Tooth Replacement: The Best Option for Replacing Several Missing Teeth

If you have missing teeth, you should go to a dentist in New York, NY. Here's how they can help you with your tooth replacement needs.

The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that 178 million Americans have at least one missing tooth. That's more than one in three people so, if you have lost a few of your teeth, you're not alone.

And that means you're not the first to seek out a replacement for your missing teeth, either. Turns out, there are several tooth replacement options that will restore your smile — and you can get them from a dentist in New York, NY.



Here are the methods that your dentist will likely present when it's time to fill the gaps in your smile. Learn more about them and start to get an idea of how you might want to replace your teeth.

1. Dentures

The idea you have of dentures may be a bit outdated. You might imagine oversized teeth replacements that are very obviously fake. Nowadays, though, dentures look so much more real — and feel so much more comfortable — than what you're thinking. 

You will need dentures if you're missing the majority of your upper or lower arches of teeth. You'll typically have two options to choose from when you get dentures: implant-supported or removable. 

An implant-supported denture attaches either to a natural tooth that's still on the arch, or it will click onto a dental implant. Either way, this provides your denture with a solid base of support. That means you won't have to worry about your teeth moving around when you talk or eat — they'll be steadfast and secure in your mouth. 

That's not to say that removable dentures don't give you that same security, though. You'll place them on top of your gums, but they stay in place with a bit of pressure. 



The good thing about removable or even partial dentures is that they're easier to clean. Discuss with your dentist the pros and cons of each option before deciding which fits into your life best.

2. Implants

We mentioned above that your dentures can hang onto a dental implant. If you only have a few teeth to replace, you may just have an implant inserted into the gap to complete your smile. 

Dental implants aren't an overnight fix — they take a bit of time to install and perfect, but most patients find that they're worth the wait. That's because dental implants can be made to look and feel just like a natural tooth, so you can chew and smile with confidence. 

To get an implant put in place, your dentist in New York, NY, will first install a titanium post. That will have to sit for a few months as, interestingly, your jawbone will bond with the post as it heals from the installation. Once it heals, you will have an incredibly sturdy base for your tooth implant. 



The tooth doesn't go directly on top, though. After the post is in place, your dentist will attach an abutment, which holds the tooth implant. The replacement tooth will fit in seamlessly and, as we said, requires no special care — you can treat it as you do the rest of the teeth in your smile.

3. Crowns

Next up, we have dental crowns, a cap that goes over the top of a weak, broken, or otherwise damaged tooth. The cap looks just like the top of a tooth, too, so it fits in seamlessly to your smile. 

As we hinted above, a crown isn't just a cosmetic fix. It actually works to preserve a damaged tooth so that it doesn't require removal and replacement. Instead, your dentist will first perform a surgical procedure to shave down what remains of the damaged tooth so that a crown can fit on top. 



You can select different materials to go on top of your crown. One of the options is porcelain, which can be tailored to match the color of your teeth perfectly. That way, your smile looks seamless — no one will notice that your crown is replacing a damaged tooth. 

It's important that you know what a crown is before we explain the next option, as crowns are often part of that fix, too. 

4. Bridges

Let's say you have a few teeth on one side of your mouth, and a few on the other. However, you have a gap in between that you'd like to fill — that's where a bridge may come in.

A bridge quite literally bridges the gap between teeth you have and teeth that you're missing. In some cases, the teeth on either side of the bridge won't be strong enough to hold the bridge, so you'll need a crown, too. 

The crowns on either side of the bridge give your artificial tooth something strong to hold onto. If your surrounding teeth are sturdy enough, you may not need a crown — you could get away with an adhesive bridge instead. 



An adhesive bridge has so-called wings on either side, which will be bonded to your natural teeth. This makes the bridge nice and strong without damaging your teeth or requiring an additional step of installing crowns. 

Ask Your Dentist in New York, NY

All of these options for replacing teeth will restore your smile to its former, complete self. However, the best way to decide which option is best for you is to talk to a dentist in New York, NY who can assess your teeth and choose the right option for you. 



We're here to help you with that. Click here to contact the Soho Dental Group and we can get to work on your tooth replacement — and restore your smile — ASAP.