Tag Archives: bronx dental implants

With Presidents Day coming up, we’ve been thinking about the story of George Washington’s wooden teeth.  In fact, George Washington had several sets of dentures, none of which were made of wood. Thankfully, today we have many more options than those available to America’s first President, including Same Day Dentures, Dental Implants, Overdentures and All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures, many of which can be completed in as little as one day! If you are missing teeth, Morris Park Dental has a solution for you!

What were George Washington’s Dentures Made of?

America’s very first president began losing teeth even in his twenties and was finally forced to wear several sets of unattractive dentures. By the time he was admitted to the office of president in 1789, Washington only had a single natural tooth left. Dental problems plagued Washington for most of his adult life. Instead of wood, Washington’s many false choppers were made out of varying combinations of human teeth, metal fasteners and rare ivory from the hippopotamus. Ivory from elephant and walrus may also have been used, along with lead, gold metal springs, wires, and brass screws. None of these materials looked very natural, nor were they comfortable. George Washington may have also gone through a “tooth transplantation” operation, a precursor to today’s dental implant procedures.

What are Dentures?
full-denture-150x150As we age, our teeth can become loose or decayed and fall out or have to be extracted. The denture is a removable plate or frame holding one or more fabricated teeth. Dentures have been around for many years, as evidenced by the story of George Washington, but today they are made of more modern materials like metal and plastic, and can be color-matched closely with any natural teeth in the patient’s mouth.

There are two basic types of dentures: Complete or Partial. A complete denture replaces a full set of teeth (top or bottom, or both), while a Partial denture is used when a patient still has some natural teeth but is missing one or more teeth.

partial-denture2-150x150The partial denture usually has clasps which snap into your existing teeth. A partial denture is great, not only to disguise missing teeth, but also because it keeps your existing natural teeth from shifting, and it helps save the space from further bone loss.

In order to make a Complete denture, the dentist takes an impression of the patient’s gums, which is used to create a mold. This mold is then used as the basis of a wax model to which the teeth are added. The model is tested in the patient’s mouth to confirm it will be suitable in size and color, and for the formation of a plate that fits snugly in the mouth. Plates made from acrylic resin are compatible with dentures that require an artificial gumline because the material can be tinted to resemble the patient’s natural gum color. Metal plates, however, carry less risk of breaking. They are also stronger and provide a better fit. This makes metal ideal for partial plates that are fully hidden behind the remaining natural teeth.

Because our office has an in-house lab, both partial dentures and complete dentures can be made in as little as one day! Other offices which send their dentures to an outside lab can take as many as five individual visits for you to get your dentures. Our motto is: Why Wait? You can get back to eating the foods you enjoy in as little as one day.

What are the Drawbacks of Dentures?

Partial and full dentures need to be cleaned daily just like natural teeth. If the cleaning is not done correctly, plaque and tartar will build up on your dentures. This will cause stains, gum problems and bad breath. Plaque from your dentures can also spread to your natural teeth and gums, leading to gum disease and dental cavities.

In addition, even if you have dentures you should still come in to see the dentist for checkups and oral cancer screenings, as well as periodic adjustments. As a person ages, their jaw bones shrink and gums recede, and the denture will no longer fit like it once did.  Dentures can also break and may need to be repaired.

Finally, even with dentures that are custom fitted to your mouth, you still may experience discomfort or rubbing, difficulty eating with the denture in, and problems speaking clearly. Some people just are not happy with their dentures, no matter how many times they come in for adjustments.

What are Dental Implants?

partsofimplantA dental implant is a relatively recent type of prosthetic device that replaces a natural tooth. Almost all dental implants in our modern world are made from titanium or titanium alloy. These are elements that have been proven over hundreds of years to be well tolerated by bone. To support replacement teeth, dental implants, for the most part, have post space or internal screw thread that allows components to be fitted. Once installed, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures. You can have any number of teeth substituted with implants – ranging from one single tooth to a complete set of dentition.

If you have several teeth absent with your gums and jaw are in healthy condition, you may benefit from dental implants. With outstanding oral hygiene, dental implants can last up to 20 years without the need for a substitute.

Dental implants are often a favored choice for people who have only one or two teeth missing, but they can be a great alternative to dentures if you have a full mouth of missing teeth. As long as your gums and jaw are in good form, implants can serve as a base of support for a number of replacement teeth, and can be used to support a full denture (known as an All-on-4 or Implant supported denture).

What are All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures?

All-on-4

All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures, they do not come out of your mouth but are screwed into 4 separate implants, which hold the denture in place. All-on-4 can also be completed in as little as one day, thanks to our in-house lab.

