Replacement of a Missing Tooth: Advantages and Disadvantages
A missing tooth can affect your smile, appearance, and ability to chew food. But did you know that missing teeth can also shrink or weaken the jawbone?
People lose permanent teeth due to gum diseases, tooth decay, trauma or injury, and old age. One of the main functions of teeth is to chew food which helps digestion.
Prosthetic dentistry or prosthodontics offers various treatments for the replacement of a missing tooth.
The article discusses popular methods to replace a missing tooth and their advantages and disadvantages.
3 best methods for the replacement of a missing tooth
Dental implants
A dental implant is a reliable and common procedure for tooth replacement. The implant looks like a real tooth and can last for many years. Dental implants can be done for a single tooth or multiple teeth.
The dentist takes a CT (Computed Tomography) scan and impressions of the teeth and the jawbone.
Before placing the implant, the dentist assesses the jawbone to see if it supports it.
A dental implant procedure is a bit lengthy. The first step is to place titanium metal screws that replace the root of the tooth into the upper or lower jawbone. It acts like an anchor to support the implant. The screw has a cap, and in the next few weeks, the jawbone grows and attaches to the screw.
After the gum heals, the dentist removes the cap and places a titanium abutment or post. The last step is to cement a porcelain crown on the abutment.
Advantages:
- Effective and long-term solution for missing tooth
- Has no impact on surrounding teeth
- Gives a natural look
- Permanent teeth and do not require regular follow-ups
Disadvantages:
- Lengthy and expensive procedure
- Complete healing takes time
Fixed bridge
A fixed bridge is a good treatment for the replacement of a missing tooth but it needs strong surrounding teeth for support. This treatment is beneficial for replacing one or more teeth located in the same area.
During the treatment, the dentist resizes the adjoining teeth by removing the enamel and making space for the bridge.
The bridge is a prosthetic glued or cemented to the adjacent teeth. Bridges can last up to 7 years and in some cases 15 years. Dentists recommend regular cleaning and flossing of the bridge and the surrounding area for longevity.
Advantages:
- Treatment takes less time
- Cost-effective compared to dental implants
- Appears like natural teeth
Disadvantages
- Requires cutting and reshaping of healthy adjacent teeth
- Requires continuous cleaning to prevent bacterial growth underneath the dental bridges
- Have shorter longevity than dental implants
Removable partial denture
A partial denture removal is recommended to replace one missing tooth or a few teeth. The artificial teeth are fixed to a plastic base that resembles the colour and shape of the gum.
Sometimes the plastic dentures have a metal base that anchors to the adjoining natural healthy teeth for support. One drawback is that the metal plates may be visible while talking, eating, or smiling.
Dentists suggest removing the removable plastic dentures at night and soaking them overnight to clean and disinfect the dentures. You can also remove and clean them after having meals.
Removable complete dentures can replace all teeth.
Advantages:
- Matches the natural teeth and gum colour
- Economical and can be easily repaired if defected
- No need for cutting adjoining teeth
Disadvantages:
- Becomes uncomfortable if used for a long duration
- Less firm and may move a little while eating or talking
Final thoughts
Advanced general dentistry offers a wide range of treatment options for the replacement of a missing tooth. Before undergoing treatment, talk to your dentist, understand the advantages and drawbacks of the treatment, check your budget, and make an informed decision.
The Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry & Endodontics, also known as AADEINDIA assists qualified dental specialists by providing them with comprehensive short-term certification courses. These courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of dental professionals and help them to enhance their skills and provide quality treatment to patients.
