Overview
For a single missing tooth, multiple and completely edentulous a patient has broadly two major options
- Removable Prosthesis – Partial denture/Complete denture
- Fixed Prosthesis – Dental bridge / Single implant supported prosthesis/ Full arch implant prosthesis
Yes, the options are endless for you, but making the right choice is best left for your dentist or a specialist in such a case who is called as a Prosthodontist.
There are certain prerequisites for each kind of prosthesis that need to be ticked for it to be recommended to a patient. For the benefit of all we shall discuss pros and cons of each treatment for a single missing tooth.
Removable Partial Denture
Advantages of a partial denture
- Easy to fabricate
- Less time consuming
- Cheap
- Can be removed when not required
Disadvantages of partial denture
- Unaesthetic
- Can become loose over time
- Can fracture
- Has to be replaced after a period of time
Fixed Partial Denture/Dental bridge
A dental bridge is a treatment option that involves taking the support of adjacent abutment teeth to replace a missing tooth.
A single missing tooth would require a 3-unit FDP, which means there would be a dental crown on adjacent teeth known as retainers and a dental crown in the edentulous area known as the pontic.
Variety of materials can be used to fabricate a dental bridge. These include a porcelain fused to metal or zirconia bridges depending on the space available, esthetic requirement and affordability of the patient.
Advantages of a dental bridge
- Fixed treatment option
- Aesthetic
- Feel of natural teeth
- No surgery involved
Disadvantages of a dental bridge
- Taking support of healthy adjacent teeth means more chances of decay
- Fracture of abutment due unusual forces
- Can get dislodged due to dilution of cement over the years
Dental Implants
Dental Implants have revolutionised the treatment options since they not only allow an individual to have fixed teeth but it provides natural teeth like form and function.
The stresses and strain on the jaw bone are much less when compared to say a partial/complete denture. Now dental implants are being used to replace fully edentulous arches with options such as Implant supported overdentures, All on 4 prosthesis and Full fixed prosthesis.
Advantages of a dental implant
Disadvantages of dental implants
- Expensive
- Surgical Procedure
- Preoperative tests (Radiographic and Blood reports required)
- Adequate bone levels needed
- Adjacent and opposing dentition should be healthy
- Certain relative contraindications include, chronic smokers, Heart disease, Diabetes (uncontrolled)
- Regular follow ups required
We at Zenith Dental Care are dedicated to provide you with the best treatment option for missing tooth. All aspects of replacement of a tooth are taken into consideration and the best is chosen for you and your family!
Our principal dentist Dr. Angad Khurana is a Prosthodontist and is the best dentist in noida to guide you through a variety of treatment options that satisfy the criteria of form, function and aesthetics.
Dr. Angad Khurana 