Dental implants are a “built to last” solution. If you consult a dentist, they would say that, with proper care dental bridge can stand perhaps up to ten years. Traditionally, dental bridges on average last up to seven years, but at some point, they will require replacement. While dental implants may need occasional adjustments, they can last a lifetime when properly placed and cared for frequently over time. Besides that, you can enjoy life without being concerned about your teeth again. You can be safe assured that the removable dentures or tooth-supported replacement teeth will not be loose, even drop out when you speak, laugh or eat. Gone are the days of staying at home due to the feeling of unease in public, embarrassed because your smile looks unique from others, or worrying those missing teeth will restrict your ability to enjoy your freedom. Teeth rehabilitated with dental implants are teeth that allow you lead the life you dreamed. The third benefit you’re getting is the ease in speech. Accommodating oneself to removable dentures can mean having to put up with some struggle in pronouncing everyday words. This is not the case with dental implants, which function so alike natural teeth that you wouldn’t notice the difference.

Whether you’re considering Dental Implants or Dentures, Morris Park Dental aims to cater the highest standards of dentistry possible using state-of-the-art technology, in as little as one day. Call us today at (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) to schedule your consultation today!

elderly-coupleWhen having to consider whether or not to get dentures or dental implants in the Bronx, the first question most people ask is, “Which one is better?” The truth is both offer great dental integrity and both have their unique benefits. Both offer excellent alternatives to having to live life without a full set of teeth, and both produce the best and most natural looking teeth. Call our Bronx dentist office today at (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453)  or request an appointment online.

One Day Dentures & Denture Repairs

full-denture-150x150One of the best things about dentures is that they can be completed in as little as one day! Our denture specialists in the Bronx can have a set ready within the same day. If a person shows up early in the morning to our Bronx dental office, they can have a set ready by that afternoon, all in one day! Replacement dentures and denture repairs are also easy to obtain, and can be completed in as little as one day! If one or more of the false teeth in the set of dentures falls out, all a person has to do is swing by our conveniently located Morris Park dentists office and drop them off. After a quick, easy fix, the dentures are as good as new!

Partial Dentures

partial-denture2-150x150Along with the convenience of getting dentures easily, there is a difference in what kind of dentures a person can get based on their need. For example, if a person only needs dentures for a few teeth, dentists can make what’s called a partial denture. A partial denture has the base, or plate, of a regular set of dentures, but only has the necessary number of teeth inserted into it. Partials can also come in several different patterns with different size teeth, in order to match the wearers teeth size and tooth organization.

Denture Epoxies and Adhesive

Dentures are also easy to keep in place or remove. In order to place the denture in the mouth, one must simply put the denture in their mouth, because it has already been sized and fitted to the wearer’s mouth, through the use of a mold. To keep the dentures in place, the wearer only needs to apply an epoxy or adhesive strip. Different denture wearers prefer different means of keeping their dentures in place, but both epoxies and adhesive strips work very effectively to keep the denture wearer comfortable throughout the day. Also, many of the epoxies and adhesive strips are designed to wear off after a certain number of hours, as to make it very easy to remove at the end of the day.

Denture Maintenance

Dentures aren’t just easy to remove, they are also easy to clean and maintain. Unlike real teeth that require brushing, flossing, and constant maintenance, dentures require very little maintenance to keep fresh and clean. One need only take their dentures off at the end of the night and place them in a cup of water with a cleaning agent in it. Not all cleaning agents work, but many companies make denture specific cleaning agent. Similar to an alka seltzer, one only needs to drop the tablet into the cup of water and it will dissolve and clean the dentures. Many dentists don’t recommend brushing the dentures, because it will wear away the material used to make the teeth, which goes to show another reason why dentures are so easy to clean and maintain.

Denture Costs

Many people who need to purchase dentures in the Bronx are on a fixed income, so buying expensive dentures is almost out of the question. Thankfully though, many sets of dentures are inexpensive. Morris Park Dental Associates offers dental payment plans and works with insurance companies to provide the best possible dental care to their patients. Also, there are many different types of dentures, all at different costs. Though in general dentures are cheap enough for people to buy, they are also of good enough quality that one pair will last for a very long time.

Dental Implants

The other alternative to getting dentures is getting surgical dental implants. Surgical dental implants involves putting studs into the jawbone that protrude out, so that either a ball or a bar can be placed on top to provide a more secure denture within the mouth. Most dentists preform this procedure on the bottom jaw; it can also be done on the upper jaw if necessary. The recovery time for these operations is not long and a temporary pair of dentures will be provided in the mean time.

implants

The greatest thing about surgical dental implants is that they last forever. After the surgery is performed, the newly fitted teeth can be snapped into place, providing the most secure alternative to natural teeth. They will neither slide around in the mouth, nor will they come out while eating food. They will stay in place without the need for epoxy or adhesives.

