AboutZev Kaufman, D.D.S. Expertise I can answer any question from simple routine dentistry to very complex dentistry with emphasis on reconstructive, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. My expertise is in co-ordination of very complex treatment plans with other dental specialists or as a one-man-team, since I have extensive training in Prosthodontics, Surgical Implantology, and orthodontics.
Experience Over a decade in private practice of Surgical Implantology and Prosthodontics. Founder and owner of Prosthodontics & Implant Surgery of Manhattan, PC.
Clinical Assistant Professor at the Post-Graduate Department of Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry.
Lecture weekly since 1999 on advanced Implant Prosthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry Post-Graduate Program in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.
Former clinical assistant professor of Dental Radiology at the NYU College of Dentistry.
Former clinical and lecture faculty at Lincoln Hospital, Dental residency program.
Former clinical and lecture faculty at St. Barnabas Hospital (Bronx, NY) dental residency program.
Lecture nationally on Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry.
Organizations Memeber of the American College of Prosthodontics.
Memeber of the Acacdemy of Osseointegration.
Member or the Omikron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Honors Dental Society.
Member of the American Dental Education Association.
Education/Credentials Graduated with Honors from New York University College of Dentistry.
Post-Graduate training and certificate in the specialty of Prosthodontics.
Post-Graduate training and ceritificate in Surgical and Prosthetic Implant Dentistry.
Honors-program in Comprehensive and Applied Practice Management.
Honors-program in Orthodontics.
Awards and Honors NYU Cervice award to the community.
OKU honor society.
National Dean's List.
National Who's Who.
Expert: Zev Kaufman, D.D.S. Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: extract eye teeth, go for implant
Question QUESTION: Hello,
I would like to ask a question...
- all my eye teeth extracted except number 32
- number 30 extracted (15 years ago, when I was 13)
- 31 almost touches number 29 pushed by 32
- root of 31 though is not near root of 29!
- height of 31 and 32 has raised
- 6 months ago started orthodontist therapy (I find my doctor to be very good, I am satisfied)
- orthodontist advised to remove 32 and place implant for 30
in order to make upper and bottom teeth fit, current situation of 31 and 32 affect the results negatively he says.
- my dentist thinks that even if I keep 32 it is still ok
- me my self was absolutely against removing 32 but now as time passes, I see my mouth getting so beautiful every day... with the orthodontist therapy and I also discussed with a surgeon who said the implant can work, maybe bone implant is needed but it can work... I hope now you understand my dilemma... remove 32 or not? be conservative or not? I don't care for pain or money just good results. My biggest concern is that I can bite now without fear of breaking anything but with the implant I fear it may break or something!!!
I would appreciate it a lot your advice,
Thank you!
[And I have an other fear, that of remaining food under implant teeth (although I am a clean mouth maniac) which cannot happen with normal teeth!]
ANSWER: Dear Melsi:
Fist of all, I am assuming that since you are 43 you have most of your teeth. Eye teeth are a common name referring to the canines. I am not quite sure that you meant to say that you are missing them. I think you are referring to the molars. Nevertheless, it is common in situations such as yours to remove #32 since it does create a problem for the orthodontist. It is much more difficult to distalize (push back) two molars rather than one. In addition, by the time #32 is pushed back it is usually so high in occlusion that it has to be trimmed or crowned. If you do not have an opposing #1 tooth, then #32 is not necessary anyway and just serves as a bacterial trap, since most people have difficulty cleaning the area. It can also create severe bite problems. The decision on keeping #32 should come from your restorative dentist. He/she is the one that needs to make the crown on the implant and maintain your teeth for a lifetime. The surgeon and orthodontist can participate in the decision, but ultimately, your dentist should have the final say. If your dentist is not sure about what to do, you should consult a Prosthodontist, who is the specialist in restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. Making the implant crown is relatively easy, but the decision on creating a proper occlusion (bite) requires some expertise. I would strongly advice you to seek the opinion of the prosthodontist. You are spending a considerable amount of time, effort, and money, so make sure that you are making the best, informed decisions. www.prosthodontics.org will have a "find a prosthodontist in your area" link.
Good luck with your treatment and best wishes,
Dr. Zev Kaufman
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello,
Thank you a lot for your answer I thought to write back and be a bit more specific. I am 28 I have my teeth yes and a good condition in mouth, yes I have extracted the rest 3 canines (not molars, I miss molar #30, which I am thinking of replacing it with an implant), and I have only one canine on the bottom at the right (which I have identified as #32, hope I" am right... which I am think of removing -this is my problem, remove it or not- I am using this left canine as kind of #31 molar but not effectively as it just bends over). Dentist has said that if it stays you still do the job (eating)..., surgeon said the implant can work since I am young, orthodontist says if #32-canine stays it has to be trimmed-lowered a lot... If I go for the #30 implant no more food will be trapped between #29 and #31, esthetically and functionally result will be perfect since #32-canine extraction will allow for the best upper and law teeth fit.
I think I will have to think about it a bit more, and of course I will pay a visit to the prosthodontist, thank you very much for your help!
Answer Dear Melsi:
I think that you are mixing some tooth names and numbers. The lower canines are numbered 22 and 27. #32 is the right lower wisdom tooth. Not a problem. I am happy that you are going to look for a specialist to help you with your mouth. You are too young to be loosing so many teeth, if any.
Good luck and best wishes,
