Tooth restoration treatment

Tooth restoration treatment

If one or more teeth must be restored, you have the choice between an implant solution or conventional treatment. See the main differences.

Restore a single tooth

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Treatment with dental implant and crown

Preservation of the bone structure and palate
Teeth look more natural
Maintaining quality of chewing

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

An implant is most similar to a natural tooth
Nearby teeth remain intact and do not have to be involved in the placement procedure (traditional bridge grinds down the teeth on either side of the gap)
Implants are a good value because with proper care they are designed to last many years
Implants may help prevent shrinkage of jawbone from tooth loss
May fit better and be more comfortable than removable partial dentures

Disadvantages

Implants require surgery, so they are not right for everyone
Implant placement may take longer and may require more dental visits than other options
Implants may cost more than other treatments

Conventional treatment with bridge fixed on adjacent teeth

Adjacent healthy teeth supporting the bridge must be ground down
Bone in the toothless area may shrink

Advantages and Disadvantages for Fixed Bridges

Advantages

A fixed bridge can look like natural teeth
Fixed bridges don’t require removal for cleaning
It may cost less than implants

Disadvantages

Fixed bridges are likely to be more expensive than a removeable partial denture
They affect the teeth next to the missing tooth- once they are prepared for placement of the bridge, they will permanently lose their natural look and shape
Fixed bridges may require extra effort to clean under the replacement tooth

Restore multiple teeth

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Treatment with dental implant and crown

Preservation of the bone structure and palate
Teeth look more natural
Maintaining quality of chewing

Conventional treatment with removable partial prosthesis

Requires support from other teeth and edentulous oral gum
Discomfort caused by movement of prosthesis
Possible prosthetic instability
Possible changes to the palate

Advantages and Disadvantages for Removeable Partial Denture

Advantages

Usually less expensive than fixed bridges or implants or when replacing multiple teeth
Doesn’t require teeth next to the space to be prepared
Usually easier to repair than fixed bridges
Can be removed for cleaning

Disadvantages

Can be less stable than other choices
They can break or be lost
May take longer to get used to wearing because it could take several appointments for your dentist to achieve an ideal fit
Some people are embarrassed to take out their teeth at night and for cleaning
May need more frequent replacement than implants or a fixed bridge