Dr. Sycamore is a huge proponent for dental implants but he also realizes that there are other options for replacing a missing tooth and they all need to be considered because there are times when a more traditional treatment is more advisable.
There are four ways to deal with a missing tooth. They vary in cost, comfortability and practicality. Each way has pros and cons.
1. Do Nothing
The simplest thing to do following the removal of a tooth is to do nothing. There are cases when not replacing a missing tooth is fine and Dr. Sycamore might ever recommend doing nothing.
► See also: ORAL PATHOLOGY: Syndontia with talon cusp
Pros
No cost
No invasive procedures
Cons
Socially unacceptable to be missing a visible tooth
Surrounding teeth will move
Increased stress on surrounding teeth
2. Removable Partial Denture
This is an option that is not very popular. There is no one that wants to use a removable compete or partial denture but it can be a valid treatment under some circumstances.
Pros
Acceptable appearance
Inexpensive
Minimal alteration to existing teeth
Stabilizes remaining teeth (no movement)
Cons
Can be embarrassing
Food can get under the denture
Must be removed each night
Often uncomfortable
Causes stress to remaining teeth
3. Bridge
This is a common treatment that is regularly used in Thousand Oaks and across the country. There are many times when a simple bridge is a perfect solution for a missing tooth.
Pros
Best appearance of all treatments
Not removable
Long lifespan
Crowns on adjacent teeth can be a benefit
Cons
Nearly as expensive as an implant
Requires putting crowns on adjacent teeth
Puts stress on adjacent teeth
4. Dental Implants
Dental implants are often the gold standard for replacing a missing tooth. It’s the closest thing we can do to replacing a tooth with another tooth.
Pros
Excellent long term success
Good appearance
No stress on surrounding teeth
Cons
Invasive surgical procedure
Highest cost of any of the treatments
Bone quality must be adequate to place an implant
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