Tooth Replacement Options In Canterbury – The Pros And The Cons

Which is the best way to replace a missing tooth?

Losing a tooth is natural as a child when our first teeth fall out and are replaced by our adult teeth. But unfortunately, this is where it stops and once we have our adult teeth in place, there are no more to replace them. So it makes good sense to look after them as best as we can, but of course, we don’t always do this as well as we should!

Many of us have a sweet tooth and consume far too much sugar in our diet; a key factor in tooth decay. The majority of us don’t floss between our teeth which means that food and bacteria remains trapped in those tight spaces, and, if that were not enough, far too few of us see the dental hygienist for a scale and polish which helps to ward off gum disease, another significant factor for tooth loss.

Even if we don’t fall into the above categories and look after our teeth perfectly, there are always accidents just waiting to happen, especially if we play contact sports. Falls, collisions etc; all of these can cause a tooth to be knocked out or so badly damaged that it has to be removed by one of our Canterbury dentists.

This then presents the dilemma of what to do next. Should we leave a gap in our teeth, and if not, what should we use as a replacement tooth? In today’s blog, we offer some pros and cons of the various options so that patients of Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic can make an informed choice.

Leave the gap?

Pros –  The benefits of this approach are fairly simple. It costs nothing and you don’t have to do anything. The latter might especially appeal if you are a nervous dental patient. If it is a rear tooth, there is no need for concern about appearances either.

Cons – The obvious one is if it is a front tooth that has been lost, it will affect the way that you look, and quite noticeably. Even if not visible though, losing a tooth and not replacing it can lead to premature wearing of other teeth that have to take up that role. It also leaves a gap in the teeth that other teeth can move into and can leave you with crooked and uneven teeth.

Dentures

Pros – Dentures are the most straightforward way to replace a missing tooth and usually require no surgery, meaning that it can appeal to those who suffer from dental anxiety. Modern dentures are also greatly improved and offer a reasonable aesthetic solution. They are also one of the most affordable methods.

Cons – Dentures may not always be secure in the mouth and can have a tendency to move. This can make eating certain foods more difficult and can also move visibly at times, often when you really don’t want them to, such as during a job interview. They also don’t replace the root of the tooth which can lead to bone loss and small, but ageing, changes in the appearance of your face. Dentures are also fiddly to clean.

Dental bridge

Pros – A more secure option than dentures and should remain stable in the mouth.

Cons – In addition to a lack of tooth root, they are often fitted by attaching a crown at the ends of the replacement tooth. These have to be placed on the natural teeth either side of the gap and to do this, those teeth need to be shaped. Many people are understandably reluctant to have this done to healthy teeth. Cleaning can be a little fiddly too, especially beneath the bridge.

Dental Implants

Pros – Considered by our experienced Canterbury dentists as the ‘gold standard’ of tooth replacement methods. They are as close to the real thing as is currently possible. The ‘implant’ part is actually an artificial tooth root which is placed into the bone and allowed to fuse with it before a crown is attached on top. This provides you with a very strong replacement tooth that can last for twenty years or more if you look after it. You also clean them as you would a natural tooth by brushing and flossing. Healthy dental implants are strong and can be used for eating whatever you want with no issues.

Cons – They do require a minor surgical treatment which may take a little longer than others. We do offer intravenous sedation to make this easier for patients should they require it. Dental implants are also more expensive than the previous options but we do offer our Canterbury patients a number of payment plans to help you spread the cost of this treatment.

So there you have it. There are a number of options for replacing any missing teeth. We hope that this information helps but it is also brief and your dentist will be able to help in your selection. Some people might be more suited to one treatment more than another and this can be discussed during your initial assessment.

If you would like to discuss these options any further, or to book an appointment with a dentist, please call Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic today on 01227 463529.