As we have discussed the consequences of not replacing your missing teeth in our other article.
Here we will be discussing the what all deciding factors are there for getting a tooth replaced.
The available options for tooth replacement can be classified into fixed and removable.
The fixed replacement options are
- Implant
- Bridge
The options under removable are
- Removable partial denture
- Flexible partial denture
- Cast partial denture
- Precision attachment supported denture
- Complete denture
- Implant supported over-denture
Now the choice for a suitable option for a patient depends on various factors-
- Number of missing teeth
In case of multiple missing teeth bridges are not a suitable option as the span of bridge is inversely proportional to the life and stability of the bridge.
- Position of the edentulous area
Position of the edentulous area plays a major role in determining the suitable option for replacement, as in case of most posterior missing teeth a bridge cannot be fabricated as we won’t have adequate support on back side of the edentulous space. So in such cases patient is only left with the option of implant, precision attachment supported RPD and removable partial denture.
- Since when the tooth is missing
The more the patient will delay the replacement procedure the difficult it will become to give them best replacements as with time bone loss continues so adequate bone height for implant won’t be available in some cases and in some patients bone loss is so severe that it becomes almost impossible for the clinician to get retention in complete denture cases, thereby resulting in prosthesis which lack the ability to function properly.
- Condition of the teeth adjacent to the edentulous space
Condition of the adjacent teeth play a vital role in deciding the suitable prosthesis options for the patient. Weak and loose adjacent teeth rule out the option of bridge and under fixed options patient is left with the option of implants only or they have to go for removable or semi-fixed options. In case patients teeth on both sides are carious and going for RCT then in such cases patient can go for bridge as it will be a cheaper option for the patient under fixed category.
- Level of bone in the edentulous area
Level of bone is one of the most dominating factors in these factors. Level of bone decides the stability of the partial or complete dentures and it also decides the length of the implant which can be placed or in some cases we need additional surgeries involving bone modulation procedures and aggressive bone loss may also rule out the option of implant.
- Gum health in the edentulous area
Gum health tells us a lot about the oral hygiene or any underlying medical condition of the patient. As if a patient has very poor oral hygiene then surgeon avoids giving implant as artificial teeth need even more oral care so poor hygiene practices can compromise the success rate of an implant or a bridge. Such patients are advised to opt for removable options.
- Age of the patient
With age teeth become weak so in aged patients we advise to avoid bridge. And with age sometimes patients acquire various health issues which make them an incompetent candidate for implants. Patients with severe diabetes experience an accelerated rate of bone resorption which reduces the life of removable dentures.
We hope you understood that there are lots of factors which we have to consider before explaining the options for replacing missing teeth. Here at tooth care dental clinic, we have the best dentist in Panchkula who explains you all these factors in your own language. In our next article we wil be discussing about various options for replacing missing teeth.
