Replace Missing Teeth – Improve Your Smile
We all want to feel confident when speaking or smiling. If you are looking to replace missing teeth in Rochester, NY, Dr. Isaac Kuyunov is the prosthodontist you can trust to give you the beautiful smile you deserve. Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester offers many options for replacing missing teeth. Recommendations are based on the health of the surrounding teeth, your oral health, the number of missing teeth, and your overall goals — including dental implants and non-implant-supported tooth replacement.
Maintain the Integrity of Your Remaining Teeth and Facial Structure
Many people seek tooth replacement only when it affects their front teeth and creates a less-than-attractive smile. But esthetics should not be your only concern when you have missing teeth. When you're missing a molar or a tooth that cannot be easily seen when you smile, it's tempting to think you can live without replacing it. The choice to leave gaps can cause serious problems such as bone loss, shifting teeth, altered face shape, oral health issues, and more. This is why it is in your best interest to replace teeth that have been lost due to decay, gum disease, or a traumatic injury.
Implant-Supported Options
Dental implants bring your mouth to full function while looking like your own natural teeth. The process of having missing teeth replaced with an implant-retained prosthesis takes on average a few months to complete, and they offer a more permanent solution than other options. Here are dental implant solutions for replacing missing teeth:
Implant-Supported Crown
When a tooth is absent and the adjacent teeth are healthy, it is possible to replace the missing tooth with an implant-supported dental crown. The dental implant acts as the root of the tooth, with a crown placed on top of it. The crown sits above the gum line and is visible as a natural tooth. There are two different types of implant crowns — cement-retained and screw-retained — which are explained in further detail on our implant-supported dental crown page.
Full-Arch Dental Implants
Full-arch dental implants are designed to replace an entire dental arch — either the upper or lower teeth — for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. These fixed prostheses on dental implants resemble and function just like natural teeth. Four or more medical-grade titanium implants are placed into the jawbone, and a complete set of teeth is permanently secured onto these implants.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
An implant-supported bridge, also known as a fixed bridge, is supported by two or more implants and is typically used to replace three or more missing teeth. Instead of placing an implant crown for each missing tooth, a few strategically placed implants support a cluster of teeth. For instance, if someone is missing four upper anterior teeth, they can be replaced with a single-unit bridge anchored by just two dental implants. An implant bridge not only functions like natural teeth but also mimics their appearance.
Implant-Supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is a dental device designed for patients who are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws. Also known as implant-retained dentures or implant-supported overdentures, these are ideal for individuals who possess sufficient bone to support dental implants. Implant-supported dentures are securely anchored to dental implants firmly embedded in the jawbone, offering greater stability compared to traditional dentures.
There are several types of implant dentures for replacing missing teeth:
- Implant-supported complete lower denture (overdenture) retained by two implants
- Implant-supported complete upper denture (overdenture) retained by four implants
- Implant-supported removable partial dentures (upper or lower)
Learn About Implant-Supported Dentures
Non-Implant-Supported Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester tooth replacement options include partial dentures, complete dentures, and dental bridges. Below is an introduction to each non-surgical tooth replacement option for those who would like to avoid the dental surgery required for implant-retained solutions.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can be an excellent solution to replace one tooth or several missing teeth in a row. This non-implant-supported option bridges the gap in your smile and consists of crowns that fit over your natural teeth on either side of the gap, with one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) anchored to the crowns. A dental bridge is designed to stay permanently in your mouth, so you can brush and floss it just as you would with your natural teeth.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a tooth replacement option for patients who are missing a group of teeth but still have some strong, healthy teeth remaining. They fill in the gaps without using an implant-retained solution and are secured with a metal framework that attaches to the adjacent healthy teeth, ensuring a tight fit. Partial dentures made today look like your natural teeth.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures serve as an effective non-implant-supported solution for individuals who have lost a significant number of their natural teeth. These dentures are crafted with an acrylic base, ensuring a comfortable fit directly on the surface of your gums. They offer functionality for eating and speaking while also enhancing the appearance of your smile.
Why is it important to replace missing teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is important to maintain chewing function and nutrition, prevent teeth from shifting into the empty spaces, and avoid jawbone loss. Missing teeth can also negatively impact speech, cause facial sagging and misalignment of your bite, increase the risk of gum disease, and lead to self-consciousness about your smile.
- Prevents Surrounding Teeth from Shifting: Teeth on either side of a gap are no longer being supported and can shift and float into the empty space. This can cause misalignment of your existing teeth and damage to surrounding tissue and gums.
- Improves Speech: Missing teeth can compromise articulation and pronunciation. Tooth replacement restores proper diction.
- Improves Chewing Function: Empty spaces between your teeth can make biting and chewing many types of food difficult. Replacing missing teeth restores your ability to eat all types of foods comfortably.
- Maintains Healthy Facial Structure: Multiple missing teeth can lead to an unstimulated jawbone, causing bone loss and changes to the shape of your face. Dental implants or alternative prostheses decrease bone loss and help you maintain a normal facial structure.
- Promotes Overall Health: Gaps in your teeth can limit the types of foods you eat, causing nutritional deficiencies and an unbalanced diet. Replacing missing teeth allows you to eat a wider variety of foods and improve your overall health.
- Improves Self-Confidence: Missing teeth can lead to low self-esteem. When missing teeth are replaced, you'll be more likely to laugh, smile, and speak with confidence.
Looking to Replace Missing Teeth in Rochester, NY? Visit Dr. Isaac Kuyunov
If you are considering replacing missing teeth in Rochester, NY or surrounding areas, turn to the experts at Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester. Dr. Isaac Kuyunov will complete a thorough examination of your mouth, gums, and existing teeth, review your medical history, discuss your goals, and recommend the tooth replacement options best suited to your needs — whether you are missing one tooth, a few teeth, or a full mouth of teeth. Our non-judgmental and compassionate dental team will make sure the time you spend in our care is as comfortable as possible. Call us today at (585) 522-1922 to make an appointment, or click the link below.