Options for Patients to Replace Missing Teeth in Rochester, NY
Tooth Replacement
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 that 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. Options include dental implants and non-implant supported tooth replacement.
Replace Missing Teeth to Maintain the Integrity of 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 do not replace missing teeth. When you’re missing a molar or a tooth that cannot be easily seen when you smile, people often make the mistake of thinking they can live without replacing it. The choice to leave gaps and not replace missing teeth 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.
Why it's Important to Replace Missing Teeth
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Prevents Surrounding Teeth from Shifting – It's important o replace missing teeth when teeth on either side of a missing tooth are not being supported since the remaining teeth can shift and float into the gap. This can cause misalignment of your existing teeth and cause tissue and gum damage.
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Improves Speech – When you have missing teeth, articulation and pronunciation can be compromised, which can bring attention to your tooth loss. With tooth replacement, proper diction can be restored.
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Improves Chewing Function – Empty spaces between your teeth can make biting and chewing many types of food difficult. Restore the function of eating all types of foods by replacing missing teeth.
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Maintains Healthy Facial Structure – Multiple missing teeth can lead to an unstimulated jawbone—which can cause bone loss and can change the shape of your face. Selecting dental implants or alternative prosthesis for tooth replacement decreases bone loss and helps you to maintain a normal facial structure.
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Promotes Overall Health – When you have spaces between your teeth and choose not to replace them, it can affect how you chew and limit the types of foods you eat. This can cause nutritional deficiencies and lead to an unbalanced diet. Replacing missing teeth can allow you to eat a wider variety of foods, keep healthy nutrition, and give you the opportunity to improve your overall health.
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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.
Options for Replacing Missing Teeth in Rochester, NY
Patients with missing teeth can take comfort in knowing that there are a variety of dental implant solutions as well as non-implant supported options available at our Rochester, NY, dental office. If you are interested in replacing missing teeth in the Rochester, NY, area, you will need to set up a consultation with Dr. Kuyunov for a complete evaluation. After he has evaluated your situation, he will recommend the best treatment plan for you. Included in his evaluation will be your medical history, your overall oral health, the number of missing teeth that you’d like to have replaced, and your overall goals for the type of outcome you desire. Dr. Kuyunov and his team may suggest the following options.
1. Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
Dental implants bring your mouth to full function while looking like your own natural teeth. The process of having your missing teeth replaced with an implant-retained prosthesis takes on average a few months to complete, and they are more permanent solution than other options. Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, NY, offers these dental implant solutions:
An Implant Crown as a Tooth Replacement Option
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 by visiting our Implant Crown website page.
Full-Arch Dental Implants for Replacing Several Missing Teeth
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 your natural teeth. In the case of full-arch dental implants, four or more medical-grade titanium implants are placed into the jawbone, and a complete set of teeth is permanently secured onto these implants. You can learn more about this option for replacing missing teeth by visiting our Full-Arch Dental Implants page.
An Implant Bridge as a Tooth Replacement Option
An implant bridge, also known as a ‘fixed bridge’, is a type of dental bridge supported by two or more implants, typically used to replace three or more missing teeth. Instead of placing an implant crown for each missing tooth, a few strategically placed dental 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. Visiting our detailed implant-supported bridges informational page will give you details about whether you are a good candidate for replacing missing teeth with this option.
Implant Dentures is an Option to Replace Most of Your Teeth
An implant-supported denture is a dental device that is designed for patients who are missing all 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 that are firmly embedded in the jawbone. Once the implants are placed and have healed, the dentures can be attached, offering greater stability compared to traditional dentures.
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There are several types of implant dentures for replacing missing teeth:
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Implant-supported complete lower denture (overdentures) retained by two implants
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Implant-supported complete upper denture (overdentures) retained by four implants
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Implant-supported removable partial dentures (upper or lower)
You can learn more information about replacing missing teeth with Implant Dentures by visiting our informational website page.
Implant Dentures Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
Complete Lower Dentures
Retained by Two Implants
Complete Upper Dentures
Retained by Four Implants
Removable Partial Dentures
Upper or Lower
2. Non-Implant Supported Options to Replace Missing Teeth
Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester tooth replacement options include conventional partial dentures, complete dentures, and dental bridges. Below is an introductory to each of our tooth replacement options for those who would like to avoid dental surgery required for implant-retained options. To learn more, you can view our individual website pages which go into greater detail about each of these non-surgical options. These include Partial Dentures, Complete Dentures, and Dental Bridges pages.
Dental Bridges – Non-Implant Tooth Replacement Solution
A dental bridge can be an excellent solution to replace one tooth or several missing teeth in a row. This non-implant supported tooth replacement option bridges the gap in your smile and consists of crowns that fit over your natural teeth on either side of your gap, and one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) that are anchored to the crowns. A dental bridge is designed to always stay in your mouth, which means you can brush it and floss underneath it just as you would with your natural teeth.
Dentures – Non-Implant Retained Tooth Replacement Options
A denture is usually suggested when multiple teeth are missing in one arch. You can opt for a full denture that rests on your gums, or a partial denture that connects to existing teeth with clasps. Full dentures are essential when an entire row of teeth is absent, while partial dentures are ideal when some of your teeth are missing, but you still have some healthy teeth left.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a tooth replacement option for patients that are missing a group of teeth but still have some strong, healthy teeth remaining. Partial dentures fill in the gaps without using an implant-retained tooth replacement solution. This type of denture is secured with metal framework that attaches it to the adjacent healthy teeth, ensuring a tight fit. Partial dentures made today look like your natural teeth. More information can be found by visiting our Partial Dentures website page.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures serve 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 not only functionality for eating and speaking but also enhance the appearance of your smile. Dr. Isaac Kuyunov at Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, NY, can help patients who have lost most of their teeth with conventional denture solutions.
If you are considering replacing missing teeth in Rochester, NY, or surrounding areas, turn to experts at Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester. Dr. Isaac Kuyunov will complete a thorough examination of your mouth, gums, and health of your existing teeth. He and his team will also review your medical history, discuss your goals, and provide which tooth replacement options are best for your goals and needs—whether you are missing one tooth, a few teeth, or need to replace a full-mouth of missing 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 585-471-5689 to make an appointment! Or, click the link below to email us.