DENTAL IMPLANTS - Tracey Jurevicius RDH

There are a few reasons why people may lose their teeth. Large cavities, root fractures and failed root canal treatments to name a few. There are two different ways to replace a missing tooth. One is a porcelain fused to metal bridge or dental implants.

A bridge is when two teeth either side of the missing tooth are shaved down and an extra tooth is placed between space made out of porcelain fused to metal. The two teeth that are shaved down are covered with crowns and have an extra tooth or unit in between to replace the missing tooth. This is recommended only if the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth are heavily restored (big fillings and/or root canal teeth) as shaving healthy teeth down does weaken them considerably. This procedure is done under local anaesthetic and usually requires two appointments. One is for shaving the teeth down and taking impressions which are sent to a lab to fabricate the three unit bridge. In the meantime patient is provided with a provisional bridge made out of resin and is temporary cemented. Once the bridge is made it is checked for proper fit and then permanently cemented onto the prepared teeth.

Dental Implants are highly recommended when the two teeth on either side are virgin teeth (teeth that have no fillings or very small fillings) Or the two teeth on either side already have crowns pictured below. Your dentist will require radiographs to ensure there is adequate bone support to place the implant. If there happens not be enough bone support then a bone graft would be required first. This procedure is done under local anaesthetic the gum tissue is cut and a whole is drilled into the bone to allow space for the implant which acts as the root of the tooth. The titanium implant is either tapped in your screwed into the bone. The tissue is sutured and once osseointegration (bone grows or fuses around implant) then the dentist can build a porcelain tooth to be attached to implant.

So if sometime in the future you end up losing a tooth there are options for a tooth replacement. Depending on the health of the neighbouring teeth of the missing tooth and bone support will contribute to the decision of a bridge or an implant.