When you are looking to replace a missing tooth, you have several options: a bridge, a removable partial denture or flipper, or an implant. Let’s talk about each one…
The quickest and least expensive option is a removable partial denture or flipper. A flipper is like an orthodontic retainer with one or two teeth and some wire clasps that hook on to your other teeth. Many people have difficulty chewing with a flipper in place, and even when properly fitted there is some loss of taste and texture due to having a bulky appliance in the mouth.
A bridge is advantageous over a flipper because it is a non-removable restoration. Bridges are long lasting and will look and feel similar to the original tooth. Essentially it would look like 3 or more crowns connected together, depending on the number of teeth to be replaced. A major disadvantage is that if anything happens to one of the supporting teeth, the entire bridge may be lost.
Unlike a bridge, an implant is independent of the adjacent teeth and does not require the reduction of adjacent tooth structure. The implant portion actually replaces the missing root and is placed surgically, usually by a periodontist or oral surgeon. After the implant is successfully accepted and integrated with the patient’s bone, a crown is fabricated and secured onto the implant by your general dentist. The entire process takes about 6 to 9 months.
Anyone of reasonable medical health with adequate bone should be a candidate for implants. The benefit of an implant is that it is very secure, so you can chew without worrying about the stability of the replacement tooth or the strength of the adjacent teeth. Having an implant is the closest thing to having your lost tooth back.
Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on the link www.elitesacramentodentist.com
Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Feb. 16, 2010
