Alternative Treatment Options
Replacing a Front Tooth: Fixed Partial Denture (3-Crown Bridge)
There are options for tooth replacement besides complete dental implant treatment. For a missing front tooth, a permanent option is a tooth-supported bridge. Your dentist will prepare the surrounding teeth in order to fit the cemented bridge in place. Bridges are functional and appear natural for a period of time and require less invasive procedures to install in the mouth.
Replacing Back Teeth
There are three options for replacing back teeth: a fixed partial denture, a removable partial denture, and an implant-supported bridge.
- In order to place a tooth-supported bridge, there must be at least one tooth on either side of the missing teeth. These adjacent teeth are prepared to fit and cement the bridge in place.
- A removable partial denture is applied to the mouth by clasps that attach to healthy surrounding teeth (left photo below). Your dentist will provide this appliance if it is the best option for you.
- An implant-supported bridge can be a cost-effective option to having multiple adjacent teeth replaced with dental implants. In this case, the oral surgeon does not replace every missing tooth with an implant, and a fixed partial denture is used to restore the space between implants (right photo below).
Replacing All of the Teeth
- Dentures are the traditional method for replacing all of the teeth. If this is the best option for you, your dentist will provide the prosthesis.
- Dental implants can be used to help stabilize a denture, which is an option your dentist can recommend to you.
