Missing teeth damage personal appearance, self image and oral function. Gaps cause bone and gum deterioration and degrade the strength and alignment of nearby teeth. Dentists in Newark, Dr. Donald T. Bond and Dr. Timothy D. Ganfield, are highly trained in preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. They offer precise and lifelike tooth replacement individualized for the needs of their patients.
How Tooth Loss Happens
Dental studies indicate that advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. Other reasons why people have smile gaps or even lose all of their natural teeth are:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Dental abscess or infection
- Injuries to the mouth
While dentists work hard at preventive dentistry and urge individuals to be diligent about oral hygiene, tooth loss happens. The professional staff at White Clay Dental Associates delivers wonderful solutions for failing and missing teeth. Replacement begins with a one on one consultation with one of the doctors.
The dentist performs a complete oral examination. He looks at the health and position of remaining teeth, density of the jaw bone and condition of gum tissue. He uses digital X-rays and other imaging to understand bone structure and other important factors.
As needed, Dr. Bond or Dr. Ganfield may confer with each other on the best prosthetics for the patient. They consider age, lifestyle, budget and oral and overall health.
Tooth Replacement Options
Here are the tooth replacements offered at White Clay Dental Associates. Used by themselves or in combination, these services help patients achieve great-looking and functioning smiles.
- Dental implants in Newark Placed singly, in multiples or to anchor fixed bridgework or full fixed or removable dentures, dental implants replace teeth from root to crown. Surgically placed into the bone, titanium implants fuse with the jaw through osseointegration, creating a foundation for the metal post and porcelain crown which finish the restoration. Implant patients must be in good oral and overall health, have sufficient bone density and practice regular dental hygiene. With care, state of the art dental implants last a lifetime.
- Dentures come in different types. The partial denture replaces one, two or more teeth. Crafted from acrylic and affixed to a light metal frame, the “partial” is customized and removable. Full dentures replace entire arches are secured by the mouth’s natural suction or by dental implants. Crafted from acrylic, full dentures restore function and youthful facial appearance. They may be immediate (placed right after extractions) or conventional (placed after extraction sites are fully healed).
- Porcelain crown and bridge Made from realistic and durable ceramic, bridges span spaces created by one or more teeth in a row. They are permanently anchored to natural teeth with porcelain crowns.
How Can We Help Your Smile?
If you have gaps in your smile or are facing extractions, contact White Clay Dental Associates for a restorative dentistry consult. The doctors will design and create tooth replacements that compliment your facial features and enhance your oral function.