Single Tooth Implant Replacement Gainesville, FL

That is of course, the simplest option and one that would cost you nothing initially! But it has some quite unpleasant consequences. A missing tooth among the front teeth takes a heavy toll on your smile and reduces your social appeal. With some people, it may even result in loss of self-esteem.

Another effect is physical. Neighboring teeth may move slightly to occupy part of the vacant space. This will change your bite. That means the teeth may not match properly with those in the opposite jaw which can cause serious discomfort in addition to difficulty in chewing. Extra spacing develops between the teeth and some teeth may get misaligned or crooked. Cleaning of crooked and misaligned teeth will be difficult. Consequently, there is risk of gum infection around such teeth. Hence, the option of “Do nothing” is not, really, a wise option.

A denture refers to a removable set of teeth. You can have a partial denture with only one tooth in it. A metallic or plastic framework is prepared for folding the replacement tooth. The framework is made to fit healthy teeth on either side of the tooth that needs to be replaced. Alternately, the denture may have wires or hooks to attach to the adjacent teeth on either side. The framework sits on the gum flesh, and designed to fit on comfortably. Partial dentures are easy to make and not expensive. However, they have some disadvantages.

• Potential for slipping – They can easily slip or come out and often cause embarrassment at the most inopportune moment.
• Unaesthetic – the attaching hooks may be visible when smiling.
• Need to be removed – they cannot be kept on all the time. They must be removed at night.
• Special care – when removed, they must be kept soaked in a special solution or they might shrink.
• Cleaning problems – must be cleaned thoroughly after eating and before storing.
• Potential for fracture – must be handled carefully or may break or crack if they fall accidentally.
• Accelerated bone resorption – the tooth socket is still vacant, and bone resorption may take place.

A dental bridge takes support from dental crowns placed on healthy teeth on either side of the gap to hold the replacement tooth or pontic. The supporting teeth, also called the abutments, need to be trimmed and shaped to allow crowns to be placed on them. Crowns can be costly, but if the adjacent teeth already need crowns for some reasons this option can be attractive.
A cantilever bridge can be made taking support from one side only, but is not a preferred option.

Among the disadvantages of the bridge are:

• Natural tooth sacrifice – to support one tooth, dentists need to reshape two adjacent teeth. This can weaken them and, also cause sensitivity.
• Vulnerability – in case one of the abutment teeth is damaged or lost, the bridge is also lost.
• Potential for bone resorption – at the same time, the tooth socket is still empty and bone resorption can take place with similar results as in case of partial dentures.