kate Brayman’s dental office for assessment, one of the best implant dentists for tooth replacement on Long Island. She will let you know if you’re a good candidate for this restorative dentistry procedure. Our dental office is proudly serving the residents of Woodbury, Syosset, Oyster Bay, Huntington, Melville, and Plainview.