What is the best way to replace a missing tooth?
Keeping natural teeth is the very best option. If you happen to lose a tooth because of tooth decay, gum disease or trauma, then you will have options below to replace that missing tooth.
1. Removable denture, often the cheapest option to replace a missing tooth.
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
Advantages
It is often the cheapest option, especially when the patient have multiple missing teeth.
Denture can give good result.
Disadvantages:
Firstly it is removable
Secondly denture may damage adjacent teeth with time due to the clip or clasp on the teeth
Thirdly it subject to breakage if drop on hard surface
And finally it is more difficult to talk with dentures due to thickness of denture base
2. Fibre Reinforced Composite Bridge
Fibre reinforced composite bridge is a good long term provisional fix bridge, can give a natural looking result.
– No damage to adjacent teeth
– Can be done same day of tooth extraction
– Only last for about 5 years
If there is only 1 tooth missing, this is a better option than denture and cost about the same a denture.
3. Fix Bridge
A dental bridge permanently replaces missing teeth with fix false teeth. The bridge is attached to the teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges are usually made of porcelain over metal, or zirconia.
They are cemented in place and often give beautiful, long term final result.
The conventional fixed dental bridge requires that your dentist drills down two adjacent teeth to create space for the crowns of the bridging teeth. Placing a bridge on natural teeth increases the functional forces that are placed upon them and makes the use of floss between the teeth more difficult.
Conventional bridges may need to be replaced if the supporting teeth develop decay or periodontal disease. In rare occasions, while preparing the adjacent teeth for crowns (i.e. drilling down a tooth), the preparatory procedure will cause the nerve of the tooth to die and require root canal treatment to eliminate infection of the nerve. This can lead to a shortening of the lifespan of the supporting tooth, eventually leading to further extractions.
This is a good option if the adjacent teeth to the missing tooth already has filling(s) or restoration(s). The cost of a 3 teeth bridge is about the same as the cost of 1 tooth implant.
It is not a good option if adjacent teeth to missing tooth are virgin teeth.
4. Implant Crown, often is the best option to replace a missing tooth
Dental Implants or tooth implants are a fixed solution that feel and function like normal teeth meaning they don’t move which means that you can eat and smile with confidence.
A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root and is placed into the jawbone. A dental crown is then placed on the top of that root. In short these are the nearest thing to have your natural teeth back again.
Today’s implants are made of titanium, a metal that is bio-compatible and offers strength and durability as well as a unique property that allows it to fuse directly to bone – the process known as Osseo integration.
Benefits of Tooth Implants:
Firstly, replace loose fitting- dentures
Secondly, maintain bone structure after tooth loss
Improve the appearance of your smile
Boost your confidence
Dental implants function and feel just like natural teeth
Improve chewing and speaking
Prevent bone loss
Long term solution
Finally, it has a high success rate
What is the verdict of the best option to replace a missing tooth?
If finance allows, dental implant will be the very best option to replace a missing tooth.
Call us today on 02 47314655 to book your appointment, one of our friendly and highly experienced Dentist will help you with determine which option is best for you!
Dr Nathan Le also offer this treatment at Kempsey Dental Centre
