An experienced prosthodontist based in New York City, Dr. Charles Silk DDS regularly provides his patients with dentures in addition to a wide range of other dental services. Here he delves into the long history and manufacture of dentures in oral care around the world.

A number of famous historical figures wore dentures, including perhaps most famously the first American President, George Washington. Legend has it that Washington's teeth were made of wood, but in fact they were constructed from a variety of substances, including ivory, pony and horse teeth, and human teeth.

The oldest dentures ever discovered were found on a 4500-year-old man uncovered by archaeologists in Mexico. Thought to be ceremonial, these false teeth were the first example in a long line of dentures and other tooth replacements used by cultures around the world.

Although today dentures are made from composite, resin, and other high-tech substances, early dentures were made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ivory, bone, and human teeth. During the Napoleonic Wars, men are thought to have scavenged teeth from fallen soldiers in order to make dentures. In the late 1700s, craftsmen began creating dentures from porcelain. Within 30 years from the first patent on these creations in 1791, porcelain dentures were widely available and set onto gold plates. Modern materials have made dentures lighter, less expensive, more comfortable, and more natural in function, although the problem of how to adhere them to the mouth remains. Many dentists today recommend between two and four dental implants in the lower jaw to hold lower dentures in place, while suction with the palate on the upper jaw holds most upper dentures.

As a Prosthodontist, Charles Silk, D.D.S. specializes in dental restoration and replacement, including implant procedures. Modern dental implants are anchored in the jawbone and, prior to surgery, the shape and dimensions of the jaw must be clearly mapped in order to ensure proper placement. During the procedure, the bone is prepared using a hand osteotome or precision drill and care is taken to avoid any vital structures, such as nerves. Generally, the hole in the bone is created through several stages, starting with a pilot hole that is slowly expanded to accommodate the implant. Once the hole is the correct size, the implant is screwed into the bone using an exact torque that will not overload the surrounding bone. The implant then requires time to integrate with the bone before a tooth is affixed to it, ensuring that the implant will not move once a tooth is placed on it. In order for a dental implant to successfully take, the jaw must contain enough strong bone to support the implant. If the jaw is unable to provide this support, bone grafts are able to bolster it. All surrounding tissues, such as the gums, must also be in good health to prevent rejection. The type of tooth prosthesis that the prosthodontist uses depends on each patient’s specific circumstances. The actual implant is determined by the prosthesis. Once the prosthodontist has successfully identified the best prosthesis, he or she will subsequently engineer the implant with the length and threading necessary to support the new tooth.

Charles Silk, DDS was recently voted as one of Manhattan’s Top Dentists by noted publication Westchester Magazine. Recognized for his skill in cosmetic dentistry as well as expertise in addressing complex dental problems, his clients include many celebrities and other high-profile media professionals. Charles Silk, DDS, who received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the esteemed New York University College of Dentistry, volunteers his professional service at that school’s health center, The New York University Student Health Center. The Health Center is an integral aspect of the student community of NYU. Committed to the health and well-being of its students, the NYU Health Center offers routine, preventive, and emergency care across a spectrum of medical needs. In its mission statement, the center affirms its recognition of the importance of maintaining the proper health of all students in order to enhance their academic experience. The center ensures that it succeeds in its goal by making health services readily available and hassle-free. The New York University Student Health Center serves all students at a reduced charge or no charge. Among their many services, the NYU Health Center provides dental care to students suffering from sudden dental emergencies. This care includes treatment of a condition such as swelling, significant pain, or bleeding that requires immediate attention. NYU students have access to such emergency dental care provided by excellent and highly trained dentists at no cost. Charles Silk, DDS is honored to be a part of his alma mater’s Health Center and is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to expert dental care.

In June 2009, Prosthodontist Charles Silk, DDS was named one of Westchester’s Best Dentists, an honor based solely on the votes of his professional peers. Charles Silk, DDS was chosen for his exemplary patient care, extensive education, and years of experience. Dr. Charles Silk’s usage of state-of-the-art technology and innovative techniques, combined with his commitment to delivering results also factored into his inclusion on the list. Since entering the dental field, Charles Silk, DDS has made a distinct impression on colleagues and patients alike. Dr. Charles Silk’s track record also includes awards such as the I. Kenneth Addison Prosthodontic Award from the New York University College of Dentistry, the First Prize Table Clinic from the New York Chapter of the American College of Prosthodontists Meeting, and the First Prize Table Clinic from the American College of Prosthodontists Meeting. Dr. Charles Silk’s work has attracted a number of high-profile patients, including celebrities, models, and actors. His expertise has additionally been sought by a number of magazines, radio stations, and more. Park South Dental 200 Central Park South, Suite 214 New York, NY 10019 212-977-6924