Mini-implants

Imagine spending less time at the dentist with the same great results. Mini-implants are smaller implants than traditional implants and are placed directly into the jawbone. Because they are slimmer, they can be placed by Dr. Drbohlav in just a few hours and may sometimes be used when there is not adequate bone for a traditional implant. They are also ready to be used for dentures, prosthetics, or even single tooth replacements on the same day they are placed.

The result of mini-implants is a quicker, more comfortable way to replace a missing tooth. For denture wearers, the implant supports the bone, thereby reducing bone loss. It also stabilizes the denture to ensure an easier fit and increases your chewing ability. This procedure may also be appropriate for patients with certain compromising medical conditions that make traditional implant procedures too invasive.

Implant-supported Dentures

While typical dentures shift and require the use of denture adhesives to keep them in place, implants fit solidly, reducing the problems associated with traditional dentures, such as gum sores and difficulty speaking and chewing. Implant-supported dentures distribute your biting pressure more like natural teeth than traditional dentures, stimulating the supportive structures of your teeth and preventing the bone and soft tissues from shrinking away. You can replace an entire set of teeth with beautiful, natural-looking implants.

Dentures

A properly-fitting denture is very important. A good fit ensures that your dentures will allow you to retain much of your mouth’s function, which is important for maintaining natural muscle tone in your face and jaw. Dentures will keep you looking and feeling healthy and will help you retain a natural lifestyle. A genuine smile and the best possible fit…these are two of the primary goals that Dr. Drbohlav will achieve if you need dentures to restore your smile.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used if you have several teeth missing that cannot be corrected with a bridge. A partial denture is created to replace those teeth. The partial denture is removable and is designed to fit comfortably, blending in with any remaining teeth. This type of denture is made from a synthetic material that is supported with a lightweight metal. It mimics your gum tissue and teeth to create a natural looking smile, while still remaining functional. The partial is important once the teeth have been removed in order to preserve the bone and to keep existing teeth from tilting and growing in towards the gaps.

Crowns

You can erase years of wear and tear with crowns. Dr. Drbohlav uses a tooth-like crown made of precious metals or tooth-like porcelain to restore your tooth after the decay has been removed. Crowns are also used to restore chipped teeth, broken teeth, gaps in teeth, and other damage. Also called “caps,” porcelain crowns mimic natural-looking teeth in both shape and color.

Bridges

If you’ve lost a tooth, a large gap in your smile left uncorrected can create significant problems for your dental health. Gradually, your bite pressure may shift to other parts of your mouth to compensate for an inability to efficiently chew in the area of the missing tooth. Additionally, neighboring teeth may begin to move into the gap, resulting in discomfort, pain, and more future problems. After some preparation of the two neighboring teeth, crowns are created for them. A prosthetic tooth, or pontic, is fused between the crowns. Fixed bridges literally “bridge the gap” in your smile. Dr. Drbohlav will create a functional, natural-looking bridge to correct your smile, to restore your bite, and to alleviate your discomfort.

Neuromuscular Dentistry

Do you experience pain in your head, shoulders, or neck area? If so, there is a chance this pain could be related to the muscles in your jaw. New developments in technology have revealed that a whole host of problems you may be experiencing, including TMD, can be treated by focusing on dentistry.

Neuromuscular dentistry refers to a dental approach that focuses more on the muscles and nerves of the face and jaw instead of on your teeth. By paying close attention to the way your muscles and nerves affect your jaw function, Dr. Drbohlav can help alleviate the many painful effects of having a misaligned jaw. If you are experiencing pain of this kind, talk to your North Fork Family Dentistry team today. With neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Drbohlav may be able to return your jaw to its form and function, leaving you free of pain.

Inlays/Onlays

Sometimes removing tooth decay effectively requires the removal of a portion of your tooth. The removed portion is replaced with a porcelain inlay or onlay. Your doctor customizes an inlay or onlay to fill the space left behind when part of your tooth is removed. Traditionally, inlays and onlays were made out of metal — much like traditional filings. Now, porcelain-milled inlays and onlays are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth and provide relief from chewing pain, cavity pain, and tooth degeneration.

TMD

You may suffer from headaches, a popping jaw when you open or close your mouth, and pain in your jaw joints and muscles. This could signify problems with your temporomandibular joint. A healthy jaw joint does not make any noise. Clicking or popping in the joint may be an indication of strain or long-term injury. The joint problem may be a result of trauma, complications with your bite, grinding or clenching your teeth, or a combination of these factors.

TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, is a condition that affects many people, but the good news is it can often be treated. Based on the severity of your condition, we can recommend a course of treatment that will help alleviate your pain and make your day-to-day activities more pleasant. If you are experiencing or have experienced clicking, popping, or pain in your jaw joint, ask a North Fork Family Dentistry team member today if you might benefit from this treatment.