Fix Missing Teeth
There are a number of restorative options available to patients who are missing a tooth or must have a tooth extracted. These include a dental bridge, a partial denture, or a dental implant. Let’s take a closer look at each restorative option.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent dental prosthesis that spans from one healthy tooth, over the empty space, and onto the next healthy tooth. A fake tooth called a “pontic” is held in place with a dental crown on either side. The crowns fit over the neighboring teeth to help restore the area. A dental bridge cannot be removed by the patient since it is cemented in place and can be used to replace one tooth or multiple missing teeth in one area of the mouth.
Another option for a dental bridge is called a Maryland bridge. A Maryland bridge does not require crowns on healthy teeth but instead, is a fake tooth with metal “wings“ that attach to the back of the neighboring teeth. A Maryland bridge can be good since it does not negatively affect healthy neighboring teeth but it is not as durable as a traditional bridge.
What is a partial denture?
A partial denture is similar to a traditional bridge but instead of crowns on healthy teeth, metal or acrylic clasps hook onto the neighboring teeth to hold the fake tooth in place. A partial denture can be removed by the patient for cleaning and sleeping. A partial denture can be used to replace one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in one area of the mouth.
What is a dental implant?
Dental and Implants are by far the most stable and aesthetically pleasing way to restore missing teeth. A dental implant can be used to replace one tooth or an implant bridge can replace multiple missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post that an oral surgeon surgically places directly into the jaw bone. The implant is then allowed to heal and integrate with the brown structure for about six months before the restoration is placed.
Dental implants are actually the healthier options because a dental implant acts as the root of the tooth and helps stimulate bone regeneration whereas a dental bridge or partial denture lies above the gumline and can allow the jaw bone to deteriorate.
Because a dental implant helps ensure bone health, an implant can last a lifetime whereas a bridge or partial denture will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years as your bone structure changes, causing your bridge or partial to become ill-fitting.
The last option is to not have The missing tooth replaced at all. This is not generally advisable because when a space is left between teeth, the healthy neighboring teeth tend to shift trying to close the space. This can cause the healthy teeth to become loose and cause more damage to the area.