Introduction

When you have a missing tooth, there are lots of reasons to replace it. 

• If the missing tooth shows, it is an esthetic concern. 

• With a tooth missing, the teeth on either side can start to shift, causing bite and gum problems. 

• With each lost tooth you have less teeth to use for chewing, and the teeth that do remain have to bear the extra load of chewing.  The added stress can cause the remaining teeth to fail at a faster rate.

• Teeth are needed for proper support of your face.  Loosing teeth can contribute to the "sunken-in face" look associated with old age.

So how do you choose between the three most effective methods of replacing the missing teeth?  Consider the following table of facts:

	Choosing how to replace a missing tooth

	Partial Denture Pros: Generally less expensive (initially) than other options Cons: Has to come out at night, and should be cleaned and soaked regularly to decrease odor and bad taste Less biting force than the other options means decreased function. Metal frameworks look worse but are more stable Flexible acrylic partials look better, but are less retentive Food gets under removable partial dentures when eating, requiring them to be taken out after meals and rinsed Should be replaced every 10 to 20 years Generally not effective when replacing teeth on only one side

	Fixed Bridge Pros: Mid-Priced option of the three Better biting force than a partial denture Good longevity if cared for properly--good home care is essential, and routine dental visits are very important Cons: Requires the preparation of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth for a crown. The teeth on either side, once prepared, have a higher risk of the need for a root canal (10% chance for each tooth) Flossing is a challenge because the teeth are connected to the adjacent teeth Will require replacement of all involved teeth if any one of them have a problem

	Dental Implant Pros: Excellent biting force with pressure transferred directly to bone Excellent esthetics in all areas of the mouth Excellent 20-year success rate, with no possibility of decay at the root. Failure of a crown requires only the replacement of the single failed crown (which may be covered under a lifetime warranty in some cases) Preserves bone that will otherwise go away with other options Allows adjacent teeth to remain untouched Adds root support rather than borrowing support from the other teeth Easier home care and flossing than a bridge Cons: Slightly more expensive than a bridge initially, but less expensive over the lifetime of a patient. Time from start to finish can be longer than other options in some cases where bone has inadequate volume or density

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Drs. Mangan & Allred · 2011 N. Van Buren · Little Rock, AR 72207 · 501.666.1188
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