There are three basic ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth

• A bridge
• A denture
• An implant

Here are the pros and cons of each treatment:

A Bridge

Bridgework can be a very effective way of replacing a missing tooth.

Having a bridge is like having three crowns. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepared for crowns, an impression is made and sent to a dental laboratory for the bridge to be made. The bridge is cemented in place permanently.

The advantages are:

Bridges are fixed and stable and feel like your own teeth.

In most cases it can be made to look like you never had a tooth missing.

The disadvantage is that you have to treat two teeth besides the one that was extracted, and if these teeth are otherwise healthy it may not always be the best option. Bridgework may not be suitable if the space to be restored is large or if the supporting teeth are not strong.

A Denture

Dentures are false teeth that are removable by the patient. They replace missing teeth and the associated gum tissue. They can be made to look very natural in most cases.

The advantages of dentures are:

It is often a more economical way of replacing missing teeth than bridges or implants.

More than one tooth can be replaced with a denture.

Dentures can be used to replace teeth where the remaining teeth are not strong enough for bridgework.

The disadvantages are that dentures may not be as aesthetic as a bridge. Clasps may be needed to stabilise the denture and it is not always possible to disguise these.

An Implant

An implant is an artificial 'root', made from titanium, that is implanted in your jaw. A crown can then be placed on the implant to replace the missing tooth.

The advantages are;

No other teeth have to be prepared for crowns.

Implants can span the space of many missing teeth, provided the patient's health is good and there is healthy and adequate bone to support the implant.

Implants can look very natural and feel just like your own teeth.

The disadvantages of implants are that they are relatively expensive and time-consuming.

There is surgery involved with its attendant discomfort and healing period

There is usually a healing interval of several months before an implant is ready to have the new tooth placed on it.