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When a tooth is missing due to loss or extraction, the surrounding teeth often shift often within very short periods of time. This change in tooth position can cause problems with the bite or gums that can be expensive and time-consuming to correct later. It is wise therefore to consider replacement of a missing tooth quickly as possible. Sometimes the bite may remain stable even after the loss of teeth and in these situations your dentist may advise that you could leave the space if it is not an aesthetic problem for you.

A single or multiple missing may be replaced by the fabrication of a fixed bridge. Teeth either side of the space can be used to anchor the bridge either with some preparation of these teeth or occasionally no preparation at all. Alternatives to bridgework include removable bridges or dentures, dental implants and of-course to leave the space. In most situations these days an implant is the treatment of choice where possible as it is very predictable, does not involve any damage to adjacent teeth, and will last many years if looked after. Removable bridges or dentures are less ideal as they can promote collection of plaque and food debris around the adjacent teeth, but all these solutions have their place in the appropriate situation. Your dentist will always advise and discuss all the alternatives available to you.

There are two types of bridge that are available, they are discussed below and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each listed:

Options to replace missing teeth

The tooth could be replaced with a conventional fixed-fixed bridge or an adhesive bridge.

i) Conventional fixed bridgework would involve cutting teeth adjacent to the gap down to receive a crown. The bridge consists of two crowns and the replacement tooth all in one metal/porcelain unit.

Advantages
This will provide you with an excellent aesthetic result and good long-term prognosis.

Disadvantages
The preparation will involve drilling on healthy tooth tissue that otherwise would not need to have anything done to it.

ii) An Adhesive (“sticky”) or Maryland Bridge consists of the replacement tooth stuck onto the back of the teeth adjacent to the gap.

Advantages
The preparation will involve very little reduction of teeth.

Disadvantages
The bridge is likely to require re-bonding periodically when it comes off at some stage. The aesthetic result can also be poor with this type of restoration sometimes.

Implant Option
The space can be restored with a dental implant. Information on implants can be found in the implant section of the website; leaflets and further information in relation to this treatment can also be requested from the practice.

Advantages
This option requires no preparation of the teeth, it can give very good aesthetic results and the long-term prognosis is very good.

Disadvantages
This option initially requires a greater financial commitment.