It can be guessed that a missing tooth can not only change the appearance of your smile or your chewing ability. But did you know that it can also alter many other functions like the way you speak, the health of the adjacent teeth, the structure of the surrounding bone, and even the alignment of your teeth – as your teeth start shifting around the now formed space. Hence it is advised to close this space formed by a missing tooth as soon as possible to avoid extensive complications.
There are multiple ways to replace a missing tooth. Implants are bridges are the common prostheses used to replace a missing tooth, along with additional treatment options. But first, let us understand the factors that affect our treatment selection.
Factors affecting the prosthesis
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Number of missing teeth
The more the number of missing teeth, the more sound the supporting structures for the prosthesis must be. Also more often than not, multiple missing teeth are accompanied by bone and surrounding tissue abnormalities. Hence the prosthesis and bone health must go hand in hand. -
Region of the missing tooth - front/back
A front tooth prosthesis should be able to match the aesthetics of the smile and speech more, whereas a back tooth prosthesis should be able to take up the chewing loads. -
Condition of adjacent teeth and bone
A bridge prosthesis takes support from the adjacent teeth. Hence the supporting teeth must be firm and caries free. Whereas an implant prosthesis works well on a sound bone. -
General health condition of the patient
In conditions like Diabetes and Certain blood disorders, healing might be hindered for any prosthesis we place. Proper oral hygiene is also a must for success of the replaced tooth.
Prostheses/ options to replace a missing tooth -
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Implants
These are the best option to replace a single or multiple missing teeth. An Implant is a screw which is placed inside the bone, in the area of the missing teeth, and onto which a ceramic or zirconia crown is given. This replicates the aesthetics and functional ability of the natural teeth hence can be used in both front and back tooth region. -
Bridges
These involve taking support from the adjacent teeth. The teeth in front and at the back of the missing tooth are taken as supports or ‘pillars’ and a bridge is constructed on them. Based on the area and number of missing teeth, the number of adjacent teeth taken for support might vary. -
Removable bridges/dentures
These are recommended in case of improper bone support and in people with multiple missing teeth where the adjacent tooth structure is not sound enough to support a bridge. They are clasped into place and can take up chewing forces. They are also one of the cheapest options. -
Resin bridges
These are indicated in case of a single missing tooth in the front tooth region. The anatomic structure and shape of a natural tooth is replicated with a resin and the extension of this resin is bonded onto the back surfaces of the adjacent teeth. This is more to improve the aesthetics of the region rather than restore the functional capacity.
Replacing a missing tooth can seem hectic with the multiple number of appointments, multiple modifications and more. But worry not. With Prudentoe’s expert dental care, you can get the best replacement prosthesis in simple steps from the comfort of your home. Call us now.
