It is not uncommon for adult patients to eventually lose a tooth at some point in their life. Our teeth help us maintain good nutrition and overall health so it is important to replace a tooth in the event that you lose one or have to have one extracted. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to patients who need to replace a tooth.
Missing Teeth Replacement Options
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is an excellent option to replace one or two missing teeth in one area of the mouth. A dental bridge uses two dental crowns connected with a fake tooth, called a pontic, to replace a missing tooth. A bridge does require healthy neighboring teeth to support the fake tooth and those healthy teeth are a bit compromised by being prepared for a crown. To prepare a tooth for a crown, a small bit of enamel is removed from all surfaces of the tooth to make space for the crown.
Since a dental bridge sits above the gum line, there is opportunity for the jaw bone to deteriorate in that area which could lead to more severe problems down the road including additional tooth loss.
Denture
A full denture is fabricated using an acrylic material that is tinted to match your gum tissue with porcelain teeth set in the acrylic base. It is held in place using suction and retention. Some patients need to add an adhesive for maximum comfort and stability.
A partial denture works just like a full denture and is the removable cousin of a bridge. Some patients may not find a fixed bridge ideal for their individual case so a partial denture is another option. Like a bridge, partial dentures rely on healthy neighboring teeth to anchor to using metal or acrylic clasps so the teeth are not compromised as with a bridge.
As with a bridge, a big drawback of a traditional denture is the lack of bone support. A traditional denture sits on top of the gum tissue and, overtime, can lead to deterioration of the jaw bone. The roots of our teeth work to stimulate the osteoblast cells that regenerate bone structure. When we speak and chew, it is like a workout for our teeth and jaw. Without that stimulation, bone cells use their energy elsewhere and the jaw bone begins to resorb.
Dental Implant
Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants have the added benefit of supporting bone health because the implant is placed directly into the jaw bone and helps stimulate bone regeneration, just like natural tooth roots. This prevents the deterioration that comes along with other restorations.
Dental implants are a more invasive procedure since they require surgery and extended healing time. After an implant is placed, it is left to heal and integrate with the jaw bone for up to six months before it is restored with a tooth. Once the implant is fully integrated, your dentist can place the implant crown to replace the missing tooth!
If you are missing a tooth or anticipate having a tooth extracted, it is important to speak with your dentist to determine the best restorative option for your individual case.