Replacing Missing Teeth in West Nyack and New City NY

What are my options in replacing missing teeth?

If you are missing a tooth, we, at Pavone Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, offer you four choices.

Option 1:  Nothing

If you are missing a tooth, there’s always the option of doing nothing about it. However, it’s important to understand that your jawbone begins to shrink the moment you lose a tooth because it depends on stimulation to maintain its mass. Also, when a tooth is missing, the remaining teeth begin to shift and fill in gaps, and this leads to crowding and bite problems. The bottom-line? Dr. Pavone does not recommend doing nothing.

Option 2:  Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is a stable option in which the teeth adjacent to the empty spaces are used as pillars to support the missing tooth. Unfortunately, your dentist must grind down the healthy teeth to prepare them to support the bridge. An additional disadvantage of getting a fixed bridge is the difficulty in cleaning as it is impossible to floss in between the newly attached teeth.

Option 3: Removable Partial Bridge or Denture

Removable partial bridges and dentures, on the other hand, are easy to clean because they are removable. The drawback of a removable denture is that they rest on top of the gums rather than being anchored to them. This tends to speed up the resorption and deterioration of the remaining bone. Plus, these appliances can be bulky and uncomfortable, loosening over time. In a nutshell, they are the exact opposite of implants.

Option 4: Dental Implants

Dental Implants have become the most popular tooth replacement option because of their similarity to natural teeth, both functionally and aesthetically. Implants are placed inside the bone, preserving the integrity and contour of the jaws and preventing bone resorption that occurs when teeth are lost. This helps preserve facial structures and the health of the neighboring teeth and gum tissues. Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution, which allows the patient to feel and look as if they have their natural teeth.

Am I a candidate for implants?

Yes.  If you have at least one missing tooth, dental implants are a viable option for you. Implants do require a sufficient amount of bone mass at the time of placement, and Dr. Pavone uses bone grafts to bulk up any areas that are lacking. Patients that agree to follow pre- and post-op care instructions, ensuring success, are excellent candidates for implants.

It is quite rare for medical or dental conditions to prevent a patient from being suitable for implant surgery. If you are considering implants, schedule a consultation in which Dr. Pavone can thoroughly examine your mouth and review your medical and dental history. If for some reason a dental implant is not the right choice for you, he will offer a treatment alternative that would provide an optimal outcome.