Various options to replace a missing tooth?
1. Dental implants
2. Dental bridges
3. Dentures
4. Do Nothing

Who is eligible for dental implant? Any age group is eligible for dental implants unless that person has healthy gums and underlying bone & except the age group is below 18 yrs.

What is Dental Implant? Dental Implant is a titanium screw placed directly into the jawbone to replace and restore the functionality and appearance of the missing tooth. It supports the crowns, bridges, dentures etc. Dental Implant consists of a dental implant body, an abutment and may also include an abutment fixation screw. It is usually made up of titanium or zirconium oxide others like gold alloys, cobalt-based alloys, or ceramic materials. Bio-compatible and does not cause any irritation or allergic reaction and are safe.

How is an Implant Placed? Dental Implant is surgically inserted in the jawbone in place of the tooth’s root. The abutment is attached to the implant body by the abutment fixation screw and extends through gums into the mouth to support the artificial dental crown. Vital structures (like maxillary sinus, mental nerve & inferior alveolar nerve) near where implant is to be placed should be evaluated carefully by CBCT during surgery. After implant body placement, 3-6 months’ time period is given to the implant and bone to undergo Osseo-integration (bone deposition around the implant). After the necessary radiographic interpretation abutment screw is placed to the implant body and a Dental crown is given which can be cemented or screw retained.

Is Dental Implant painful? No, it doesn’t cause pain as it is done under local anesthesia. – Who is not eligible for Implant? Age group below 18yrs, and people with unhealthy gums and underlying bone are not eligible for Implant. Uncontrolled diabetes. Poor oral hygiene. Chronic smoking habit (healing process is affected and decrease the long-term success of the implant).

Dental Bridge is a replacement option for missing tooth which is done by taking the support of one or more adjacent teeth. – How is it done? This procedure involves crown cutting of the adjacent teeth if the teeth are in normal condition, if not, RCT has to be done along with the crown cutting for insertion of the dental bridge which consists of pontic (replaces missing tooth) and abutments, where crowns are placed on the prepared teeth.

A removable partial denture is a denture for a partially edentulous patient who desires to have replacement teeth for functional or aesthetic reasons. RPD is usually not desired because of the high maintenance and also the comfort factor.

Why we should not do anything? Doing nothing will result in the – Opposing tooth to move towards the missing tooth space which causes improper bite and malocclusions. – Surrounding teeth migrates towards the space created by the missing teeth. These are un-desirable and hence it is best to opt for one of the 3 options for missing teeth replacement from above.

Be it for any age it is always good to replace a missing tooth or missing teeth. As the age goes on the number or options will reduce and it may be highly impossible to go for the dental implants option.

Dental Implants is a definite solution to replace single or two teeth as it does not involve disturbing the adjacent teeth. Also All on Four or All on 6 dental implants are recommended when going for full mouth rehabilitation. In case you are ineligible for dental implants and do not want to undergo implant procedure, dental bridge is the next best solution.