Options for tooth replacement

1. A bridge (shown in the image) uses the teeth 2 adjacent teeth or more for support and it is commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. The supporting teeth are called abutments and they serve as anchors for the bridge. The abutments need to be filed down in order to have a the bridge fit over them. This is one of the major drawbacks of the bridge since the reduction weakens the supporting teeth. The replacement tooth is called a pontic and it is attached to the abutments as part of the bridge. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges, these can be the color of your teeth or made of metal. Many times you can choose which type of metal or porcelain will be used.

2. Implants are artificial tooth roots that are submerged into the jawbone. Teeth that we see in the mouth, such as a crown, a fixed bridge or a full set of dentures are added to the implant. These implants are made of Titanium or similar materials that biocompatible. After an initial healing period, during which the implant is buried in bone and left undisturbed under gum tissue, it is uncovered and the process of making the artificial teeth commences. For single missing teeth a crown is attached.

The big advantage of an implant is that adjacent teeth are not damaged or cut in any way. It helps to prevent bone loss that happens once the tooth is removed.  If more teeth need to be replaced two implants or more can be used to secure a bridge. Since a dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth many times it is the best replacement.

3.  Dentures are removable appliances that replace teeth and the bone structure that have been lost after the extraction. Dentures (plates) allow the wearer to remove and replace them at will. They can replace one tooth, all your natural teeth, or any number of missing teeth in between.  Dentures that replace all the teeth are called full dentures, while those who replace part of the teeth are called partial dentures (shown in the image). The major difference between a denture and a implant or a bridge is that they are not fixed to the mouth while crowns and implant are fixed. This is their major drawback as well.

Since the denture use weak adhesion to stay in place it can come out if you laugh or sneeze and move while you eat or speak. You may need to learn how to function with dentures, for example you will need to avoid biting in an apple with a denture that replaces the front teeth, or remember to clean them after every meal to remove the food trapped under them.

The dentures are supported by the jaw bone and the remaining teeth, if present, while in function they load and press them, which leads to further loss of bone and loosening of the remaining teeth. Usually the only advantages dentures have is that they are less expensive than fixed bridges or implants.

If you would like to replace your tooth with one of the options or know more about tooth replacement, please call Tooronga Family Dentistry, Phone number 98227006.