Introduction

It is necessary to replace missing teeth to prevent movement of other adjacent or opposite teeth to the missing teeth space.

If the adjacent teeth move or shift or tilt into that space, this will result to a gap between shifted tooth and another tooth that could cause food impaction, gum disease or compromised cosmetic look.

If the opposite teeth extruded upward or downward into the missing teeth space, it can alter the bite pattern, which may cause bite interference.

Methods:

1) Dentures
2) Bridges
3) Dental Implants

Dentures / Partials

Denture or flipper or partial is a removable appliance that can be replaced one missing tooth till full mouth teeth missing.

Pros:

1) Easy application
2) Cheaper than bridges and implants

Cons:

1) Compromised stability
2) Compromised speech
3) Compromised food taste
4) Increase bone resorption in case of non stability denture wearing

Type of dentures

1) Plastic base
2) Metal base
3) Thermoplastic material

Bridges

A dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth (or several teeth) by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants. these two or more adjacent teeth will be an anchorage are called “abutment teeth” — and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called “pontics”

As with dental crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Our dentist can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

Benefit:

• Prevent remaining adjacent or opposite teeth from shifting out of position.
• Easy fabrication. This is a much quicker procedure than having an implant or even a partial denture.
• Non-removable, more comfortable than partial denture.

Limitation:

• In order to make room for the bridge, the preparation is quite damaging.
• Since the abutment teeth and pontic tooth are attached to be one unit, if there is a problem of any tooth, it will be a problem for all.
• Since the fake tooth is rigidly joined to the teeth either side it is not possible to floss in the normal way and super floss is need.

Implants

Dental Implants Bkk. Apart from bridges and dentures, dental implants are becoming popular to replace missing teeth.

Pros:

1) This will not affect or damage adjacent teeth
2) The implant tooth is separated from adjacent natural teeth so patients can dental-floss and brush easily

Cons:

1) More expensive than bridges and dentures
2) Longer duration for treatment (approximately 2-6 months)
3) Multiple visits in case of severe bone or highly esthetic concern
4) General surgical risks in severe bone case
5) Require good health in medical compromise case

Types of implant treatment:

1) Single implant
2) Partial implants
3) Full-mouth implants