When a tooth is lost, the specialized bony process that houses the tooth begins to resorb due to lack of stimulation. This causes a decrease in width and height of the bone in the area the tooth is lost. Neighboring teeth and opposing teeth begin to move into the space. This causes food impaction, subsequent decay, gum disease and abnormal forces being transmitted to teeth, leading to fracture of cusps that may necessitate root canal treatment or extraction. Loss of teeth can also cause the cheek and lips to collapse, giving an aged look.
The consequences of tooth loss can be prevented by replacing the lost tooth in a timely manner. Although there are several options to replace a missing tooth, the number-one choice for replacing lost teeth are dental implants. Implants are small titanium screws or posts that are surgically placed in the bone. Once integrated into bone, they act like roots onto which small posts are attached that protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors to the replacement teeth. Implants maintain the bone height by stimulation and prevents unnecessary trimming of adjoining teeth for bridge placement. Since implants are titanium posts there is no chance for decay on implants. Implants can service you for many years with regular, professional cleaning and proper home care.
In the past, many people who were missing one or more teeth opted for a fixed bridge; but a bridge may require the cutting down of healthy, adjacent teeth that may or may not need to be restored in the future. Then there is the additional cost of possibly having to replace the bridge once, twice or more over the course of a lifetime due to decay or gum problems affecting the anchor teeth.
Another option to replace missing teeth is a removable partial denture or complete denture, depending on the number of teeth missing. The chewing efficiency with a denture is reduced to less than half of that of natural teeth. The teeth that support the partial denture are weakened due to the excessive loads acting on them and eventually are lost. The denture rests on the gum, causing tissue abrasion and bone loss. Removable dentures may slip or cause embarrassing clicking sounds while eating or speaking.
Studies show that within five to seven years there is a failure rate of up to 30 percent in teeth located next to a fixed bridge or removable partial denture.
Dr. Nadel has been placing implants for the last 20 years and has successfully placed and restored approximately 3,000 implants with a very high degree of success. He is also trained to perform bone grafting and sinus lifts when there is insufficient bone to place an implant. Please call 646-221-4411 for an appointment. His office can also be reached by email at [email protected]. For more information, you can consult his extensive website at www.implantdentistnyc.net.
