Replacing missing teeth
Bridge
A bridge is one way to replace a missing tooth. It is actually a made of three or more crowns, connected together. Typically, the crowns on the ends of the bridge will fit over the teeth on either side of the space (the missing tooth), and the crown in the middle will fill the space when the bridge is cemented in place. The teeth that will hold up the ends of the bridge must be prepared for crowns. Some tooth structure needs to be removed to make room for the crown, usually about 1 mm reduction from around the circumference and the chewing surface of the tooth.
Implant
An implant is a titanium replacement for a tooth. It actually replaces the root of a tooth. Usually, a crown is made to attach to the implant. The implant is shaped like a cylinder, and is placed into the jawbone where the tooth used to be. After a healing period of 3-6 months, the implant will be ready to support a new crown, Often, an implant and a bridge can both be used to solve the problem of a missing tooth. In deciding which option is better, consider the following. An implant only involves the missing tooth. No other tooth needs to be treated. A bridge involves at least two other teeth to act as supports for the ends of the bridge. If these other teeth will need crowns anyway, a bridge makes sense. If they don’t, an implant is a more conservative option. The trade off the surgery needed to place the implant. It’s not a big deal, but it is a consideration. Implants can also be used when there are not enough teeth to support a bridge. In fact, implants can replace all the teeth in the mouth. They can be an alternative to full dentures. Implants are very predictable. The 5 year success rate is well over 95%. Because they are metal, they don’t decay and rarely break. Periodontal disease is still a possibility, so, yes, you do still need to brush.
Partial Denture
This is a removable denture solution for multiple missing teeth. The advantage to a partial denture is the cost. The disadvantage is the fact that it is removable, and that it takes up more space in the mouth than the teeth did. It has clasps that wrap around a few teeth (that’s what keeps it in place), and a framework that extends from one side to the other.
Full Denture
This used to be the only solution for missing all your teeth. They’ve been the butt of many jokes, and when they slip or move while eating or talking, the source of much embarrassment. They can be made to look very realistic, but keeping them secure and immobile is the biggest problem. More and more, we’ve been using implants to solve that problem. A few strategically placed implants can stabilize a denture. Attachments can be placed inside the denture that ‘snap’ onto the implants. The denture is still removable but it stays in place much better.