I often get asked questions about the best course of treatment to fix a broken or missing tooth. Dental terms can be confusing, so I've explained a few of them and offered the pros and cons of each item.
1. Implants- Made of the same titanium that are in joint replacements. Can be used to retain dentures (instead of glue) or to replace 1 or all the teeth in the mouth. Implants last the longest and should be used where indicated, as they are the preferred method to replace missing teeth.
2a. Bridge- Cuts down teeth adjacent to replace missing teeth and glues into the mouth. A bridge stays in the mouth and can replace 1 or all missing teeth, but that depends on how many healthy teeth are present. A bridge consists of at least 3 crowns.
2b. Crown (aka a "cap")- Restores broken down, decayed or fractured teeth in order for them to function properly. Can also be used for aesthetic reasons.
3. Denture (aka a "plate")- Replaces all teeth. It can be aesthetic but the jawbone underneath the denture remodels, affecting the fit and comfort of the denture. Implants should be used as indicated to preserve bone and provide a more comfortable, tighter fit.
4. Partial (aka a "plate")- Replaces some missing teeth. Partials should be only be used when implants or bridges are not possible. The only benefit is cost.
I hope this has helped you understand some dental terms and highlight the benefits of each procedure. The above post reflects my personal opinion, and it is always best to consult your dentist when deciding which course of dental treatment is best for you.
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