Single Tooth Replacement: What are the Options?
Whether you’re told you need to have a tooth extracted or you lose a tooth to an unexpected trauma, determining what to do next can be overwhelming. You know you want to replace the tooth with an esthetic, functional restoration, but how do you determine which option is best for you?
Dr. Danny Moosa and the team at Parkway Family Dental in Polaris, Ohio, will walk you through the various options to help you answer that question. They’ll provide you with the education you need to make the decision that’s best for you, serving as a true partner in your care. The result will be a beautiful restoration that will give you your smile and your confidence back, no matter what you choose.
So, what exactly are your options should you ever lose a tooth? Here’s an overview of the three most common, along with their pros and cons.
Dental implants have grown in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. These restorations mimic natural teeth, providing the closest match in terms of both esthetics and function. If cared for properly, they can last a lifetime, making them a sound investment in your oral health.
Once you’re ready for treatment, Dr. Moosa will firmly anchor the implant in your jawbone, providing a stable restoration. Implants also help prevent bone loss and keep neighboring teeth from moving out of position, another advantage. And unlike other single tooth replacement options, implants don’t rely on other teeth to retain them. Neighboring teeth remain healthy; you don’t have to worry about losing them to decay or stress caused by your restoration.
If you think implants may be the right option for you, it’s important for Dr. Moosa to complete bone grafting during the extraction. Once a tooth is removed, bone begins to deteriorate and the jawbone weakens—and won’t be able to support a future implant. Dr. Moosa can add bone material to areas experiencing bone loss to encourage natural bone growth. This sets the proper foundation, preparing the site for a successful implant.
Implants are the best single tooth replacement option and are well worth the investment. In some cases, immediate implant placement may be an option. Dr. Moosa will discuss this treatment with you if you are a candidate.
If you decide to move forward with an implant to replace your missing tooth, you’ll have the most natural looking and best performing restoration possible, resulting in a beautiful, healthy smile.
Traditional bridges can be an affordable, long-term solution for a single missing tooth. When Dr. Moosa delivers this fixed restoration at Parkway Family Dental, he’ll place a crown on the adjacent teeth to act as anchors. In a single tooth case, a prosthetic tooth, called a pontic, will attach to the crowns. This creates a continuous structure and fills in the gap—giving you your smile back.
Bridges are less expensive than other treatments, just keep in mind there are tradeoffs. For instance, unlike implants, the adjacent, healthy teeth must be modified to support the crowns, which means reshaping healthy tooth structure. That puts the anchor teeth at greater risk for developing decay and infection as the crowns get older. And, because they’re supporting the pontic, they’re under more stress, which could lead to problems down the road.
Another concern is resorption of the bone under the pontic. A gap may develop between the pontic and the gum, potentially creating a food trap and impacting the restoration’s esthetics.
Fixed bridges are an affordable option that restore function and esthetics so you’re able to chew properly and smile confidently. Of course, there are different types of bridges to consider. Dr. Moosa and his Polaris, Ohio, based team will go over the options and help you determine what type of bridge is best for you.
This removable, affordable single tooth replacement option helps restore function while improving esthetics. Your custom-made partial denture will fill the gap the missing tooth has left behind. Dr. Moosa also can add to the partial if you lose neighboring teeth in the future.
If you opt to go this route, you’ll have different types of partial dentures to choose from, including acrylic and cast metal. Dr. Moosa and the team at Parkway Family Dental will educate you about what’s available and what might work best for your case.
Like with bridges, there is a downside to partial dentures. You might experience more plaque build up around neighboring teeth, putting them at a greater risk of developing decay. The pressure from the partial may damage the supporting teeth, and bone loss at the extraction site is also a concern.
Losing a tooth can be a stressful experience. You know doing nothing will only lead to more problems, both esthetically and functionally, but it can still be difficult to determine the best treatment option for you.
Dr. Moosa and his team at Parkway Family Dental in Columbus, Ohio, can provide the guidance you need to make the best decision. They’ll take the time to go over the various options and to answer any questions you have about treatment and what to expect after the procedure. You can rest assured that by the end of treatment, no matter which option you choose, you’ll leave the Polaris, Ohio, based office with a beautiful, long-lasting restoration you can feel good about.
Ready to talk with Dr. Moosa about single tooth replacement options? Reach out to the team at Parkway Family Dental to schedule an appointment today.
Please call 614.854.0101 or click below to schedule an appointment online. We can't wait to meet you!