Single Tooth Replacement
When a single tooth is missing, the two most common treatment options are:
- A traditional tooth-supported bridge (3-unit bridge)
- An implant-supported crown
When a tooth-supported bridge is used to replace one missing tooth, the adjacent teeth are cut down or ground down into peg shapes so the bridge has a support system. This process unfortunately destroys natural enamel and tooth structure, but must be done in order to fit the new cemented bridge in place. Even though a 3-unit tooth-supported bridge can be functional for many years, the compromised teeth (those healthy teeth cut down to support the bridge) frequently develop decay, periodontal bone loss or need root-canal treatment. This often leads to future problems that will be more expensive and complicated to treat later. So even though the immediate problem of a missing tooth is remedied with a tooth-supported bridge, future problems with adjacent teeth are created.
Replace one tooth with an implant supported crown and preserve the integrity of all adjacent teeth.
An implanted-supported crown is far superior to a traditional tooth-supported dental bridge:
- Adjacent natural teeth are preserved – not destroyed
- A dental implant looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth
- The bone is upheld, preventing a visible bony defect
- Cleaning is easier and more hygienic
- Implants do not decay and you will never need a root canal