Tooth Replacement Options

Temporary Tooth Replacement:

If the tooth recommended for extraction is in the front area (smile zone), your dentist may first obtain an impression to prepare a temporary prosthesis before the extraction is done at our office. A temporary prosthesis can be made very quickly, sometimes on the same day, so you don’t have to go without a tooth for long. A transitional prosthesis may also be made for teeth in the back.

Implants are the Standard-of-Care for Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are the current standard-of-care of teeth replacement. When appropriate, an immediate implant may be placed on the same day as tooth extraction. In some occasions, a temporary crown may also be placed providing you with an immediate tooth. Otherwise, the extraction site is allowed to heal for 6-8 weeks before it is ready for a dental implant.

Why Conventional Bridges Should be Avoided:

  • A conventional bridge is an option for replacement of missing teeth, however, they cause a number of problems and should be avoided.
  • Bridges require unnecessary grinding or preparation of adjacent teeth therefore causing permanent damage to them.
  • The teeth supporting the bridge are often prone to decay.
  • A bridge has an average life span of 6.3 years. This means they fail often and early.
  • You cannot floss in between teeth, making hygiene very difficult. This increases the chances of periodontal disease and further tooth loss.
  • The underlying bone of missing tooth undergoes resorption or shrinkage. This causes poor aesthetics and difficult hygiene around the bridge.

ugly crowns and bridge

Why Partial or Full Dentures Should be Avoided:

  • Dentures can cause damage to underlying bone and gum tissue resulting in significant defects.
  • Dentures have poor retention and move during chewing. This can cause irritation or ulcers to the gum tissues.
  • As bone permanently shrinks, the dentures no longer fit well. They require relining. This cycle repeats until there is no bone. The denture then has no retention and the patient becomes incapacitated.
  • Bone loss from dentures cause facial collapse resulting in the ‘old tooth-less look’
  • Partial dentures also cause damage to teeth due to detrimental forces from the retentive wires.