The Dental Office of
Dr. Samuel Barr
Dental Implant Decision Tree: One Missing Tooth
Implant Option
The missing tooth is replaced with a single implant
Bridge Option
The missing tooth is held in by the teeth on either side.
The two most common ways of replacing a single missing tooth, where the replacement does not come out at night, are with a fixed bridge, or with a dental implant.
Remember, before you can give "informed consent" for a dental procedure, first make sure that you are "informed". There are other treatment options besides the 2 compared here. Ask your dentist, or ask us by clicking on Ask at barrdental dot com.
The end result in either case: a replacement tooth that does not come out at night.
A Single Missing Tooth
A dental implant is placed, designed to function as the root of a tooth. A crown is attached to the implant.
The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are shaped for crowns. The bridge is basically the missing tooth with a crown on each side to hold it in. This is cemented in place.
So Which Will Be Better for You?
Well, "It Depends"... There are a number of factors that go into the decision
Factors that Favor an IMPLANT...
The teeth on either side of the missing
tooth have never had a filling... WHY? It's a shame to cut away virgin healthy teeth.
One or both of the teeth on either side
have had root canal treatment... WHY? Statistics show that bridges placed in this instance
have a shorter average lifespan than an implant.
Factors that Favor a BRIDGE...
The teeth on either side of the
missing tooth already have fillings... WHY? If the teeth on either side would benefit from having crowns
placed, then a bridge may be more cost effective.
If there is not enough bone to
support an implant... WHY? Although an implant may be possible, and even
desirable, it becomes more complicated when
you have to grow the bone to support an implant
Other Factors
Esthetics. In either case, getting good esthetics in the front can be challenging. You may have a particular
situation that would favor either a bridge or an implant over the other.
Longevity. When conditions are favorable, statistically, the average longevity of an implant replacing a single
tooth vs. a bridge replacing a single tooth is about the same.
Health & Habits. Diabetes is considered a relative contra-indication for implants. Smokers have more
problems with implants than non-smokers. Both implants and conventional bridgework will likely last longer
if your oral hygiene is good.
The above should be considered as a guide and a basis of discussion only. Many other factors go into the decision as to what treatment would be best for you.
As always, send your questions to ask at barrdental dot com.
