Tooth Replacement Options – Single Tooth

Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu and your dentist will provide you with all of your options so that you can make an informed decision on how to replace your missing tooth.

1) Dental Implant

A dental implant is the most comfortable and permanent solution for replacing a missing tooth. Unlike a bridge, healthy tooth structure does not have to be removed to accommodate an implant. Unlike most bridges, an implant can last a lifetime. A good candidate for a dental implant is anyone who is missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures (Figures 1-2). Although age is not a factor, conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, and a history of radiation therapy to the jawbone have been shown to lower the success rate of implant treatment. Habits such as smoking will also negatively affect treatment success. X-rays of the jaw will help Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu determine if the supporting jawbone is of sufficient dimension to accommodate an implant.

Dental implant treatment is a team effort. Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will perform the initial tooth removal, implant surgery, and bone grafting if necessary (see Bone Grafting). Your dentist will install the final crown, bridge or denture.

2) Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is the best alternative treatment option to an implant. Similar to an implant, a bridge is not removed at night or in between meals. A bridge is a prosthetic tooth (or teeth) held in place over-top the missing tooth area by being connected to crowns that are cemented on the neighbouring abutment teeth. Neighbouring teeth require preparation, or removal of natural, healthy tooth structure in order to accommodate the crowns (Figures 3-4).

3) Removable Denture

A removable denture is a cost-effective and functional replacement for missing teeth (Figures 5-6). It is held in place by wire clips. Denture teeth are usually plastic. Denture framework may be either plastic or metallic. Metallic framework is thinner, lighter, and more durable. The drawback with dentures is that they must be removed at night, and as required after meals to be cleaned, which can be inconvenient.

4) No Replacement

If a missing tooth is not replaced, there is a chance that neighbouring teeth will drift into the empty space. Your bite may become altered as a result of this tooth movement.  Treatment becomes more difficult the longer time passes. Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to reposition the teeth.