Missing teeth not only affects the aesthetic appearance of the smile but can also affect functionality and therefore, replacing missing teeth is a very important part of your dental treatment.
Dentistry has evolved to a large extent such that replacement of missing teeth has become much easier and offers more of a ‘fixed’ solution rather then your common, old removable dentures. Earlier, to replace missing teeth various treatment procedures were suggested such as removable dentures, or a crown and bridge in case replacement of a few teeth were needed or you even had the option of fixed dentures in certain cases.
Each of the treatment options as explained above have their own advantages and disadvantages and it is crucial to gain an understanding of what each entails before deciding it is right for your specific needs.
Firstly, a little introduction on what are dental implants (also you can refer to our previous blog on dental implants for further information)-
A dental implant replaces this structure with a metal post, typically one made of titanium. Over a period of a couple of months, new bone should grow around the implanted metal. Once the new structure is tested by your dentist and declared secure enough, a crown will then be screwed on top of the implant and sealed into place. One of the main advantages is that implants place less of a burden on the surrounding teeth and promote healing of bone structures and gums under the teeth and reduces long-term risks posed to the jaw. Generally, a high-quality dental implant should be expected to last a lifetime. A disadvantage of dental implants is the treatment time can tend to take longer and require multiple visits to complete depending on the type of implant and which area of the jaw the implant is planned for.
Now, what exactly is a ‘crown and bridge’ treatment procedure?
A dental bridge attaches to the remaining healthy teeth surrounding a gap to create a bridge across the area in a recipient’s smile. In this case, the two teeth on opposite sides of a gap are shaved down to accommodate a bridge. A cap is then placed over each tooth and is accompanied by the bridge, replacing the missing teeth. The main advantage of this procedure is that they are highly cost effective when compared to dental implants. Also, a ‘crown and bridge’ does not involve any tedious surgical procedures and is a much quicker process with few appointments as compared to dental implants. One of the biggest disadvantages of bridges is that they place greater strain on surrounding structures, especially the two teeth which are attached to the device. For this reason, a bridge rarely is expected to last a lifetime. Bridges also do not address concerns about underlying structural problems. This means that long-term issues arising from bone loss due to the removal of teeth will continue to advance even after the gap is addressed.
Considering all this, we have to now decide what is the best treatment option for you-
The most important thing you can do to ensure you find the right treatment for your missing tooth is to discuss with your dentist about what options may be right for you. Your trusted dentist can carefully weigh all of the specific considerations of your situation to make the right recommendation for you.
Your dentist will want to provide you with the right solution that will be as gentle as possible while providing years of continued use so please visit your dentist immediately to replace your missing tooth/teeth.
