The conventional bridge

The conventional bridge, also known as a fixed bridge, will involve the dentist drilling the adjacent teeth to reduce them in size. This will make space for the crowns of the artificial teeth as the enamel is removed from the neighbouring teeth.

A fixed bridge placed on natural teeth will increase the forces placed on these teeth and can make the use of dental floss complicated. A fixed bridge may require replacement if the neighbouring teeth experience gum disease or cavities. It has been known that during the drilling of the adjacent teeth to prepare for the conventional bridge, the nerves of the tooth can become damaged or destroyed. This can very easily result in the need for a root canal procedure to remove infection or the chance of infection from the nerve.

An implant retained crown

An implant retained crown means that the need for the reduction and drilling of adjacent teeth and the enamel is completely unnecessary. This procedure will offer the functional support that had been lost with the missing tooth and will help distribute the forces. The use of dental floss is as normal due to the natural element of a single-tooth implant restoration.

The procedure involves an implant being inserted in place of the missing tooth and left to stabilise. An abutment is then attached to the implant which will then allow for a crown to be finally attached. The crown is made to order for each individual and fixed in place with screws or dental cement. The crown will match the other natural teeth that the patient possesses to ensure a natural look.

Oral hygiene must be maintained fully with a crown implant, even though cavities will not occur. The implant should be checked on at regular intervals depending on the quality of the remaining natural teeth and the condition of the implant structure.

Single missing tooth replacement options

A video comparison of a Partial Denture / Bonded Dental Bridge / Fixed Bridge and Dental Implant solutions.

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