single tooth replacement: Best options for replacing a missing front or back tooth

When a single tooth is missing, the two most common options to replace it are the traditional tooth supported bridge or an implant supported crown.

A traditional bridge can be very esthetic and functional for a period of time and can be fabricated relatively quickly. The disadvantages are that the adjacent teeth must be reduced into peg shaped teeth in order to fit the cemented bridge. With time, as the bridge gets old, the adjacent teeth may be susceptible to decay. A traditional bridge also does not replace the jawbone where the tooth was lost resulting in continued bone resorption in that area of the mouth.

Some advantages of replacing a single missing tooth with a dental implant supported crown include:

  • It looks, feels & functions like a natural tooth
  • It is much more esthetic long term
  • It cannot decay
  • There is no need to reduce adjacent natural teeth
  • The jawbone is preserved, preventing bone resorption that may leave a bony defect
  • It is much easier to clean than a tooth supported bridge

Missing Tooth

  • Unattractive Appearance
  • Loss of Chewing Function
  • Accelerated Bone Loss

Traditional Bridge

  • Attractive Appearance
  • Cuts Down Heathy Teeth
  • Bone Loss Under Bridge

Implant Supported Crown

  • Attractive Appearance
  • Full Chewing Function
  • Prevents Bone Loss

An implant may be used to replace almost any missing tooth, provided there is adequate bone at the site. If not, modern procedures can usually be performed to regenerate enough bone to safely place an implant.

The implant is placed in the bone below the gum tissue. A temporary abutment may be placed on the implant until the healing phase is complete. A cosmetic temporary crown can often be made to fill the missing space.

After healing, the abutment is attached to the implant. It will hold a custom-made crown that the dental laboratory will mold and match to your existing teeth.

In the final step, the custom crown is cemented onto the abutment. The tooth has been replaced without disturbing the healthy teeth next to it and bone loss has been greatly reduced.