Best Option for Missing Teeth Replacement
Tooth decay, accidents, genetic or periodontal disease, there are many causes that can lead to the loss of one or more teeth. However, there are multiple treatments that can replace missing teeth. Each will have advantages and disadvantages. It is important to be well informed because it is you who will choose the solution that suits you best, in collaboration with your dental surgeon. Here, we have outlined some of the different options to replace missing teeth.
Single implants to replace one or several teeth
The dental implant is a reliable solution when you have lost a tooth. It is often regarded as the safest and best alternative to natural teeth. An implant is screwed directly into the jawbone, which helps prevent the loss of bone mass, and is then fitted with a prosthetic tooth that closely matches your other teeth in shape and color.
Advantages
- From an aesthetic point of view, the replacement tooth mounted on the implant is what most resembles a natural tooth
- In the long run, this is the most reliable and durable solution. Good oral hygiene guarantees a long lifespan for your implant
- Neighboring teeth are not involved as with dental bridge placement, so dental implants help keep all of the adjacent teeth intact
Disadvantages
- Although this is a minimal surgical procedure, you must be in good physical health in order to have it. The implant is contraindicated in certain cases (irradiation of the jaw, incompatible medication, etc.)
- The cost of a dental implant is sometimes prohibitive for some while the price of a bridge is comparable to that of an implant, mutual reimbursements may be deferred
- The whole process can be quite long. Several consultations are necessary, and your practitioner will not fix the replacement tooth until the implant has completely healed
The replacement bridge for several teeth
This option is a good alternative for those who do not want dental implants. Also, if you are looking for a solution to replace missing teeth, this one allows you to replace several in the same oral area.
A fixed bridge fills the empty space of your missing teeth with a dental prosthesis or an artificial tooth. This will be fixed to neighboring teeth and then glued with dental cement.
Advantages
- The dental bridge can be used for a single tooth but also to replace several teeth in the same oral area
- The installation of a dental bridge is quick and takes place in 3 sessions. First, the practitioner treats the area or extracts the remaining tooth tip. Then they take a dental impression using a paste that will be used in the fabrication of the bridge by a prosthetist. Finally, they perform the installation of the bridge.
Disadvantages
- The involvement of adjacent teeth, which can be damaged over time
- Maintenance is delicate, it is sometimes difficult to properly clean the contour of the tooth under the bridge
- Bacteria can seep under the bridge, as can dental plaque. It is absolutely necessary to pay attention to it, otherwise it will promote the development of cavities or infection
- The possibility of fracture of the supporting teeth.
Bridge on implants to replace missing teeth
The implant bridge is similar to a traditional dental bridge, except that it will be mounted on implants and not on natural teeth. Replacing all of your teeth is quite possible with the help of an implant bridge. Usually, an implant is screwed into the jawbone for each missing tooth. The crowns are then assembled together to form a single piece. This technique is used when the dental surgeon believes that an individual implant will undergo too much pressure, by chewing or grinding their teeth. The dental bridge reduces the pressure on the implants and distributes it over the entire bridge.