Do you need to replace a tooth or several teeth? Are you trying to decide
between having an implant placed to support a single crown or getting a fixed
bridge? Here are some facts that you should consider.
• If you have
teeth with no fillings or only small fillings on either side of the missing
tooth space those teeth will have to be ground down significantly for a fixed
bridge.(photo pre-post file)
• Fixed bridges are prone to getting tooth
decay around the edges where the crown meets the tooth. 10-15%of the fixed
bridges will get decay in ten years. Over 35% will decay in 15 years.
•
Teeth prepared for fixed bridges are more likely to need future root canal
therapy.
• Teeth that support fixed bridges that have had root canal
treatment are more likely to have complications, such as, cracked roots and
loose posts.
• If the tooth supporting the fixed bridge is in the lower
jaw and that tooth has root canal treatment, there is a greater chance of
complications.
• Keeping fixed bridges clean from plaque with floss is
more challenging; food getting stuck is a problem.
• The long-term
survival rate of a fixed bridge is worse if you add in other factors, such as,
bone loss due to periodontal disease, grinding and clenching.
• Fixed
bridges need to be replaced. The costs of replacing fixed bridges need to be
factored into cost analyses when deciding on treatment.
• Implant
surgery is mostly done under local anesthetic. The discomfort is minimal.
• Teeth that support a removable plate will become lose and weakened.
Often they must be extracted. This is especially true if they have had root
canal therapy.
So what is the answer? Dental Implants are a safe and
effective way to replace lost teeth. The process is as simple and starts with a
call to your restorative dentist or periodontist.
Your dentist or
periodontist will meet with you and do a thorough examination of your mouth and
review your medical history. They will review your dental x-rays to make sure
they have a complete picture of your dental heath. In some cases, they may order
more diagnostic data. Your periodontist and restorative dentist will work
together to decide the best treatment for you. They will answer all your
questions regarding the treatment.
Most patients find the implant
placement much easier than they anticipated. The procedure is done under local
anesthetic, as if you were getting a filling. After the procedure you will go
home and relax. The stitches will be removed in about one week.
In most
cases it takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks for the bone to bind to the implant.
Once that process is complete you are ready to return to your restorative
dentist for crown placement. Then you enjoy your new teeth.
Serving Phoenix, Sun Lakes, and Scottsdale, AZ, Periodontist Orest Komarnyckyj, D.D.S., P.C. performs periodontal procedures such as Dental Implants and Tooth Replacement, as well as Missing Tooth and Gum Disease evaluation.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
• If you have
teeth with no fillings or only small fillings on either side of the missing
tooth space those teeth will have to be ground down significantly for a fixed
bridge.(photo pre-post file) 