Another great thing about surgical dental implants are that they are just as easy to clean as dentures. They can snap them in and out of their studs, allowing for easy access and being easily placed in and removed. Just like dentures, implants can be cleaned in the exact same fashion, but placing them in a glass of water with a cleaning agent. A person can also brush them like regular teeth, if it is uncomfortable to remove them on a regular basis. Also, anyone can sleep with them in without having to remove them to go to sleep.

partsofimplantDental implants have the added bonus of promoting jawbone integrity because if a person doesn’t have something pressing on or into the jawbone, it will deteriorate over time. This is easily fixed by planting the studs into the jawbone so that they can keep the jawbone from deteriorating. The studs placed into the jawbone will give anyone the added benefit of a strong, healthy jaw.

Together, either dentures or dental implants provide the optimal solution to having a full set of teeth. Whether the comfortable fit of dentures seems like the best option, or the security of having dental implants, you really can’t lose. Dentures are easy to clean, maintain, get a hold of, and if one needs only a partial, dentures would prove the ideal fit. If a person wants the added security and stability of implants, and a permanent solution that looks and feels like real teeth, they would be an excellent candidate for dental implants. Either way, it’s a win-win!

Call our Morris Park Dentist office in the Bronx today at (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) to request a consultation to see whether dental implants or dentures are the way to go. Request a Bronx dental appointment online as soon as possible.

 

alcohol.dental.implantsMost dental implant procedures are performed on adults, and a majority of the adult population consumes alcohol on a varying basis. When it comes to alcohol and dental implants, patients and past patients may be concerned about possible effects tied to consuming alcoholic beverages.

While there are very few studies surrounding alcohol and dental implants, several assumptions or deductions can be made based off similar dental surgeries, as well as looking at the effects of smoking has on implants.

  • Reduced healing ability
  • Coagulation
  • Higher rate of implant failure
  • Inflammation around your dental implants

Alcohol and Your Bronx Dental Implants Procedure

Using a standard Manhattan or Bronx Dental Implants procedure as an example, let’s walk through the aspects where alcohol and dental implants may cross paths.

Before the Procedure:

Consuming alcohol before a dental implants surgery should be avoided as it will reduce your ability to heal and can affect coagulation, which is where proteins in your blood help form clots to heal wounds.

Post Procedure:

Drinking alcohol after the procedure is also discouraged. It will similarly affect the recovery period as coagulation will be challenged.  Also, excessive drinking will cause a dry mouth which may inflame the areas around those dental implants.

Playing it Safe with Alcohol and Dental Implants

Many mouthwashes can contain traces of alcohol, so try to find a mouthwash that has no alcohol in it. This may be considered extreme, but its better to be safe than sorry.  Overall, moderate to excessive drinking will increase the changes of complications post-surgery.

With alcohol or any substance abuse, if the problem gets to a certain point, it is no stretch to say dental care, including dental implants, will be affected.

It is best to play it safe before heading in for your Bronx dental implants procedureand those who are addicted or abuse alcohol should consider alternative solutions or prepare themselves for the risk involved by mixing alcohol and dental implants. The healing period will differ across all individuals so there is no suggested time frame for refraining from drinking alcohol.

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Tooth implants are the best choice in most cases to replace missing or damaged teeth with substitutes that look and feel like natural teeth. If you have recently been involved in an accident that resulted in loss of teeth, you may be a good candidate for Bronx tooth implants.

How Do Bronx Tooth Implants Work?

Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone where the new artificial teeth are secured to the gums and the implant acts as the root of the lost tooth. Since the implants are constructed with titanium that is fused to bone in the mouth, they do not cause bone damage, slip, or make noise the way that other dental options may.

Continue reading Live in the Bronx? Tooth Implant Experts Aren’t Far Away

bronx-dental-implant-problemsAdvancements in dental technology mean that dental implant surgeries are largely routine procedures with minimal complications. Today, the successful dental implantation rate is about 90%!

However, it’s still possible that some patients may experience minor dental implant problems after certain procedures. Usually, this is due to a-typical structures in the teeth, mouth or gums that may require extra care and attention on the part of your dental implant surgeon.

If you have any of the following symptoms of dental implant problems, contact your dental implant surgeon immediately.

Common Post-Procedure Dental Implant Problems Continue reading Anticipating Potential Dental Implant Problems

bronx-dental-implants-150x150Dental implants aren’t just good for your mouth, they’re good for your health and self-image as well. Whether you’re considering getting dental implants for practical or aesthetic reasons, all you’ll need is one Bronx dental implants consultation to make a great decision that will last a lifetime.

With Same Day Dental Implants, You’ll Gain Confidence!

When you’re self-conscious about the way you look, it can be hard to hold your head up high. It’s amazing how much confidence a strong, confident smile can bestow on a patient with missing teeth. Continue reading Dental Implants Can Improve Both Mind and Body