Vancouver Periodontal Blog

There are four standard treatment options for the loss of a single tooth.

Partial

1) Single Tooth Partial Denture

A single tooth denture is temporarily fastened between the neighboring teeth. The downside of a single tooth partial denture is the accompanying bone loss that results from the absence of the natural tooth root. Biting forces will also cause the partial to move and shift. Discomfort and gum irritation often result from the movement of the partial.

2) Resin Bonded Bridge

A high speed drill is used to cut into the back of the neighboring teeth in order to prepare them for the bridge. A prothesis is cemented into place, attached to the backs of the neighboring teeth. Bone loss soon occurs as a result of the missing root. Plaque buildup at the edges of the bond often result, which can lead to tooth decay. Over time the cement bonds are likely to loosen due to day to day pressures of biting.

3) Fixed Bridge

A high speed drill removes a large percentage of the structure of the neighboring teeth, creating two mounting posts. A fabricated three unit bridge is then cemented into place. Again, bone loss will occur because the tooth root is missing. Plaque buildup under the margins of the crowns is also common. The neighboring teeth lack sufficient tooth structure, weakening them and leaving them more susceptible to tooth decay. Tooth decay leads to root canals and eventual additional tooth loss. In many cases the three unit bridge may fail due to decay of the neighboring teeth, necessitating a four unit bridge.

Single Tooth Dental Implant

4) Dental Implant

A dental implant replaces your natural tooth root with an implant. The implant is inserted into the bone in place of the natural root. The process of osseointegration causes the bone to heal around the implant, securing it as tightly as the natural root. An abutment is secured to the implant and the crown is then attached to the abutment. Unlike bridges, dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. They are stable under the pressures of biting and chewing and will outlast the other three options.

Vancouver dental implants

Tooth Drift

Trauma, disease and decay can lead to tooth loss. If a lost tooth is not replaced immediately the surrounding bone begins to collapse and shrink. Without the support of the adjacent tooth the neighboring teeth begin to drift towards the area left by the missing tooth. Once the two neighboring teeth begin to drift, others lose their support and can begin to move as well.

While tooth movement can mar your smile, there are other considerations as well. Tooth drift can make it difficult to properly clean your gums and teeth. Periodontal disease and decay often follows. Gums may recede and further tooth loss may result.

If you lose a tooth it’s important to seek treatment immediately to minimize the impact of tooth loss.

Visit your Vancouver periodontist

Dental Implants

Dental implants replace missing teeth with fabricated replacements designed after your natural teeth. Your natural tooth has two parts. The crown is visible above the gums and the root secures it to the jawbone. Dental implants may have several components, but they also have two primary parts, just like your natural teeth. The restoration is custom fabricated to match the shape and coloration of your natural tooth crown. The titanium implant replaces the function of your natural tooth root, securing the restoration to your jawbone. Implants are made of titanium or titanium alloy because our bodies normally accept titanium without infection.