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.
