Do you need to replace a tooth or several teeth? Are you trying to decide between having an implant placed to support a single crown or getting a fixed bridge? Here are some facts that you should consider.
o If you have teeth with no fillings or only small fillings on either side of the missing tooth space those teeth will have to be ground down significantly for a fixed bridge.
(photo pre-post file) o Fixed bridges are prone to getting tooth decay around the edges where the crown meets the tooth.
10-15%of the fixed bridges will get decay in ten years.
Over 35% will decay in 15 years.
o Teeth prepared for fixed bridges are more likely to need future root canal therapy.
o Teeth that support fixed bridges that have had root canal treatment are more likely to have complications, such as, cracked roots and loose posts.
o If the tooth supporting the fixed bridge is in the lower jaw and that tooth has root canal treatment, there is a greater chance of complications.
o Keeping fixed bridges clean from plaque with floss is more challenging; food getting stuck is a problem.
o The long-term survival rate of a fixed bridge is worse if you add in other factors, such as, bone loss due to periodontal disease, grinding and clenching.
o Fixed bridges need to be replaced.
The costs of replacing fixed bridges need to be factored into cost analyses when deciding on treatment.
o Implant surgery is mostly done under local anesthetic.
The discomfort is minimal.
o Teeth that support a removable plate will become lose and weakened.
Often they must be extracted.
This is especially true if they have had root canal therapy.
So what is the answer? Dental Implants are a safe and effective way to replace lost teeth.
The process is as simple and starts with a call to your restorative dentist or periodontist.
Your dentist or periodontist will meet with you and do a thorough examination of your mouth and review your medical history.
They will review your dental x-rays to make sure they have a complete picture of your dental heath.
In some cases, they may order more diagnostic data.
Your periodontist and restorative dentist will work together to decide the best treatment for you.
They will answer all your questions regarding the treatment.
Most patients find the implant placement much easier than they anticipated.
The procedure is done under local anesthetic, as if you were getting a filling.
After the procedure you will go home and relax.
The stitches will be removed in about one week.
In most cases it takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks for the bone to bind to the implant.
Once that process is complete you are ready to return to your restorative dentist for crown placement.
Then you enjoy your new teeth.
o If you have teeth with no fillings or only small fillings on either side of the missing tooth space those teeth will have to be ground down significantly for a fixed bridge.
(photo pre-post file) o Fixed bridges are prone to getting tooth decay around the edges where the crown meets the tooth.
10-15%of the fixed bridges will get decay in ten years.
Over 35% will decay in 15 years.
o Teeth prepared for fixed bridges are more likely to need future root canal therapy.
o Teeth that support fixed bridges that have had root canal treatment are more likely to have complications, such as, cracked roots and loose posts.
o If the tooth supporting the fixed bridge is in the lower jaw and that tooth has root canal treatment, there is a greater chance of complications.
o Keeping fixed bridges clean from plaque with floss is more challenging; food getting stuck is a problem.
o The long-term survival rate of a fixed bridge is worse if you add in other factors, such as, bone loss due to periodontal disease, grinding and clenching.
o Fixed bridges need to be replaced.
The costs of replacing fixed bridges need to be factored into cost analyses when deciding on treatment.
o Implant surgery is mostly done under local anesthetic.
The discomfort is minimal.
o Teeth that support a removable plate will become lose and weakened.
Often they must be extracted.
This is especially true if they have had root canal therapy.
So what is the answer? Dental Implants are a safe and effective way to replace lost teeth.
The process is as simple and starts with a call to your restorative dentist or periodontist.
Your dentist or periodontist will meet with you and do a thorough examination of your mouth and review your medical history.
They will review your dental x-rays to make sure they have a complete picture of your dental heath.
In some cases, they may order more diagnostic data.
Your periodontist and restorative dentist will work together to decide the best treatment for you.
They will answer all your questions regarding the treatment.
Most patients find the implant placement much easier than they anticipated.
The procedure is done under local anesthetic, as if you were getting a filling.
After the procedure you will go home and relax.
The stitches will be removed in about one week.
In most cases it takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks for the bone to bind to the implant.
Once that process is complete you are ready to return to your restorative dentist for crown placement.
Then you enjoy your new teeth.